Department of Natural Hazards and Environmental Protection.

Information about the Department

The department was established at the same time as the institute in 1925, and throughout its existence, it has been known by various names: “Department of Torrent Research,” “Laboratory of Mountain Reclamation,” and “Department of Mountain Reclamation,” which included the “Sector of Natural Torrent Flow Research,” among others.

The department included the Arakhveti experimental station, where intensive field research on erosive and torrent phenomena was conducted.

Over the course of its existence, the department has developed preventive measures against erosion, torrents, and floods on many rivers and waterways in Georgia. Noteworthy rivers include the Durudji, Laskandura, and Mleti Gorges, where field research was almost continuously conducted.

Numerous patents and inventions related to anti-erosion and torrent control structures have been obtained.

The current name of the department is the “Department of Natural Hazards and Environmental Protection,” which possesses unique torrent research equipment and a hydraulic flume for laboratory research of erosion and torrent processes. Modernization of these facilities is desirable.

Today, the department’s scientific research focuses on ensuring sustainable development of the environment, managing the risks of floods and erosion-torrent processes in agroecosystems, and developing corresponding preventive measures using modern technological advancements.

Department Staff:

Megi Glunchadze – Researcher, Master’s Degree.

Robert Diakonidze – Head of Department, Chief Researcher, Ph.D. in Geography;

Levan Tzulukidze – Chief Researcher, Ph.D. in Technical Sciences;

Jumber Panchulidze – Chief Researcher, Ph.D. in Technical Sciences;

Temur Butulashvili – Senior Researcher, Ph.D. in Geological Sciences;

Irma Kufarashvili – Researcher, Doctor of Agricultural Engineering;

Ketevan Dadiani – Senior Researcher, Doctor of Civil Engineering;

Lia Maisaia – Researcher, Doctor of Civil Engineering;

Irina Khubulava – Researcher, Doctor of Agricultural Engineering;

Nino Nibladze – Researcher, Master’s Degree;