Bakhvi 2 HPP is situated in the Ozurgeti Municipality on the Bakhvi River. The total area of Ozurgeti Municipality is 68,166 hectares, of which 22,164 hectares are covered by forest. The project area for Bakhvi HPP encompasses 20 hectares, which represents 0.09% of the total forest cover.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment document, which was approved by the National Environmental Agency on May 30, 2023, the company has conducted a tree taxation and has an approved plan for tree removal in the project area. It is important to note that the work will be carried out across various locations within the specified area. In some cases, these locations contain only shrubs and small-diameter trees. Under the legislation, the company is required to make compensation payments for the felled trees, after which it is exempt from further obligations.
However, as Bakhvi HPP is being developed in compliance with both Georgian legislation and the environmental and social management standards of international financial institutions (IFC and EIB), the company is committed to both paying compensation and conducting forest restoration activities as a goodwill gesture. Following best international practices, the project will restore two hectares of forest for every hectare affected. The restoration plan for Bakhvi 2 HPP includes the reforestation of 40 hectares. Bakhvi HPP has initiated the development of a forest restoration plan with the assistance of the consulting company “Ecolusion”. The plan is expected to be completed by September 2023, at which point it will be presented to the public. Concurrently, the company is working with the National Forestry Agency to identify areas for planting endemic tree species.