On Friday, August 2, 2013 U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Stephen M. Haykin, along with Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection Khatuna Gogaladze and local officials, opened an eco-camp for students from nine eco-clubs from the Alazani watershed to raise awareness in environmental protection and conservation in Tusheti.  During the visit, Mr. Haykin distributed soil and water quality test miniature laboratories, a portable green house, microscopes, miniature recycling and compost centers to help the eco-clubs demonstrate practical solutions to reducing impacts on the environment and improve the overall awareness of the effects from climate change.

Mr. Haykin noted, "The United States Government is committed to helping the citizens of Georgia manage their natural resources and empowering youth and communities to actively participate in decisions that affect their livelihoods [and] we recognize that involving youth in addressing local and global challenges is a critical part of lasting, sustainable change in Georgia."

The nine Alazani watershed eco-clubs are supported by USAID's Integrated Natural Resources Management in Watersheds of Georgia Program (INRMW), implemented by Florida International University.  Since the project began, INRMW has supported 38 eco-clubs in the public schools of Akhmeta, Telavi, Dedoplistskaro, Ambrolauri, Oni, Senaki and Khobi municipalities to encourage youth engagement in environmental protection, natural resource management and conservation.