Greetings from the esteemed confines of the Silk Museum in Tbilisi. Our visit to this oldest museum in Georgia became an integral part of our expedition, which traces the historical contours of the Silk Road with the features of the Middle Corridor.
Our attention, as experienced Dutch experts specializing in the field of circular and sustainable economy, was drawn to Georgia's unique historical experience in the field of sericulture. In the halls of the museum we have collected many intriguing discoveries.
These discoveries will help us demonstrate how these historical lessons can be restarted using modern innovation and technology in Western Europe's circular economy and economic sustainability. Using a case study from Georgia, we aim to highlight potential pathways to a strong and sustainable economic future for the entire Middle Corridor of the Silk Road.
Sericulture, tracing its roots back to 5th-century Georgia, has emerged as a pivotal player in the nation's economic landscape, boasting multifaceted benefits. King Vakhtang Gorgasali's introduction of grena (worm eggs) from India, coupled with Georgia's abundance of wild mulberry and strategic location on trade routes like the Silk Road, laid the foundations for a thriving sericulture industry.
Over the course of history, Georgia actively engaged in trade along the Silk Road, leveraging its strategic geopolitical position to establish itself as a prominent silk producer. The high quality of Georgian silk found acceptance in both Eastern and Western markets, further solidifying the country's role in the silk trade.
However, in the latter half of the 20th century, sericulture in Georgia faced a downturn. Microplasma diseases affecting mulberry plantations, challenges linked to land privatization, and a fuel crisis contributed to a significant decline in the silkworm cocoon production. This decline extended into the 1990s, causing a sharp reduction in silk thread and fabric production. The economic ramifications were severe, exacerbated by the absence of silk weaving factories and the challenges associated with transitioning to a market economy.
Between 1990 and 2000, the silkworm cocoon production in Georgia plummeted by approximately 2.9 times, leading to a corresponding drop in silk thread production. Finished silk fabric output per capita saw a drastic decrease from 1.4 sq. m. in 1990 to 0.06 sq.m. by 1997.
Recognizing the global importance of the silk industry, Georgia initiated efforts to revive sericulture in 2013. The revival strategy involved importing 100,000 the silkworm seedlings from Uzbekistan, distributed free of charge to farmers and small entrepreneurs. Focused on mulberry breeding, a crucial aspect of sericulture, this initiative aimed to stimulate small farms, foster small businesses, and generate employment in rural areas.
Despite past challenges, the potential for economic rejuvenation in Georgia's sericulture industry remains high. Other countries of the Silk Road, such as Azerbaijan, actively investing in the sector, signal a broader trend emphasizing the renewed significance of the silk industry in Middle Corridor.
We were amazed at the relevance of this information to our project!
Reviving classical sericulture in Georgia through the integration of modern biotechnology not only honors cultural heritage, but also provides an opportunity to usher in a new era of circular and sustainable economy in the region. Building on Georgia's historical experience in sericulture, the introduction of modern innovations expands the industry's reach beyond traditional practices, creating new, sustainable products.
Therefore, we want to be inspired by the circular economy program of the Netherlands in the countries of the Middle Corridor and in particular Georgia. Combined with Dutch Greenport's Bio Base programs targeting various environmental aspects, this approach, coupled with the Human Capital Development Program, provides a comprehensive and continually improving system based on social values.
Modern technologies and Bio Base innovations are opening up vast opportunities for sericulture, demonstrating its potential beyond traditional markets. Silk threads with unique properties, such as poor electrical and thermal conductivity, find universal application in various industries, demonstrating the adaptability of sericulture to modern needs.
The economic effect of the resumption of sericulture in Georgia goes beyond the production of silk products and solves modern problems. The initiative opens up new markets, uses by-products for industrial applications and opens up opportunities for entrepreneurship. This multifaceted approach has the potential to create a new labor market and make a significant contribution to Georgia's economic prosperity.
By applying innovative approaches, Georgia can position itself as a leader in sericulture, setting an example for sustainable development. This leadership role serves as the cornerstone of our The New Silk Road Book project, where we emphasize that the success of local efforts lies not only in preserving cultural heritage, but also in demonstrating how Western European innovation and technology can be applied to the Middle East corridor regions. Silk Road. This example of the revival of Georgian sericulture demonstrates the transformative power of sustainable infrastructure and lifestyles, offering a model for other regions to follow. Through joint efforts, regions along the Middle Silk Road corridor can harness innovation to create a sustainable future that aligns with global sustainable development goals.
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