THE Japanese government is planning a new large-scale dam on Japan's third- largest river, the Yoshino. A grassroots citizens' group, the Yoshino River Symposium of Tokushima City, has appealed for one million letters to be sent to the ministry of construction, asking it to halt its plans to build the dam. The symposium warns that the newly-approved dam will be an ecological disaster. It argues that the new dam will replace a nearly 250-year-old stone weir that has stood the test of time.

The weir attests to the farsightedness and ingenuity of riverside residents in past ages. It is a simple and effective structure that has become a part of the river Is ecosystem, working with nature while fulfilling its function for the benefit of people. It epitomises the concept of sustainable development. The dam will destroy-the rivermouth wetlands and are a crucial stopover for migratory birds that use them on their journeys.