Nikos Mavris, head of the Greek environmental group Friends of Rivers, said that the diversion of flows by hydroelectric dams had ruined the Inakhos River in Argolida Prefecture for whitewater kayaking, but that this wasn't a unique problem. Flora, fauna, and water levels in 40 of the country's rivers are in danger because waters are diverted or pumped out by power plants. While hydroelectric power is a green form of energy, said Mavris, the construction of such dams and the accompanying roads destroys as much of the environment as it preserves. Friends of Rivers is petitioning the Ministry of the Environment, Planning, and Public Works (IPEKHODE) to protect rivers in Argolida, Ilia, Akhaia, and Evrytania prefectures by banning any further hydroelectric development along them.