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Acknowledging the importance of lakes & wetlands for domestic, agricultural and recreational uses and for improving habitats for conserving biodiversity,
Considering the critical contribution of lakes & wetlands in providing host of ecosystem goods & services,
Stressing the wise use of lakes & wetlands in terms of their values & functions including those of social, cultural and spiritual significance,
Expressing concern over the rapid deterioration of lakes & wetlands from developmental and anthropogenic pressures,
Taking note of the potential impacts of climate change on lakes & wetlands,
Noting that lakes and wetlands provide wide range of goods & services to human kind and that their economic value is not well-documented or understood,
Having discussed at length the state of science and available technologies, sharing experiences and practices for managing lakes & wetlands,
Appreciating the significant role of lake drainage basins in influencing the quantity and quality of water in lakes & wetlands and their ecological health, and taking note of the emerging concept of Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM), and
Realising the urgency of actions needed at national, regional and global level to prevent the degradation of lakes & wetlands;
the 12 th World Lake Conference organized by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India at Jaipur during 29 th October to 2 nd November 2007, calls upon the governments and international organisations that:
- Appropriate research methods be applied and data banks be established to facilitate execution of Management Action Plans,
- Standards be developed for physical, chemical and biological parameters for lakes and wetlands,
- Guidelines/protocols be developed on priority to control invasive aquatic species,
- Innovative low-cost eco-friendly technologies be developed for enhancing the process of restoration of lakes & wetlands,
- Active participation of all stakeholders including women and youth in local communities be encouraged through awareness programs for the conservation and wise use of water bodies, and traditional knowledge be blended with latest techniques for better results,
- Rational public private partnerships be promoted in conserving lakes & wetlands and maintaining their ecological services,
- Scientific studies be undertaken on priority and strategies for adaptation be developed to meet the challenges of climate change. Possibilities of linking Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects with lake sustainability be explored,
- Strong institutional and financial mechanisms be developed for regional and international cooperation in management and restoration of lakes & wetlands,
- An Asian Centre of Excellence be established with international assistance for promoting research, training & education, and development of appropriate technologies for sustainable management and restoration of lakes and wetlands,
- Restoration and management of lakes & wetlands be promoted through twining arrangements with international support.
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