Probe International - Green groups lose Belize dam battle approval

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A coalition environmental groups yesterday lost latest round their legal battle halt building dam one of the most fragile habitats Central America.

The Privy Council, sitting London, ruled majority three two against Belize Alliance Conservation Non-Governmental Organisations (Bacongo), which raised concerns about potential dangers posed structure.

Bacongo says 50-metre high Chalillo dam planned Macal river valley Belize will destroy tract unspoilt rainforest, home more than dozen endangered species.

They argue project, which involves flooding three half square miles rainforest, would threaten communities living downstream produce too little electricity worthwhile. But coalition vowed fight on, taking comfort judgments two dissenting law lords, Lord Steyn Lord Walker.

Tony Garel, chairman Bacongo, said: "This setback, but won't stop until get truth. Privy Council highly critical Belizean government. "In January 2002, coalition began legal action overturn environmental impact assessment project.

Becol, Belizean subsidiary Canadian power company Fortis, plans to build dam sell power Belize Electricity Limited, owned Fortis sole Belizean utility.

Supporters scheme say most economic option, would ease reliance on Mexican energy well providing cheap electricity.