GTU Scientists Participate in International Conference at the University of Valencia

A delegation of scientists from the Faculty of Construction of the Georgian Technical University, comprising Professors Irma Inashvili and Zaal Tsinadze, Associate Professor Konstantine Bziava, and young researcher and PhD candidate Demetre Janjalashvili, participated in the first international conference “Soil Degradation and Restoration – Science, Management and Development”, held within the framework of a grant project “Engineering study of mudflows in mountainous regions of Georgia” funded by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia.

The international conference was held at the University of Valencia in Spain and brought together scientists from leading universities in Europe and the United States, as well as researchers from Georgian Technical University.

According to the project head, Professor Irma Inashvili, the main scientific objective of the conference was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted processes of soil degradation at the global level, share modern methodologies among international academic communities and other stakeholders, and develop effective environmental policies for the sustainable management of natural resources.

“The seven-day conference program included three days of intensive academic sessions and four days of field research, allowing participants to examine practical examples of soil degradation and innovative, scientifically based restoration methods directly on site. This topic is gaining particular strategic importance for Georgia. Over the past decade, against the backdrop of global climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressure, natural hazards have intensified dramatically across Georgia. Water-induced erosion has reached particularly alarming proportions, accompanied by structural denudation of fertile soil layers and the depletion and destruction of agricultural and forest ecosystems.

At the same time, in the country’s mountainous and foothill regions, including Adjara, Guria, Racha, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Svaneti, the frequency of mudflows, landslides, floods, and other water-related hazards has increased significantly. These catastrophic events pose a serious threat to the safety of the population, critical infrastructure, and regional ecosystems. Therefore, the introduction of early warning systems (EWS) based on modern technologies and remote sensing, together with scientifically based planning of soil restoration measures, is a necessary prerequisite for the national security and sustainable development of the country.”

– Professor Irma Inashvili

As Associate Professor Konstantine Bziava notes, during the academic session of the conference, a joint scientific team from the Faculty of Construction of the Georgian Technical University and the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Institute of Water Management presented a scientific report entitled “Integration of SAR Radar Backscatter and Optical Indices for Assessing Soil Degradation Caused by Mudslides: The Case of Khulo Municipality.”

“The research presented at the scientific conference involved an in-depth synthesis and integrated analysis of Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data and Sentinel-2 optical remote-sensing multispectral indices. The innovative methodology developed by the research team demonstrated the exceptional accuracy and effectiveness of satellite-based monitoring for identifying mudflows, forecasting their dynamics, and evaluating the extent of soil damage in regions with challenging terrain.

The results received high appreciation and generated considerable interest among members of the international scientific community and experts in the field. On behalf of the GTU scientific team, I would like to thank the Rector, Academician David Gurgenidze; the Dean of the Faculty of Construction, Professor Zurab Gvishiani; the Director of the Tsotne Mirtskhulava Institute of Water Management of GTU, Academician Givi Gavardashvili; and representatives of the relevant administrative and structural units of the University for their support.”

– Associate Professor Konstantine Bziava

Alongside the academic sessions, the delegation of GTU scientists held working meetings with representatives of the University of Valencia, including the Vice-Rector of the University of Valencia, Professor Albert Moncusí; the Head of the Quality Assurance Service, Professor María José Coperias-Aguilar; and representatives of the Department of International Relations. During the scientific visit, the Georgian delegation also established professional and partnership contacts with leading international researchers and experts in environmental engineering, hydrology, and soil science.

Among the most important and strategically significant outcomes of the scientific visit was a meeting between the GTU delegation and the main organizer of the conference, renowned Spanish scientist Professor Artemi Cerdà. During this meeting, the parties explored opportunities for future collaboration and discussed the possibility of hosting upcoming stages of the Global Science Forum in Georgia.