We hosted an eco-festival with our partners in Poti, Maltakvi IDP settlement.

The main message of the festival, “A green future starts in our yard,” was brought to life through various activities throughout the day. Children, youth, families, and community representatives gathered in one space to learn more about just transitions, share experiences, and try out sustainable solutions.

The festival space was divided into several thematic zones. Participants had the opportunity to learn about recycling practices, green technologies, eco-transport alternatives, and nature-based solutions. Each activity was interactive and hands-on - guests not only received information, but also became participants in the process themselves.

A significant part of the festival was devoted to the promotion of nature-based solutions. Participants got acquainted with the concept of rain gardens - an ecologically sustainable system that helps manage rainwater, reduces the amount of surface runoff and improves the state of the environment. The joint planting of plants, in which the festival guests participated, also had a symbolic character. This activity not only provided a practical example of environmental care, but also emphasized the idea of ​​community participation and shared responsibility.

One of the most creative areas of the festival was the crafts and master classes zone, where young people exhibited various decorative and everyday items created using recycled and reused materials. This activity once again confirmed that seemingly useless items can gain a new life, and that the creativity and initiative of young people are an important resource for sustainable development. The participants not only demonstrated their abilities, but also shared with the guests ideas on how caring for the environment can become a part of everyday life.

Special attention was paid to the involvement of children and young people. The eco-quest “Eco Treasure Hunt”, cognitive games and practical tasks gave participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about environmental protection, efficient use of resources and sustainable living principles in a fun way. The festival once again showed that when learning is interactive and based on experience, the knowledge gained has a deeper and longer-lasting impact.

The special guest of the event was the football club “Odishi 1919”, which added additional energy and positive mood to the festival. Club representatives held fun sports activities and master classes for children, shared their experiences and at the end of the day presented the children with balls signed by the players. This initiative further confirms the importance of cooperation between the spheres of sport, society and youth development.

The Eco-Festival clearly demonstrated that caring for the environment begins with small, daily steps, and real change occurs when the entire community gets involved. Such initiatives not only help raise environmental awareness, but also strengthen citizen engagement, a sense of responsibility and the belief that each person can contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable future.

The Charity Humanitarian Center “Abkhazeti” together with its partners will continue to implement initiatives that contribute to environmental protection, strengthening communities and establishing a culture of sustainable development, because a green future truly starts in our backyard.

EcoFest was organized with the financial support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Denmark.