THE Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) says any hydropower developments must take into consideration the impact it would have on the eco-system.
In an interview with this newspaper on the Wainisavulevu Weir issue, Secretary General Francois Martel said renewable energy had to be sustainable, but environmentally friendly as well.
“Hydro is important, it provides a large proportion of energy, but there are other possible options for renewable energy, like biomass which Fiji is doing, solar, wind and as technology evolved, there will be more possible alternatives, so that we don’t have to dam large area of forest just so that we can produce electricity,” Mr Martel said.
“As long as the environment impact assessments are done properly and that the species and eco-systems are protected in the process, in general it is best to have a balanced approach,” he said.
Read more details on this important issue in today’s edition of The Fiji Times and in our E-Edition as we continue to follow up on the environmental devastation in the area in question.
