Pierre Biedermann - International Expert on Environmental and Social Issues, Founder and Principal Consultant of the French advisory company Alpage SARL
As part of its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, Bakhvi HPP has released a video interview with Pierre Biedermann, an international expert in environmental protection, social projects, and governance.
Between 2021 and 2022, Mr. Biedermann, engaged as an independent external consultant, conducted biodiversity, climate, and cumulative impact studies in the Bakhvi HPP project area. He also prepared a cost-benefit analysis and an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) designed to prevent or mitigate potential impacts in the project-affected villages and surrounding communities.
Since 2022, Mr. Biedermann has periodically visited Guria to monitor the implementation of the ESAP. In the newly released video statement, he discusses Bakhvi HPP’s communication and engagement strategy, which is built on international best practices.
Expert Commentary
“From the perspective of communication and stakeholder engagement, Bakhvi HPP is making every effort to align with international standards and best practices. The company ensures that no stakeholder is left without access to information. Communities and stakeholders are regularly updated and their questions are consistently addressed.
Implementing social projects is part of good international practice. These initiatives can be considered a direct benefit for local communities, undertaken voluntarily by the company to help improve living conditions in the project area. Effective planning of such programs requires on-the-ground needs assessments, followed by ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders.
Maintaining open communication between the company, local residents, and other stakeholders is of paramount importance. In the case of Bakhvi HPP, this has been fully achieved.”
Key Facts
- Since 2021, more than 100 face-to-face and public meetings have been
- In the project-affected villages (Chkakaura, Mtispiri, Vaniskedi, Okroskedi, and Ukanava), Bakhvi HPP distributes a monthly newsletter door-to-door, providing updates on project progress, studies, and social initiatives.
- Since 2021, over 200 press and video releases have been published in local media, ensuring consistent public