During a field trip organised on 14 June by the International Office for Water (OiEau) for the French Development Agency Group, a Georgian delegation visited a constructed wetland, a nature-based solution for wastewater treatment. The constructed wetland of Givraines, in the north of France, treats the wastewater of 450 population equivalent (1 population equivalent = quantity of pollution emitted per person per day = 60g of Biological Demand in Oxygen per day).
The members of the Georgian delegation were positively surprised by the efficiency of this solution and the absence of nuisance (odors, mosquitoes, noise). Constructed wetlands also integrate very well into the landscape, and we barely notice that they are here to treat the wastewater. The constructed wetland is located on the slope of a small hill, and the water is gravity fed into the filter. On this site, the treated wastewater infiltrates and recharges the aquifers, which gives one more advantage in times of drought.
The Georgian delegation identified related challenges and applicability for their country, and in particular for the Alazani-Iori river basin, where a management plan has been developed in 2021 with the European Union's support. Possible synergies with the new EU4Environment – Water and Data Programme were also discussed.
The Georgian delegation consisted of the Deputy Ministers of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, of Regional Development and Infrastructure, of Finances, of the Head of the Hydro-melioration and Land Management Department, and of the Director and Deputy Directors of the United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG).