Probe International - Opposition groups continue to fight Canadian involvement in Belize dam

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Groups opposed proposed Chalillo dam Belize continue campaign against hydropower project, which is built Fortis Newfoundland.

Probe International, non-governmental organization based in Toronto campaigns vigorously against large dam projects in developing countries have Canadian engineering backing, has Belize dam top their list. The organization has criticized dam on technical, economic and environmental grounds. A Belize court has ruled that the project located Macal River Valley can go ahead, but Belize Alliance Conservation Non-Governmental Organizations (Bacongo) appealing decision the British Privy Council, final court appeal Belize.

In March, packed forum on proposed project held at the Munk Centre International Studies University of Toronto. key presenter high-profile U.S. environmental lawyer Robert J. Kennedy, Jr., senior attorney Natural Resources Defence Council.

The opponents say 35-metre high dam will flood 1,000 hectares one last pristine rainforest areas Central America. Macal River valley home endangered species tapirs, jaguars, howler monkeys scarlet macaws. contains archaeological sites. critics say 7.3 megawatts capacity output projected proposed dam not enough worth sacrificing pristine area. They say produced power will above-market prices. Instead advocate finding alternative power sources, such using bagasse, sourced from local sugar cane, fuel. Fortis acquired 95% interest in Belize Electric Company 2001 sell its power under 50-year agreement. owns operates 25 MW Mollejon hydroelectric facility downstream new dam on Macal River, some say wants Challilo dam boost production Mollejon.

According report Britain's Independent newspaper, Hollywood stars Cameron Diaz Harrison Ford have been enlisted oppose dam.