ISHMPGR (Innovative Solutions for Heavy Metal Pollution in Georgian Rivers) is the initiative that addresses one of Georgia’s most pressing environmental challenges: arsenic and heavy metal contamination in the Pishkori and Tskhenistskali rivers. Historical industrial activities have left behind toxic waste, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and public health in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, with risks extending downstream to the Rioni River and the Black Sea.
The project introduces advanced sensor technology to measure contamination levels of lead, cadmium, and other hazardous substances. All measurements will be rigorously validated with laboratory analyses to ensure accuracy. The results will provide reliable evidence for designing targeted solutions that protect drinking water supplies, improve food safety, and reduce environmental risks.
The nine-month initiative is structured in three stages:
- Prioritization: Local stakeholders select monitoring sites and define priorities in collaboration with experts.
- Testing: Georgian and EU partners cooperate during a study visit and testing phase on the Pishkori and Tskhenistskali rivers, collecting and analyzing water quality data.
- Roadmap: Findings are translated into a strategic roadmap outlining practical measures for monitoring and mitigation, which will be presented at a closing conference for wider uptake.
This project is more than a local intervention; it provides a replicable model for other municipalities facing similar pollution challenges. By combining modern technologies, capacity building, and strong stakeholder engagement, the Lentekhi Use Case contributes to sustainable water management, safeguards biodiversity, and supports compliance with European environmental standards. It will also strengthen Georgia’s role in regional efforts to reduce transboundary pollution and protect the Black Sea basin.
