The Bakhvi HPP Advisory Council was established on August 5, 2021, at the Ekvtime Takaishvili House-Museum. The primary objective of forming this council was to ensure the transparent development of the Bakhvi HPP renewable energy project by maximizing the engagement of all stakeholders. The initiative aimed to set an unique precedent in institutional development by bringing together the company and key stakeholders to build a strong and inclusive institution.
David Koberidze, Environmental and Social Projects Manager of Bakhvi HPP: “For the fourth consecutive year, the Advisory Council has been actively engaged in the development of the Bakhvi HPP project. Today, we can confidently assert that this model has proven successful. Through mechanisms of transparency and engagement, the council has facilitated alignment of perspectives, contributed to environmental and social program development, monitored project implementation, and fostered a shared sense of ownership. As a result, both the company and stakeholders can now say with certainty that we are jointly constructing a project that will stand as an unprecedented benchmark in Georgia, adhering to European standards and quality.”
In 2021, when the idea of forming the council first emerged, David Mikeladze served as the Environmental and Social Projects Manager of Bakhvi HPP. Under his leadership and that of the then-small management team, the Advisory Council project was successfully implemented.
David Mikeladze, Former Environmental and Social Projects Manager of Bakhvi HPP:“The establishment of the Advisory Council set a positive precedent in Georgia for the development of small and medium-sized hydropower projects. Beyond securing the necessary legal and governmental permits, the company proactively sought a ‘social license’ from the outset of the project. This ensured maximum stakeholder engagement at every stage of planning and implementation. For this reason, we invited representatives from all main segments of the local community, including local government, media, civil society, and the business sector. The Advisory Council thus became an independent, transparent, and balanced platform where diverse community representatives could receive comprehensive project information, voice their opinions, provide critical feedback, and offer constructive recommendations. It became a vital link between the project’s implementation team and the local community, allowing the project to be planned and executed in a way that safeguarded the interests of all stakeholders.
Symbolically, the inaugural meeting of the Bakhvi HPP Advisory Council was held on August 5, 2021, at the Ekvtime Takaishvili House-Museum in the village of Likhauri. Strong societies are built upon historical precedents and robust institutions, and the Bakhvi HPP Advisory Council stands as a prime example of uniting diverse community groups for collective problem-solving. Rather than prioritizing individual or narrow group interests, the council has placed the common good at the forefront. In light of this, I extend my sincere congratulations to all current and former members of the Advisory Council, as well as the Bakhvi HPP project team, on this significant achievement and wish them continued success in the future.”
The Advisory Council comprises representatives from the municipalities of Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri. Its primary mission is the collaborative development of the Bakhvi HPP project, with an equally important secondary objective of raising public awareness about renewable energy.
Lado Menabde, Founder and Journalist, Guriis Moambe: “The Advisory Council is a valuable initiative and, to my knowledge, the first of its kind in the region. It grants people real leverage to stay informed and receive objective information about the project. As a media representative, I recognize the challenges of transparancy and engagment. However, Bakhvi HPP has made considerable efforts to maintain open communication with the media and keep the public well-informed about the project's progress. The attitude of the Gurian community is crucial, and the company actively contributes to enhancing public knowledge and education. This is a significant intellectual investment. Each meeting of the council has exceeded expectations. The insights gained from site visits were particularly valuable. As media professionals, we must ensure accurate dissemination of information, provide constructive feedback, and share our experiences with the public. We fulfill our duty by monitoring the project and collaborating with company representatives, who, in turn, keep us apprised of all critical project details.”
Nugzar Asatiani, Editor-in-Chief, Alioni Newspaper: “Working within this format has been an invaluable learning experience for council members, demonstrating how to engage in major projects and obtain accurate information. Georgia possesses significant energy potential, and small hydropower plants—when developed with minimal environmental impact—play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s energy independence. Since August 2021, the Advisory Council has successfully fostered mutual trust through transparent operations and active involvement in Bakhvi HPP’s activities. Every decision has been discussed with the council, and the media has received comprehensive responses to all critical inquiries, as verified by independent foreign experts.”
Vladimir Chavleshvili, Representative of the Mayor of Ozurgeti in Mtispiri:“The working model of the Advisory Council is truly unique in Georgia. I have yet to encounter a similar case where a company engages with the public in such a transparent manner. I hope this experience serves as an example for other companies. The council plays a key role in advancing the project. We respect the company’s approach to public engagement. When necessary, we offer critical feedback to ensure high-quality community relations. The company, in turn, ensures that the public remains well-informed through us. Over the years, we have gained extensive knowledge about energy independence, which is a crucial area for Georgia’s development.”
Maka Shanidze, Representative of the NGO ‘Women for Women – Initiative Meetings in Guria”: “This format is unique because it has allowed us to engage in meaningful collaboration. The establishment of the Advisory Council was not merely a formality—the company took every measure to ensure that our recommendations were genuinely reflected in the project. This approach is rare in Georgia, making Bakhvi HPP’s initiative particularly noteworthy. Similar models exist in international companies, especially in Western countries, where stakeholder engagement is highly valued. However, such practices remain uncommon in Georgia, making Bakhvi HPP’s initiative an exemplary case. For council members, this experience has been invaluable, enabling us to directly observe the company’s operations, analyze project phases, and contribute to real decision-making. We have deepened our knowledge in energy, environmental protection, and project management. Moreover, this has been a practical lesson in collaboration and mutual understanding—teaching us how to work as a team and achieve results through dialogue and constructive cooperation.”
The Bakhvi HPP Advisory Council project has been honored with the United Nations Global Compact Corporate Sustainability Award. An international jury recognized the company’s efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16—“Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” Established on August 5, 2021, the Advisory Council has been acknowledged as a robust institution, both for its founding purpose and its operational framework.