Developers of the $8 million eco-tourism resort at Daniel's Head say they want to work with conservation groups to ensure there is no environmental damage at the site.

Destination Villages, which aims to build 125 "tents'' at the former Canadian nvaval base, says it will listen to all concerns over the development and work to ensure the site does not harm the fragile marine life.

Architect John Gardner -- who is the local agent for the company -- was speaking after the National Trust, along with other conservationists, expressed concerns over the exact details of the resort.

He said the fears of the environmental groups were important to the firm, which plans to build wooden-framed canvas-roofed units -- with a host of "green'' features -- some of which will be on stilts in the water.

"We have sympathy with the various environmental groups and are working hard to make something that is financially viable within its own merits,'' he said.

Both the Bermuda National Trust and Ian MacDonald-Smith of Save Open Spaces fear there could be physical and visual damage to the area if the development is allowed to go ahead unchallenged.

They want to see an independent environmental impact assessment into the project and would like to see detailed plans of exactly what is intended for the area.

The siting of eco-tourism tents in the water raises particular concerns of possible damage to the marine environment, including rare seagrass beds, green turtle habitats and Longtail nesting areas.

The plans were recently modified to take into account the seagrass beds, but the National Trust still has concerns over the visual impact the tents would have.

In addition they and marine scientists believe siting the tents below the high water mark could set a dangerous precedent. And they are all united in the belief that there are too many units, clustered too close together.

One marine biologist said: "What they are planning is foreshore encroachment.

Putting things over the water, that's where the issue is.

"Any major development must have an independent environmental impact assessment that should be vetted by an independent body.'' National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge said the Trust was mindful that changes had already been made to the plans but still felt there were valid concerns.

"We are in favour of eco-tourism and hope that we could work together,'' she said. "But we are concerned about the environment and want to do the right thing.'' Ian MacDonald-Smith, a trustee of Save Open Spaces, said the whole plan should never have been entertained in the first place.

He said Bermuda could not sell its ecology to tourists until the Government started to do something to protect it.

Rather than create a resort at Daniel's Head, he said it would be better to have a community-based project and open up the area to the whole Island.

"I think the Government has been very short-sighted. They want to develop it, not conserve it,'' he said.

And he criticised the planning process, which was "not geared to protecting the environment but was set up for developers''.

John Gardner said the project was unique and many aspects were different from anything Bermuda had seen before.

The design was constantly being modified with a view to having support from all interested parties, he said.

An environmental impact assessment was being completed in conjunction with conservation specialists, he said.