Pierre Biedermann – International Expert on Environmental and Social Issues, Founder and Principal Expert at Alpage SARL (France)
As part of the Bakhvi HPP initiative, a series of video interviews has been produced with Pierre Biedermann, an international expert in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters and the founder and lead consultant of the French consulting firm Alpage SARL.
Between 2021 and 2022, Mr. Biedermann served as an independent external expert, conducting biodiversity, climate, and cumulative impact assessments and monitoring within the Bakhvi HPP project area. He also developed the project’s cost-benefit analysis and prepared the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) designed to prevent and, where necessary, mitigate potential impacts of the project on the surrounding environment and nearby communities.
Since 2022, Mr. Biedermann has been visiting Guria periodically to monitor the implementation of the Environmental and Social Action Plan. In the video release we are presenting, he discusses Bakhvi HPP as a model of responsible business, highlighting the key challenges faced during various stages of development and how the management successfully transformed these challenges into achievements.
Challenges and Achievements : “From the very beginning, it was clear that the management of environmental and social issues would require exceptional planning. This primarily meant maintaining a transparent and consistent dialogue with state institutions to secure the necessary permits. To ensure that mitigation measures were developed to the highest standard, the management involved international experts in the process.
On the social side, engaging with local communities and stakeholders was of crucial importance. It should be noted that another hydropower plant – Bakhvi 3 – already existed in the area, so residents were familiar with what such a project entails and how its operation might affect daily life. Nonetheless, the company worked extensively to foster positive community involvement.
Opponent groups to hydropower projects often circulate misleading information, creating unfounded fears among the population. In response, the management hired professional experts and formed a team responsible for developing and implementing a communication strategy focused on transparent engagement at every stage of the project. This approach ensured that local residents received accurate information, had the opportunity to ask questions, and could voice grievances through a well-defined mechanism.” Bakhvi HPP and Other Projects – Similarities and Differences “From a technical perspective, the Bakhvi HPP follows a standard hydropower design —including the intake structure, penstock, and powerhouse — similar to many plants across Georgia. The distinction lies in the environmental and social standards applied. For instance, in Georgia, fish passes are often constructed carelessly. In contrast, at Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2, significant attention was devoted to design quality and construction monitoring to ensure functionality aligned with international practices and standards. The project also committed to a forest restoration program based on the “one-for-two” principle, meaning that for every hectare affected, two hectares will be replanted—recognized internationally as one of the most effective mitigation measures. I would also highlight the communication strategy and stakeholder engagement model, including public consultations and collaboration with the Advisory Council. Each of these initiatives represents a strong example of good practice and serves as a valuable model for other companies operating in Georgia.”