American Journal of Environmental Protection

Special Issue

Applied Ecology: Problems, Innovations

  • Submission Deadline: 30 April 2015
  • Status: Submission Closed
  • Lead Guest Editor: Lia Matchavariani
About This Special Issue
Ecological dangers and eco-risks are increasing rapidly and are becoming more and more public. Changing ecosystems also have the capacity to strongly affect human welfare. The complexity of genetic, physiological, behavioral, and ecological information required to address these issues is vast, requiring an interdisciplinary approach.

The main goal of the Special Issue is to share knowledge, experiences and research results of academics, researchers about all aspects of Environment Studies in general; to integrate the activities of groups working in different branches of Applied Ecology, which meets the needs and requirements of the world. This complex approach, and agreed recommendations, will help the sustainable development of the Earth.

Ecological investigation often has an individual and partial character and does not take into account the logical chain: contamination source --> air/water/soil --> food --> humans. While those ecologists contributing to the determination of environmental contamination are more or less active in their own specific field, we lack a complex and integrated approach involving experts of different sciences.

Against the background of global climate change, the natural environment is undergoing a significant transformation which requires an in-depth analysis of the problem and the sharing of international experience. Climate change and related problems - desertification, soil degradation, gas emission, coastline destruction, ecological disasters, eco-migration, etc. – affect the whole world. Therefore an investigation into Environmental problems is a special priority nowadays.

Knowledge created by this complex and integrated process will provide an invaluable contribution to the sustainable development of cross-cultural understanding and international awareness.

The Special Issue invites papers on the various areas of Applied Ecology:

Agroecology
Antropogenic Impact Assessment
Atmosphere Ecology
Biodiversity & Conservation
Bioecology
Civilizations Ecology
Climate Change
Coastal Protection
Critical Areas
Desertification
Depletion of Natural Resources
Ecological Anthropology
Ecological Education
Ecological Expertise
Ecological Migrations
Ecological Risk Assessment
Ecological Tourism
Ecotoxicology
Energy and Enviromnen
Environmental Degradation
Environmental Health
Environmental Law
Environmental Management
Ethnoecology
Extinction of Rare Species
Forestry Ecology
Geoecology
Glaciers dynamics
Hydroecology
Landscape Dynamics
Landscape-ecological Planning
Natural Disaster
Nature Management
Pollution Control
Rational Using of Natural Resources
Soil Ecology
Sustainable Development
Vulnerable Areas Problem Solution
Waste Management
World Ocean Ecology
Lead Guest Editor
  • Lia Matchavariani

    Department of Geography, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilsi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

Guest Editors
  • Madhup Shrivastava

    Amity University MP, India

  • Arshad Ali

    College of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

  • Sophia Barinova

    Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

  • Elena Lioubimtseva

    Dep. Geography and Planning, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, United States

  • Revaz Gachechiladze

    Corresponding member, Georgian National Academy of Sciences, Dep. of Earth Sciences; Prof., Dr., Dep. of Human Geography at Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, GEORGIA, Georgia

  • Dali Nikolaishvili

    Department of Regional Geography and Landscape Planning, Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia

  • Alexander Makeev

    Knowledge Management and Learning Department, Eurasian Center for Food Security (ECFS), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation

Published Articles
  • Resources and Threats of the Eco-Tourism Development in Georgia

    Giorgi Khomeriki , Giorgi Meladze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 180-185
    Received: 11 March 2015
    Accepted: 11 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.38
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    Abstract: Ecological tourism can play a certain role in solving the problems of environment protection and sustainable and safe development of the country. The article considers some specific problems of the eco-tourism development in Georgia. The results of the study of the tourism potential in the regions in 2009-2014 revealed that: Georgia has substantial... Show More
  • Phenotype Variations of TAS2R38 Gene and Its Bioecological Significance

    Rusudan Khukhunaishvili , Marina Koridze , Marina Nagervadze , Ciuri Khizrevanidze , Shorena Gabaidze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 175-179
    Received: 31 March 2015
    Accepted: 2 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.37
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    Abstract: People have different feeling skills of the bitterness of compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). This trait has been shown to correlate with a number of dietary preferences and thus may have important implications for human health. There are two types of phenotypes in different ethno groups and populations according to this feature: PTC tester and PTC... Show More
  • North American Multi-Purpose Dear Introducent Plants in Western Georgia Humid Subtropical Conditions

    Mariam Metreveli , Avtandil Meskhidze , Feride Tchaidze , Julieta Jakeli , Dali Beridze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 168-174
    Received: 24 March 2015
    Accepted: 25 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.36
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    Abstract: The article deals with bioecological peculiarities and application of exotic plants Liquidambar styraciflua L., Liriodendron tulipifera L. and Magnolia grandiflora L. introduced in Adjara or the South Colchis Black Sea littoral in the conditions of Transcaucasia, namely, Western Georgia humid subtropics. Namely, the following has been studied pecul... Show More
  • Impact of Global Warming on the Vegetation Durable and Distribution Area of Crops in the Humid Subtropical and Mountainous Regions of Georgia

