Probe International - Historic challenge to proposed dam in Belize

Historic Challenge Before Privy Council To Proposed Dam Belize
(3rd 4th December 2003)

The latest round three-year battle over plans build dam on Upper Macal River Belize will come London early December when Privy Council hears challenge Belizean environmentalists their government’s environmental approval project. first environmental case long history Privy Council, which still serves final court appeal number commonwealth countries

The upper Macal River Valley one largest undisturbed wilderness areas left Central America. home an extraordinary array rare endangered species, including jaguars, tapirs, last 200 scarlet macaws left country. Leading biologists London’s Natural History Museum who have studied area said proposed dam would irreversibly damage biological gem urged other options considered ahead building planned.

BECOL, Belizean subsidiary Fortis, Canadian multinational corporation, plans build dam sell power Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), sole Belizean utility owned Fortis. January 2002, BACONGO, coalition environmental groups Belize, initiated legal action January 2002 overturn environmental impact assessment project. assessment, carried out AMEC, giant worldwide consulting firm headquartered London, has been harshly criticised scientific, technical economic experts.

BACONGO claims that:

Government Belize entered into deal behind closed doors with Fortis could drive up costs power Belizeans who already pay twice much electricity their neighbours;
AMEC misidentified rock dam site “granite” – an error raises serious, unresolved issues regarding safety economics dam
AMEC has not done adequate hydrological studies Macal River, which even height wet season autumn only flowing through four small pipes.

BACONGO has support Friends Earth (England, Wales Northern Ireland) WWF-UK, Canadian American environmental organizations leading scientists prominent people, including Cameron Diaz, Harrison Ford Bobby Kennedy, Jr.

Background

Geology Report

For information about interview opportunities, photographs, film footage further information please contact Simon Forrester, simon@fcom.demon.co.uk.

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