H. Stanley Marshall, President and CEO
Fortis Inc.
PO Box 8837
Suite 1201, Fortis Building
139 Water Street
St. John's NF A1B 3T2
CANADA

RE: Planned Fortis hydroelectric dam in Belize

Dear Mr. Marshall,

As you know, Fortis and the Belizean government are moving ahead with plans to build a hydroelectric dam that would flood 22 miles of the Macal River Valley, destroying more than 2,000 acres of crucial habitat -- while raising Belizean energy bills. Fortis pressured a Belizean government advisory committee into illegally rushing through a conditional approval of its $30-million plan for the dam, without public hearings and despite your company's own findings that the dam would cause a decline in the region's biodiversity and threaten an international wildlife corridor. Now, also illegally, Fortis has begun work on the dam site.

Nestled in Belize's Chiquibul Forest Reserve and National Park, the tropical rainforest valley of the Macal River stands as one of the most significant wildlife habitats in Central America -- a fertile floodplain teeming with Morelet's crocodiles, tapirs, jaguars, and a rare subspecies of scarlet macaw. Without this wild place, many of these species could become extinct.

Mr. Marshall, do not destroy the Macal River Valley, one of this planet's last remaining biological gems! On Canadian national radio, you have said that you would not move forward with the Chalillo dam project in Belize if it would cause "untoward" environmental harm. Your own studies now show that the dam threatens one of the most important natural areas in Central America -- habitat for dozens of rare and endangered species.

You now say that the decision is in the hands of the Belizean government, yet it is your company that stands to profit. It is possible for Fortis to make a profit and provide for Belize's energy future without building the dam, and without wiping out an important part of Belize's cultural and natural heritage. Take responsibility for your decisions, Mr. Marshall, and cancel the Chalillo dam now.