Taal 2007 - World Lake Conference

Nov 01: Conserving lakes and wetlands for future

The Twelfth World Lake Conference, 'Taal 2007' is presently taking place in the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur. President Smt. Pratibha Devi Singh Patil graced the occasion attending the inauguration ceremony that was held on Monday. The conference in its 12 th instance aims to enhance its work towards conservation of water bodies and wetlands by addressing in an international forum.

The five-day long conference (Oct 28 – Nov 02) has been successful in discussing various issues on the development of lake eco-system so far. Delegates from almost 60 developing and developed countries are on the desk to discuss all in terms of management of lake eco-system.

Conservation and sustainability of water bodies and wetlands is the main theme of the conference. This also provides a big platform to scientists, ecologists, environmental researchers and government policy makers to address various issues on bio-diversity, and the effect of changing hydrological cycle on the entire ecosystem.

Countries participating on this unique stage are also trying to frame out various lake conservation programmes keeping an eye on bio-diversity, lake eco-system and also the socio-economic cultural aspect associated with it.

This global conference is organised under the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) Foundation and this time the event has been organized in association with the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. This is also the first time that the conference is being held in South Asia.

On the third day of the conference, representatives of various Indian states pointed out the need of the formation of lake development authorities at state level. The ministry also feels the need of a State Level Lake Development Authority that can monitor the implementation of various projects. Primarily two programmes have been identified as the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) and National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWLCP) which will first identify wetlands in different parts of the country and then provide financial assistance for conservation programmes.

Apart from the scientific point of views, the conference will also focus on issues of socio-economic importance with a proper conservation and management of lakes. As lake or any other wetland provides alternative livelihood to people especially the traditional communities, it is important to develop community participation in conservation. Lake eco-system can be further developed as eco-tourism, health and other recreational activities as in case of the Chilka Lake of Orissa, Dal Lake in Kashmir and others which later developed as tourist sites.

The conference aims at covering all aspects of the conservation of lakes and wetlands by spreading awareness and bringing both government and people in the forum. Such forums also make governments aware of the need to set up legal and regulatory frameworks for a better management of lake eco-system.