Elevating biodiversity at Eastmain-1 through Indigenous partnership
Northern Québec’s vast boreal forests and winding rivers provide a powerful natural resource for renewable energy, but they are also home to diverse ecosystems and communities with deep cultural ties to the land. Large-scale hydropower projects must navigate this complex balance between clean energy generation and environmental stewardship. At the Eastmain-1 Development, Hydro-Québec has demonstrated how meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities can elevate biodiversity management.
By working in close collaboration with the Cree Nation, the project has pioneered a co-management approach that integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research, setting a high standard for responsible hydropower development, writes Mariana Empis.
An award-winning example of sustainable hydropower development
The Eastmain-1 Development in northern Québec, Canada, has been a modern pioneer in embedding sustainability practices.
First commissioned in 2006 and developed in multiple phases, the complex has a combined installed capacity of 1,248 MW across its Eastmain-1 (480 MW) and Bernard-Landry (768 MW) sites.
As the first project to achieve Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, it has been internationally recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship, including winning the International Hydropower Association’s prestigious Blue Planet Prize in 2023.
A key factor in the project’s success has been the numerous collaborative agreements with the Cree communities of the region, whose deep connection to the land and extensive traditional ecological knowledge have been invaluable in shaping biodiversity management strategies.
A foundation for biodiversity stewardship
Located within Eeyou Istchee, the traditional territory of the Cree, the Eastmain-1 Development, owned and operated by Hydro-Québec, includes the Paix des Braves reservoir and powerhouses, along with the Rupert Diversion bays.
From the outset, the project developers sought not only to consult but to co-manage environmental monitoring efforts with the Cree people, recognising their expertise and right to play a central role in decisions affecting their environment.
This partnership was built on a framework established by the Paix des Braves Agreement between the Québec government and the Cree Nation in 2002, when the project was in the early stages of development. Further agreements established governance structures that embedded Cree perspectives in environmental decision-making.
The project’s monitoring committee, composed of both Cree and Hydro-Québec representatives, plays an integral role in monitoring environmental impacts and mitigation measures, while the Rupert River Water Management Board ensures that downstream ecosystems are protected through consensus-driven water management.
Meanwhile, the Niskamoon Corporation, a non-profit entity established by Hydro-Québec and the Cree, channels resources into biodiversity initiatives and broader environmental priorities. These structures ensure that biodiversity management is not just informed by Cree knowledge but shaped through shared responsibility.
As with any hydropower project of its size, development has not been without its challenges. The creation of new reservoir and diversion bays led to significant loss of terrestrial habitat. While aquatic ecosystems remain functional and viable, research is ongoing to fully understand the impacts on terrestrial species.
Additionally, emerging cumulative impacts on eelgrass in James Bay, linked to the larger La Grande hydropower complex, are being studied by a joint Cree-Hydro-Québec steering committee in collaboration with universities across Canada. This ongoing research seeks to address concerns about declining eelgrass populations and ensure adaptive management measures are informed by the best available science.
Integrated biodiversity management strategies
The Eastmain-1 Development has taken a comprehensive approach to biodiversity management, implementing habitat conservation, fish passage structures, and adaptive management strategies. Environmental assessments conducted early in the project helped identify key biodiversity risks, leading to the integration of design features that support ecosystem health.
In areas with reduced flow downstream of the Rupert River diversion, hydraulic structures such as weirs and riprap mats were installed to help maintain water levels, conserve aquatic habitats, and support fish migration. Furthermore, to minimise flooding, a 2.9 km tunnel was constructed between the Rupert diversion forebay and tailbay, allowing for controlled water transfers.
Safeguarding fish migration and healthy aquatic ecosystems
Hydropower projects often present challenges for aquatic species, particularly fish migration.
At Eastmain-1, extensive measures have been implemented to maintain the ecological balance of the Rupert River and its connected waterways. For example, a series of fish passage solutions were introduced to ensure the continued movement of key species.
One of the most significant concerns was the seasonal migration of cisco, a fish of high cultural and ecological importance. Through joint monitoring efforts, the project team and Cree land users identified crucial spawning areas and migration pathways. Adaptive water management strategies were then applied to maintain suitable flow conditions, ensuring that cisco populations remain stable.
Ongoing collaborative monitoring continues to refine these approaches, often leading to timely interventions, such as adjustments to flow releases or habitat enhancement measures. Fish tagging studies have been conducted to assess passage effectiveness, enabling continuous improvements in fish migration management.
Habitat enhancement efforts have also included creating wetlands, installing nesting platforms for osprey, developing riparian habitats, and placing nesting boxes for waterfowl, all of which contribute to broader conservation goals.
The Eastmain-1 Development scored highly across all topics in its Hydropower Sustainability Standard assessment
A commitment to long-term biodiversity research and monitoring
The participation of Cree land users in biodiversity monitoring has been instrumental in identifying ecological changes that may not have come to light through conventional scientific methods.
Field studies are carried out in collaboration with Cree workers who bring generations of experience in observing wildlife patterns, habitat conditions, and shifts in ecosystem health. Their input helps to contextualise data collected through hydrological and ecological surveys, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of environmental trends.
The design of environmental studies has also been shaped by Cree involvement. Research priorities, such as the health of culturally significant species or the impacts of hydrological changes on traditional hunting and fishing grounds, are identified through consultation processes.
Long-term monitoring efforts focus on key species such as sturgeon, cisco, moose, caribou, beavers, and bird populations. These programs help track changes over time and inform adaptive management strategies.
Adaptive management through collaborative decision-making
A key strength of the Eastmain-1 Development’s biodiversity strategy is its adaptability. The project operates within a dynamic landscape where ecological conditions evolve over time, requiring continuous assessment and responsive management.
This flexibility is made possible through the joint review of environmental monitoring results, where Cree representatives and Hydro-Québec specialists work together to interpret findings and determine necessary actions.
For instance, modifications to fish passage structures have been made in response to monitoring data, ensuring they remain effective in facilitating migration. Similarly, concerns raised by Cree land users about water quality and sedimentation in the Rupert River have led to targeted mitigation measures.
This collaborative approach builds trust and ensures that biodiversity management strategies are not only evidence-based but also culturally appropriate.
A model for sustainable biodiversity management
The Eastmain-1 Development demonstrates how hydropower projects can achieve environmental excellence through genuine partnerships.
By integrating Cree knowledge, fostering co-management structures, and maintaining a commitment to adaptive management, the project showcases how sustainability principles can be effectively applied in practice.
As the global hydropower sector looks to upscale in supporting the delivery of net zero targets, projects like Eastmain-1 provide valuable insights into how energy generation can be balanced with ecosystem preservation and Indigenous leadership.
Take the next step in biodiversity management
If you are looking to expand your knowledge in this area, our online course on best practices in biodiversity management for hydropower projects offers essential insights and practical tools. This self-paced programme explores the biodiversity impacts of hydropower, guides participants in project screening and assessment, and introduces effective strategies for mitigating risks while aligning with international sustainability standards.
Find out more about the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
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