Chevening alumni leading the way for a greener Georgia

Each year, Bakuriani, a region in Georgia renowned for its skiing, attracts thousands of tourists during the winter and spring seasons. Unfortunately, this influx also brings a significant build-up of litter. 

To help restore the area’s natural beauty, a group of Chevening alumni, supported by the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF), created EcoFest 2024.  

The event brought together hundreds of volunteers for a two-day clean-up festival and environmental workshop. It combined hands-on action with engaging discussions on how education, environmental protection and community joy can go hand in hand.  

Empowering communities through action  

Over 346 volunteers took part in the festival, including more than 160 residents from Bakuriani, Tabatskuri and surrounding villages in the Samtskhe-Javakheti and Shida Kartli regions. The event encouraged participants to take a proactive role in caring for their local environment and fostered a growing sense of shared responsibility and sustainability for Georgia’s environment, as well as collecting an incredible 86, 500 liters of waste over two days.  

‘EcoFest wasn’t just about collecting waste,it was about building awareness and giving people the confidence to protect their own environment. We wanted to show that change starts locally – with us.’ – Chevening alumna Tako Rodonaia, project lead 

Promoting sustainability nationwide  

EcoFest 2024 received widespread national attention, featuring on multiple TV and radio broadcasts, amassing over 205,000 social media views. The project was supported by 21 partner organisations, from local businesses and media outlets to environmental NGOs, highlighting how collaboration between public, private and community sectors can create meaningful impact.  

Beyond cleaning up, the festival demonstrated the importance of education, unity and pride in shared spaces.  

‘Thanks to CAPF, we were able to bring people together around a shared cause. EcoFest reminded everyone that environmental protection can be joyful, communal and deeply meaningful.’