Environmental Protection

Our commitment

Espace NAPAGA is an accredited museum institution whose mission is to protect, study, and interpret the Pabos archaeological site — designated as a heritage site (French only) by Québec’s Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (Ministry of Culture and Communications) for its historical, ethnological, and archaeological value. Its goal is to highlight the site’s significance in the history of Québec and of the region.

Visitors will discover an exceptional natural setting whose heritage and ecological value must be preserved. This fragile environment holds remarkable archaeological and historical potential that could be damaged or lost through inappropriate actions or behaviour.

Thus, the Corporation du Bourg de Pabos implements environmental protection and sustainable development measures to fulfill its mission. Indeed, sustainable development is an integral part of the organization’s mandate. For reference, the Corporation adheres to the definition of sustainable development provided by theMinistère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques du Québec (Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks):

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is based on a long-term vision that considers the environmental, social, and economic dimensions, which are inseparable from development activities.”

Protecting the cultural heritage of the Pabos archaeological site

Showcasing the archaeological site without compromising its preservation and ensuring fair access for both present and future generations is therefore essential.

Protecting the integrity of the archaeological resource also requires preserving the site’s natural environment. At the same time, the Corporation is committed to raising awareness among all stakeholders of the museum about the importance of safeguarding this heritage.

Key measures

  1. For each new activity or service, the Corporation applies the rules and principles set out in the Management Plan for the Archaeological Resource of the Pabos Archaeological Site. This plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it incorporates the latest best practices.
  2. Protect overall biodiversity and rare or threatened species on the site by enforcing regulations against prohibited practices such as duck hunting, mushroom picking, tree cutting, fires, unauthorized gatherings, and illegal dumping (waste).
  3. Share the Code of Conduct and Visitor Commitment both on-site and online.
  4. Establish a Protection Fund for the Pabos Archaeological Site, financed through a mandatory contribution included in the price of each adult ticket.

Minimizing the environmental impact of activities on the archaeological site

Operating Espace NAPAGA on an archaeological site requires suitable, well-maintained infrastructure. Guided by sustainable development principles, the Corporation is committed to actions that reduce the environmental impact of its current and future operations.

Key measures

  1. Improve the energy efficiency of buildings and equipment during repairs or refurbishment, and make sustainable, thoughtful choices when replacing or acquiring items that cannot be repaired.
  2. Promote responsible sourcing in all operations.
    • On-site and in exhibition management, encourage the reuse of materials and optimize the use of existing spaces to meet new needs.
    • For products and technical tools, prioritize items with recognized environmental certifications (Energy Star, EcoLogo, FSC, etc.), long lifespans, and those produced in Québec or Canada.
    • Maintain a supply of local food, ideally organic or sourced from certified sustainable fisheries, to offer food options with a lower environmental impact.

Environmentally responsible waste management

Human presence inevitably produces waste. Espace NAPAGA is committed to responsible waste management and raising awareness among all stakeholders.

Key measures

  1. Require contractors to sort construction waste generated by their activities for easier reuse, recycling, or recovery.
  2. Identify multi-material recycling stations on-site and consider adding more as needed.
  3. Raise awareness and encourage visitors to sort their waste properly.
  4. Maintain four-stream sorting at the bistro.

A shared responsibility 

The Corporation du Bourg de Pabos’ management and board of directors ensure that these values and practices are implemented daily with a long-term vision. 

Espace NAPAGA staff embody these values and practices in their work and interactions with visitors and suppliers. 

Visitors to Espace NAPAGA commit to respecting sustainable development principles, the archaeological site’s environment, and the Espace NAPAGA Code of Conduct.