This Law regulates the legal relationship between the bodies of the state authority and the physical persons or legal entities (without distinction – legal form) in the scope of environmental protection and in the use of nature on all Georgia’s territory including its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and EEZ. The main purpose of the Law is: a). to define the principles and standards of legal relationship in the scope of environmental protection; b). protect basic human rights provided by the Constitution of Georgia in the scope of environmental protection – to live in an environment surroundings and cultural heritage; c). ensure protection of the environment and rational use of nature by the state, as well as to provide an environment harmless for human health, in accordance with ecological and economic interests of society, taking into consideration the interests of current and future generations; d). preserve biological diversity, rare, endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna typical for the country, protect the sea and ensure an ecological balance; e). preserve and protect natural landscapes and ecosystems; f). ensure the settlement of common, global and regional problems in the scope of environmental protection with legal foundation; g). ensure conditions for the stable development of the country. The document consists of XVII Chapters that contain 59 Articles. Chapter I (arts. 1-5) lays down general provisions. Chapter II (Arts.6-7) establishes rights and obligations of citizens in the scope of environmental protection. Chapter III (Arts.8-10) deals with education and scientific research. Chapter IV (Arts.11-15) concerns administration of environmental protection by the state. Chapter V (Arts.16-21) establishes economic levers in the scope of environmental protection. Chapter VI (Arts.22-25) regards licensing. Chapter VII (Arts.26-27) regards information coverage. Chapter VIII (Arts.28-33) establishes environmental protection standards. Chapter IX (art. 34) establishes ecological requirements to the waste. Chapter X (Arts.35-41) regards environmental protection requirements under consideration, carrying out activity and realization of activity. Chapter XI (Arts.42-44) regards ecological state of emergency. Chapter XII (Arts.45-47) deals with protection of natural ecosystems. Chapter XIII (Arts.48-49) concerns protected areas. Chapter XIV (Arts.50-54) regards global and regional administration of environmental protection. Chapter XV (Arts.55-56) regards international cooperation. Chapter XVI (Art.57) establishes liability. Chapter XVII (Arts.58-59) lays down final provisions.
Law of 1996 on environmental protection.