    Giorgi Meladze , Maia Meladze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 162-167
    Received: 23 February 2015
    Accepted: 24 February 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.35
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    Abstract: The surface air temperature in the Eastern and Western parts of Georgia in conditions of global warming, has increased by 0.2-0.5ºC, respectively. By 2030-2050, the average increase in the annual temperature may reach 1-2ºC. Therefore, the preliminary evaluation of the impact of such an increase on the agrarian sector is important. The increasing a... Show More
  • Forms and Extent of Ferrugination in Soils of Georgia

    Lia Matchavariani , Dali Nikolaishvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 157-161
    Received: 27 April 2015
    Accepted: 28 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.34
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    Abstract: Ferruginization as one of the most characteristic processes in soils of Georgia, has been investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively mainly micropedologically, by polarizing microscopy on thin sections. A study was undertaken to determine some of pedological factors affecting the genesis of Fe-formations in soils series of West and East Geo... Show More
  • Genetic Characteristics of Brown Forest Soils on the Middle Urals

    Samofalova Iraida

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 148-156
    Received: 5 March 2015
    Accepted: 8 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.33
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    Abstract: Feature of mountain soil formation is that the soils on the mountain slopes are formed in different bioclimatic and orogeomorfological conditions. The purpose of research is to study genetic properties of the brown forest soils in the Middle Urals. Features of the morphological structure: truncated profile (35-75 cm), weakly expressed in the differ... Show More
  • A New Approach and Tools for Perfecting Phytoremediation Technology

    Tamar Varazi , Maritsa Kurashvili , Marina Pruidze , Gia Khatisashvili , Nino Gagelidze , George Adamia , George Zaalishvili , Marlen Gordeziani , Mark Sutton

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 143-147
    Received: 26 February 2015
    Accepted: 1 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.32
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    Abstract: The development of methods for soil remediation for removal of chemical contaminants is a large and challenging problem. A new phytoremediation technology, given in the present work, is based on joint application of natural sorbents, microorganisms and plants. The method aims at prevention of chemical contamination of soils. It has the potential to... Show More
  • Natural and Anthropogenic Dynamics of Vegetation in the Aral Sea Coast

    Dimeyeva Liliya

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 136-142
    Received: 26 February 2015
    Accepted: 1 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.31
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    Abstract: Natural dynamics (primary successions) is studied in the dry seabed of the Aral Sea. Long-term studies of vegetation have identified three types of primary successions: psammosere, halosere and potamosere (sere of shrubby riparian vegetation). They differ by soil texture and salinity, patterns of temporal dynamics, and stages, selected on a basis o... Show More
  • Study and Preservation of Wild Relatives of Cultivated Plants of the Northern Tien Shan (Within Kazakhstan)

    Gulnara Sitpayeva

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 130-135
    Received: 5 March 2015
    Accepted: 8 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.30
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    Abstract: Modern biodiversity declining, including wild relatives of cultivated plants (WRCP) is caused by anthropogenic pressure and represents a serious threat to the world community. Since 2013 in the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction CS MES RK the state scientific and technical program: “Botanical variety of wild relatives of cultivated plants of... Show More
  • Important Plant Areas of the Peri-North Tien Shan Subprovince as Perspective Protection Areas of Phytobiodiversity

    G. M. Kudabayeva , P. V. Vesselova , M. P. Danilov , B. M. Sultanova

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 123-129
    Received: 26 February 2015
    Accepted: 1 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.29
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    Abstract: This article describes the identification results of Important Plant Areas within the Peri-Tien Shan botanic-geographic sub-province. It was shown that identification of Important Plant Areas for Kazakhstan territory is the crucial tool for conservation of botanic diversity as well as rare, endemic and relic species. The results of the survey and t... Show More
  • Study and approbation of ex situ conservation methods for preservation of the biodiversity of wild relatives of cultivated plants of Kazakhstan

    Gulnara Sitpayeva , Tansara Murzatayeva , Saniya Inerbayeva , Karina Makhmudova

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 117-122
    Received: 2 March 2015
    Accepted: 4 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.28
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    Abstract: Researchers of the laboratory of seed growing and plant protection of RSE “Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction” CS MOS RK are in the process of studying the techniques of the leading seed banks of the world, of their assessment and approbation using seed samples of wild relatives of the cultivated plants of Kazakhstan at their placing for sto... Show More
  • Life Characteristic of Сistanche Salsa (С.А. Мey.) G. Beck – Perspective Medicinal Plant of the South Peri–Balkhash Lake Saxaul Forests

