Hydropower policy in Ecuador: an analysis from environmental perspective and recommendations for future policymaking

Renewable energies are vital to tackle climate change and reduce environmental issues. In this sense, hydropower plays a key role. Broadly speaking, hydropower is perceived as a climate ally and considered environmentally sustainable. However, its development is still controversial due to the well-known environmental and ecological impacts that put its environmental sustainability in question. In this sense, this study aims to analyse and discuss hydropower development and policy in Ecuador from an environmental perspective. The analysis addresses the research question of to what extent the business-as-usual hydropower policy is compatible and consistent with national environmental sustainability and Buen Vivir (Good Living) goals. For such purpose, the analysis is conducted by applying a proposed conceptual framework composed of critical elements such as Buen Vivir principles, rights of nature and the evidence on the environmental sustainability of hydropower. The analysis highlights the main environmental drawbacks of the BAU-HP policy and finds that the current development and policy of hydropower is ultimately detrimental to achieving national environmental sustainability and Buen Vivir. Moreover, it easily infringes the Rights of Nature and conflicts with the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Following the findings, several environmental sustainability-oriented recommendations are suggested for future hydropower policymaking.