Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 25 to 29. Fill in the appropriate word in question 26

These days in business, people have to face many challenging questions when designing and implementing new projects in undeveloped areas of the countryside. One issue which has to be faced is whether it is possible to introduce new technology without destroying the local environment. Economic (25) ______ and environmental conservation are often seen as natural enemies. It is unfortunate that in the past this has often been true, and it has been necessary to choose between (26) ________ the project or protecting the environment. However, by taking environmental considerations (27) ______ at an early stage in a project, companies can significantly reduce any impact on local plants and animals. For example, in southern Africa, a company called CEL was asked to put up 410 km of a power transmission line without disturbing the rare birds which inhabit that area. The project was carried out with (28) _____ disturbance last summer. What may surprise many business people is the fact that this consideration for local wildlife did not in any way slow down the project. Indeed, the necessary advance planning combined with local knowledge and advanced technology, (29) ______ that the project was actually completed ahead of schedule. CEL was contracted to finish the job by October and managed to do so two months earlier.