    N. G. Gemejiyeva , Zh. Zh. Karzhaubekova

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 111-116
    Received: 4 February 2015
    Accepted: 5 February 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.27
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    Abstract: The present study was carried out within the framework of grant financing of scientific surveys per subject: Restoration potential of producing vegetation of solonchak cistanche (Сistanche salsa (С. А. Мey.) G. Beck) in the South Peri–Balkhash Lake area (2012–2014). The survey object is perspective medicinal plant encountered within the South Peri–... Show More
  • Ethnobiological Study of Svaneti Fungi and Lichens: History of Research, Diversity, Local Names and Traditional Use

    I. Kupradze , A. Jorjadze , A. Arabidze , T. Beltadze , K. Batsatsashvili , N. Y. Paniagua Zambrana , R. W. Bussmann

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 101-110
    Received: 25 March 2015
    Accepted: 26 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.26
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    Abstract: Research about macro-fungi of Svaneti, a historical province of Georgia, started in the 1920th with a botanical expedition of R. Singer, under the auspices of the National Museum of Vienna. At present about 400 species of macro-fungi are known for Svaneti, 67 of which are edible (and used for food in Georgia), and 27 are poisonous. The history of S... Show More
  • Sensitive Alpine Plant Communities to the Global Environmental Changes (Kazbegi Region, the Central Great Caucasus)

    Otar Abdaladze , Gia Nakhutsrishvili , Ketevan Batsatsashvili , Khatuna Gigauri , Tamar Jolokhava , George Mikeladze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 93-100
    Received: 25 March 2015
    Accepted: 26 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.25
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    Abstract: Sensitive plant communities are complexes of species particularly susceptible to global environmental changes (climate, land use, etc.). In the temperate zone alpine areas are considered as the most important “hot spots” in this respect. In the Central Great Caucasus, which is the traditional alpine vegetation monitoring site in the Caucasus, on th... Show More
  • Has Ever Brahmaea Ledereri Rogenhofer, 1873 Inhabited the Colchis Refugium

    Arnold Gegechkori , Eter Didmanidze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 82-92
    Received: 6 April 2015
    Accepted: 9 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.24
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    Abstract: The biogeographical background. There are two refugial centers in Transcaucasia: Colchis (along the Black Sea coast) and Hyrcan (Hyrcania) (along the Caspian Sea shore). Elements from Europe and Asia and their biogeographical subdivisions compose flora and fauna, which combined with the diverse geomorphology (Laurasian, Gondvanian), the presence of... Show More
  • Alga Species Diversity of the Natural Park “Borovoye”

    Satbay Nurashov , Elmira Sametova

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 78-81
    Received: 30 March 2015
    Accepted: 7 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.23
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    Abstract: The work was carried out within the project “Algae-flora of lake systems of Kokshetau-Borovoye, development of the recommendations about fighting against species of micro- and macro-algae causing oozing and “blossoming” of ponds in mass people recreation zones”. Sample collecting was made during the expedition trips at summer season from the lakes ... Show More
  • Algal Indication of Climatic Gradients

    Sophia Barinova , Viktor Gabyshev , Mariyo Boboev , Lali Kukhaleishvili , Olena Bilous

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 72-77
    Received: 4 February 2015
    Accepted: 5 February 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.22
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    Abstract: Bio-indication is only possible because algal communities respond to environmental changes in a consistent way. In particular, the vectors of algal changes over latitudes and altitudes are well correlated with respective climatic gradients. The relationships between biotic and climatic changes are insufficiently studied so far, but regularities are... Show More
  • The Influence of Meteorological Conditions on Atmospheric Pollution in Georgia

    Lamzira Lagidze , Lia Matchavariani , David Kereselidze , Nodar Tsivtsivadze , Nino Paichadze , Nargiz Motsonelidze , Maia Vakhtangishvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 67-71
    Received: 30 March 2015
    Accepted: 31 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.21
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    Abstract: The atmosphere, which is one of the main components of the environment, undergone significant changes in recent decades as a result of anthropogenic impact. The rapid pace of technological processes will significantly increase the anthropogenic load on the environment, which leads to climate change and influence on mankind and ecosystems. The artic... Show More
  • Natural-Geographical Zoning and Geo-Ecologiacal Problems of Georgia’s Black Sea Coas

    Melor Alpenidze , Zurab Seperteladze , Eter Davitaia , George Gaprindashvili , Tamar Aleksidze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 58-66
    Received: 5 March 2015
    Accepted: 5 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.20
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    Abstract: The region’s natural geographic zones meant detection and mapping of Geo-complexes of Identified taxonomic rank. Geo-complexes - Individual territorial units differ from one another by natural conditions, landscapes hypsometry location and their spatial distribution, geo-ecological problems, shape and scale of anthropogenic impacts and extent of th... Show More
  • Territorial and Branch Assessment of Water Management Balance of Georgia Based on Differential Estimation and Modeling of Economic Impact on Water Resources

    Nino Kezevadze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 51-57
    Received: 5 March 2015
    Accepted: 8 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.19
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    Abstract: Political and social-economic coups in the 1990s of the last century in Georgia, as well as in countries of the former USSR and East Europe has left its mark on the water management problems of those countries. Thus, for alternative assessment of probable water economy balance first priority is to select a representative period in dynamics for util... Show More
  • Peculiarities of Development of Phytoplankton as an Indicator of the Ecological State in Modern Hydrochemical Conditions of Masrik River

    Hambaryan L. R. , Nalbandyan M. A. , Poghosyan A. M.

