The Importance of Earth Day and Environmental Education | Program “Midday in Kutaisi” | MEGA TV
On the occasion of Earth Day, representatives of the Scientific-Intellectual Club “Dialogue of Generations” (RICDOG) — Irakli Tevzadze (RICDOG General Secretary) and Diana Abuladze (Deputy General Secretary) — spoke on the program “Midday in Kutaisi” on MEGA TV about environmental challenges, the importance of eco-friendly behavior, and the organization’s role in raising public awareness.
Earth Day and This Year’s Global Message
Within the framework of the program, RICDOG General Secretary Irakli Tevzadze noted that Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970 and serves as a global platform that unites people around the common goal of environmental protection.
According to him, this day is not merely symbolic, but also serves as an important reminder:
“Earth Day serves, to a certain extent, as a unifying and reminder-driven initiative.”.
This year’s global slogan is — “Our Power, Our Planet”which is centered around three key pillars: unity in diversity, open and active dialogue on environmental issues, and the sharing of accumulated experiences.
Irakli Tevzadze notes:
“Our strength lies not only in unity and a collective voice, but also in the experiences that the world has accumulated over time… and a great deal of attention this year is devoted to sharing these shared experiences.”.
Eco-Friendly Behavior and Everyday Responsibility
The program also focused on eco-friendly lifestyles. RICDOG Deputy General Secretary Diana Abuladze noted that Earth Day is important as an opportunity to reassess everyday behaviors:
“This day is a reminder of how we can live on a daily basis — what we can do to ensure that tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, we and our future generations live in a better environment.”.
Within the discussion, specific practical examples were also addressed that help reduce environmental impact:
- The use and recycling of second-hand items
- Resource conservation, including the efficient use of electricity.
- Reducing the use of plastic bags.
- Promoting so-called “green travel” — walking or using eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Diana Abuladze recalled an initiative within the framework of which old items were given a new purpose:
For example, creating new products from old clothing, which combines both an ecological and creative approach.
Environmental Challenges and the Need for Cultural Change
Particular attention in the program was given to the challenges associated with a lack of environmental awareness and culture.
Irakli Tevzadze notes that one of the main challenges is the insufficient development of a culture of shared responsibility:
“The fact that we, as a society, have not been able to establish a shared culture in relation to the environment… we are, so to speak, in a state of depletion, which ultimately leads to resource scarcity.”.
Particular emphasis was placed on the harmful effects of burning leaves and waste, which directly damages both the environment and human health.
Irakli Tevzadze emphasizes the importance of public awareness and calls on citizens to take an active role:
It is important for each individual to understand the consequences of these actions and to share accurate information within their own communities.
The Role of Youth and the Importance of Volunteering
One of the key topics of the discussion was the role of young people in environmental processes.
According to Diana Abuladze, young people are the most ready to embrace change and to introduce new practices into their daily lives:
“I believe that young people are still the target audience who can most easily incorporate this into their everyday lives.”.
She also noted that volunteering is a universal opportunity that is not limited by age:
“Volunteering has no age limit.”.
Irakli Tevzadze adds that in RICDOG’s work, youth engagement and non-formal education represent one of the main priorities:
“We are confident in the results… I personally know very well how many building blocks one can gather to build their own path.”.
Planned Activities and Future Plans
Within the framework of Earth Day, the organization has planned various activities in Kutaisi, including:
- An awareness campaign in the city streets.
- A screening of a documentary film followed by a discussion at the organization’s venue.
In addition, the organization plans to hold a youth festival in the summer, bringing together approximately 100 young people and aiming to strengthen active citizenship, environmental awareness, and cooperation.
The program once again highlights the relevance of environmental issues, the importance of public engagement, and the role that civil society organizations, including RICDOG, play in raising awareness and supporting positive change.
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