Georgian campaigner wins environmental "Nobel Prize"

Tbilisi native Kochladze is one of seven international campaigners set to receive the environmental equivalent of the Nobel Prize. The USD 3.6 billion pipeline, led by BP with key support from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank and a host of other international lenders, has attracted intense scrutiny from concerned groups both in the pipeline transit countries and internationally. Manana Kochladze and her colleagues have been at the heart of this campaign work, vigorously pressing for a thorough examination of the project's environmental and social impacts. "This prize is recognition of the work of grassroots activists from Georgia , Azerbaijan and Turkey as well as international NGOs, in order to make the BTC pipeline project less harmful for local communities and the environment," said Kochladze.

Project information and consultation procedures have been inadequate and Green Alternative has devoted itself to informing Georgian citizens about their rights, supporting affected citizens in court actions and in their dealings with the development banks who have made a commitment to listen to the complaints of affected communities. The group continues to carry out vital monitoring of the pipeline.

At the EBRD's annual meeting yesterday, the opening statement by bank President Jean Lemierre included comments that on Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan the bank had arranged consultations with citizens in all the pipeline countries. But according to Manana Kochladze, "it is not enough to organise meetings and consultations. Local concerns need to be listened to on an ongoing basis and need to be converted into real project improvements, both for affected citizens and pipeline workers."

She is happy to receive the award, but there is more work to be done. "I am very grateful to the Goldman Foundation for honouring me with this prize. It provides great encouragement for us to continue in our work to protect the rights of Georgians and other citizens across the region."

read more on the Goldman Prize site

read more about the pipeline project

read more about the the winners of 2003 and 2005 .