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 44-50
    Received: 19 March 2015
    Accepted: 22 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.18
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    Abstract: This paper is related to the study of hydrochemical characteristics and the phytoplankton of the river Masrik. For planktonic study, algae were selected from 3 sampling sites: two from tributaries of the river and one from the river Masrik. Hydrochemical monitoring includes 9 sampling points. The study includes the spring of 2014 and the summer of ... Show More
  • Changes of Georgian Mountainous Rivers Water Flows, Problems and Recommendations

    Tsisana Basilashvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 38-43
    Received: 2 April 2015
    Accepted: 7 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.17
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    Abstract: As a result of Global warming the Caucasus glaciers increasingly start melting, which in its turn leads to the higher water flows and disasters. While in drier regions evaporation increases, the water levels in the rivers decrease and the crops dwindle. In the long run, some of the glaciers will disappear, which will have a negative impact on water... Show More
  • Strategic Environmental Assessment of Aragvi River Basin

    Nino Sulkhanishvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 34-37
    Received: 28 April 2015
    Accepted: 29 April 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.16
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    Abstract: Integrated Watershed Management System will be gradually introduced in Georgia, according to the EU Association Agreement signed on 27 June, 2014 in Brussels. Integrated Watershed Management System will be based on European principles of river basin management. This paper includes a survey of the Aragvi river basin and deals with the possible envir... Show More
  • Quantitative Assessment of Permissible Loads on Georgia’s Soil

    David Kereselidze , Lia Matchavariani , Vazha Trapaidze , Lamzira Lagidze , David Svanadze , Giorgi Bregvadze , Zaal Gulashvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 29-33
    Received: 26 February 2015
    Accepted: 26 February 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.15
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    Abstract: Environment, including different types of soils, is permanently influenced by human activity, natural and technogenic disasters, etc. These influences weaken stability of ecosystems, landscapes, soils, especially in the case when these influences exceed the value of the maximum permissible standard. Every natural effect causes weakening of soil sta... Show More
  • Glaciers Dynamics Over the Last One Century in the Kodori River Basin, Caucasus Mountains, Georgia, Abkhazeti

    Levan G. Tielidze , Lela Gadrani , Mariam Tsitsagi , Nino Chikhradze

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 22-28
    Received: 4 February 2015
    Accepted: 5 February 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.14
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    Abstract: This paper considers the last one century’s dynamics of the glaciers in the Kodori River basin, which is located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus in Georgia. The latest statistical information is also given about the glaciers located in the individual river basins; Their morphological types, exposition and the dynamics are considered a... Show More
  • Research of Devdoraki Glacier Based on Satellite Remote Sensing Data and Devdoraki Glacier Falls in Historical Context

    G. Kordzakhia , L. Shengelia , G. Tvauri , M. Dzadzamia

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 14-21
    Received: 22 March 2015
    Accepted: 27 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.13
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    Abstract: The problem of the transportation safety for Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi road is overviewed. The scientific study of glaciers in the Caucasus started in the first half of the 19th century. From that time the terrestrial observations on glaciers were carried out. The outputs of terrestrial observations resulted in different series of various tempor... Show More
  • Importance of Integrated Water Resources Management in Flood and Flash Flood Management

    Nino Tkhilava

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 8-13
    Received: 10 March 2015
    Accepted: 10 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.12
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    Abstract: Water resources management setup and practices in Georgia are relied on administrative approaches. Gradual introduction and implementation of the river basin based Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) will require corresponding legal and institutional adjustment as well as significant capacity building. The IWRM model for Georgia is intende... Show More
  • The Role of the Public in Environmental Decision-Making

    Nino Gokhelashvili

    Issue: Volume 4, Issue 3-1, May 2015
    Pages: 1-7
    Received: 10 March 2015
    Accepted: 10 March 2015
    Published: 25 June 2015
    DOI: 10.11648/j.ajep.s.2015040301.11
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    Abstract: Many cases prove that involvement of the public in decision-making process on environmental issues has a real influence on proposed or planned activities and the final decisions are acceptable for all main stakeholders: government, the public, and developer of activity. Despite the facts demonstrating the role of the public in environmental decisio... Show More