Meeting of the Bakhvi HPP Advisory Board for the Environmental and Social Aspects

On September 7, 2022, was held yet another regular meeting of the Bakhvi HPP management and company's Advisory Board for the Environmental and Social Aspects. Giorgi Abramishvili, Bakhvi HPP General Director, introduced the Advisory Board with the EIA preparatory process of the Bakhvi 2 Hydropower Plant Project. He also introduced a new Board member, Ala Mari, Chkhakaura Public School Principal.

At the meeting, the company representatives presented to the Advisory Board members the development phases and future plans of the company managed projects. The General Director of Bakhvi HPP moderated the interactive discussion with the Board members participation, during which were discussed the myths about the energy sector, the negative impact of disinformation and misinformation on the development of Georgian energy sector.

"We had a very interesting discussion with the Advisory Board members. For us, the developers, it was rather useful to listen to what are the myths in the public and what are the ways to counter these myths. For many of us, this is food for thought. Clearly, we still have work to do by engaging with various groups of our public. I would like to note that this discussion is an interesting process, during which both parties receive new information and a chance for growth. From today's perspective, we have already negated a number of myths, especially in Guria," said Giorgi Abramishvili, the Bakhvi HPP General Director.

Lela Mdinaradze, a Board member from Chokhatauri Municipality, delivered remarks at the meeting. She shared the positive views of and comments by the population of Bakhmaro and Chokhatauri made about the recently completed Bakhmaro LED lighting project.

The members of the Advisory Board had a chance to watch a video about the Bakhmaro LED lighting project.

The Board meetings are organized by the initiative of Bakhvi HPP with the purpose of providing the Board members in a timely and effective manner with information about the progress of the projects, and also to hear their views and recommendations. The meeting was held at the Bakhvi HPP office in Ozurgeti.

Bakhvi HPP Advisory Board for the Environmental and Social Aspects is a consultative body formed upon company's initiative with the purpose of ensuring greater stakeholder engagement and higher level of transparency of HPP projects. The Board consists of 12 independent members nominated from Chokhatauri and Ozurgeti municipalities. Representatives of various sectors are represented in the Board, including local self-government bodies, non-governmental organizations, media and businesses.