In the second quarter of 2025, scheduled environmental studies were conducted across the project areas of the Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 Hydropower Plants. Independent experts carried out monitoring of the hydrobiological, ichthyological, and biodiversity components of the Bakhviskali River. According to the detailed report presented by the experts, the following key findings were recorded:
Hydrobiological and Ichthyological Research
The construction sections of Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 remain fully isolated from the riverbed, ensuring that ongoing works do not affect the aquatic biological environment. The hadrochemical and physical parameters of the river remain unchanged, continuing to provide suitable living conditions for the brown trout population. Moreover, given that construction works have no impact on the river’s biological environment, the natural food base for trout remains abundant. Consequently, monitoring confirms that the brown trout population is still present within the project area.
As part of the monitoring, researchers also examined the section where water from the turbine of the completed Bakhvi 2b facility discharges back into the river. Findings show that the specially constructed rocky channel in this section slows down the turbine outflow, creating a moderated stream that is less attractive to fish. This environmental measure is beneficial, as it prevents potential barriers to fish migration and ensures free movement during their migratory cycles.
The consistent implementation of mitigation measures by Bakhvi HPP is one of the primary reasons why the habitats of fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles within the project area remain intact. As a result, the diversity of species present in the area remains unchanged from the conditions observed before construction began.
Biodiversity Monitoring (Habitats, Resident and Migratory Species)
The second-quarter biodiversity assessment confirmed the continued presence of a wide range of species in the project area, including:
- Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles – Brown bear, chamois, Eurasian otter, fox, beech marten, European roe deer, grey wolf, wood mouse, agile frog, Anatolian frog, common newt, Caucasian toad, Caucasian salamander, common lizard, Artvin lizard, Georgian lizard, Caucasian water snake, copperhead, dice snake, grass snake, and other local reptiles. მურა დათვი, არჩვი, ევრაზიული წავი, მელა, ტყის კვერნა, ევროპული შველი, რუხი მგელი, ტყის თაგვი, ტბორის ბაყაყი, მცირეაზიული ბაყაყი, ჩვეულებრივი ვასაკა, კავკასიური გომბეშო. კავკასიური სალამანდრა, ჩვეულებრივი ანკარა, ართვინის ხვლიკი, ქართული ხვლიკი, კავკასიური წყლის ბიგა, სპილენძა, გრძელი მცურავი, ქართული ხვლიკი.
- Birds – Blackbird, white wagtail, grey wagtail, dipper, common chaffinch, starling, great spotted woodpecker, white-backed woodpecker, barn swallow, cliff swallow, goldfinch, greenfinch, raven, tree pipit, nuthatch, grey bunting, robin, green woodpecker, serin, blue tit, Kruper’s nuthatch, wren, song thrush, linnet, house sparrow, tree sparrow, tawny owl, hooded crow, black redstart, blackcap, whitethroat, and other characteristic species.
The biodiversity monitoring report clearly demonstrates that the species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles identified in the project area remain the same as those recorded prior to the start of construction activities. This outcome is attributable, on the one hand, to the company’s strict compliance with environmental standards and mitigation measures developed in collaboration with international consulting firms, alongside local legal obligations. As a result, the impact on local habitats has been minimal.
On the other hand, the monitoring also indicates that, as construction of Bakhvi 2 nears completion and noise levels have decreased, many species are now observed not only at night but also moving freely across the project site during the day. This is a positive indication that the area remains comfortable and suitable as a natural habitat.