On June 7, 2023, the second meeting of the Bakhvi HPP Environmental and Social Issues Advisory Board for the year took place. The first part of the meeting was a working session during which board members were updated on the latest developments related to Bakhvi 2 HPP.
David Koberidze, the Environmental, Social, and Governance Manager for the company, informed the Advisory Board about the environmental decision-making process for Bakhvi 2 HPP. He also discussed the pre-construction activities within the construction perimeter, which primarily involve road clearing work in the area designated for the construction.
Nana Berdzenishvili, Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Caucasus Renewable Energy Holding, presented the reforestation plan. The presentation emphasized the activities planned within the framework of this plan, which includes reforestation on a two-to-one basis, adhering to the best practices of international standards as a mitigating measure.
Nitsa Cholokashvili, Bakhvi HPP's Communications Manager, assessed the progress of the engagement plan, which involves educational projects under the company's social program, facilitated with the help of Advisory Board members. For example, on Earth Day, a competition was organized in public schools of Chokhatauri and Mtispiri communities under the supervision of board member Lela Mdinaradze. On June 1, International Children's Day, board member and entrepreneur David Tenieshvili gave a lecture to high school students on how to start a startup in the region. Board member Ia Urushadze worked on a tour of homestays involved in the joint project between Bakhvi HPP and USAID, aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector in Guria under the umbrella of the Tea Route Association.
On the same day, the Advisory Board members and the company's management visited the participating homestays of the Tea Route program and heard firsthand from the participants about the impact of the training and marketing activities they received through the program. This initiative to support small businesses and strengthen the hospitality component in Guria was carried out with the support and direct involvement of Bakhvi HPP and the USAID Economic Security Program.