— In less than 100 words, what is your idea?
The Association Green Alternative wants to develop the online electronic databases of : 1. all large-scale assets privatization agreements and related documentations in Georgia that have social and/or environmental impact, 2,.environmentally harmful, unsustainable or otherwise disputable projects/developments implemented and/or planned in Georgia; and to integrate the databases with interactive web based map. Association already developed the simple interactive web-based map showing some problematic areas http://www.greenalt.org/map/map.htm. However, due to the increased amount of available information we need to employ the user friendly technology and attractive design , that will make easier for our partners and general public to easily access the information. Therefore, we need financial support, but also need to learn how and by which means to implement the idea. The database will be permanently updated and actively publicized through internet resources.
— What is the social need or challenge your idea could address?
The Georgian Government in general creates quite a lot barriers for CSOs to access the information, including information related to environment. The Green Alternative has long successful track record in campaigning for greater access to information, as well as initiated the number of litigation cases, therefore in general terms we have already significant amount of information that we feel would be good to share with other CSO representatives in order for them to monitor and look how the processes are implemented. In addition having the resources online, we can work further to create the hubs to drive discussions, provide a forum for analysis and various points of view on selected developments through new social media such as Facebook, Twitter or Blog.
— What’s really new about your idea?
We could not claim that our idea is new in general, But it would be the first attempt in Georgia where all environment protection database, that includes official documentation, will be uploaded on the web, and in order to make it more usable for local communities and NGOs will be linked with online interactive map.
Stage of development
— What inspired you to come up with your idea in the first place?
We already have been developed the online web on controversial projects in Georgia. However, the map is not linked with electronic database, there is just short description of each project, and technically it also done in very simplistic way that creates number of barriers for its further elaboration and improvement. The idea how to share the existing information with other groups and public representatives is major inspiration for us.
— From 1-5, what stage of development would you say your idea was in?
2
— In order of importance for helping the development of your idea at this stage how would you rank the following:
3 : Geek
1 : Mentor
2 : Funder
— If Social Innovation Camp is able to help push your idea forward, do you have the time or desire to take ownership of it?
Yes
— If not, would you be happy for someone else to take your idea forward?
Yes
— What’s your day job?
Trying to prevent socially and environmentally unacceptable projects, and mitigate the impacts of existing ones
— What do you do for fun?
going sightseeing
— What do you think the best tool on the web is?
share large files with people, organise the discussions/debates, blogging,
— Tell us anything else you think we should know, but keep it to less than 150 words.
Green Alternative is one of the active environmental advocacy groups in Georgia. With varying degrees of success, in all cases, Green Alternative’s campaigns has brought changes to particular projects and policies, as well as to the degree and ways in which civil society and affected communities were involved in decision-making processes. In each project or policy campaign Green Alternative combines the campaign work with capacity building of the local groups and facilitates their direct involvement in the campaigns. Since establishment Green Alternative has made important contributions to improving policies and practices in different (among them in forestry, energy and extractive industry) sectors, and in enhancing environmental governance in Georgia.
— Please give us your name:
Green Alternative