Conference on conservation of wetlands

With wetlands conservation gaining significance, the three-day symposium will have several sessions emphasising mainly on the latest trends in ecosystem conservation, restoration and management.

EWRG senior scientist Dr T V Ramachandra said Lake 2010 would focus on ‘Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change’ to commemorate the International Year of Biodiversity.

“The United Nations has declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. This provides a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on earth,” he said.

He said the symposium aims at bringing awareness among school students, teachers and public about wetlands conservation. “This also provides a forum for researchers, technologists, economists, sociologists and others to meet and discuss water-related issues,” he said.

Explaining the ill effects of climate change, Ramachandra said there was a growing evidence that biological diversity will be severely threatened by rapid climate change.

“Much of the hydrological changes will be reflected in changes in freshwater ecosystem, including wetlands. The biological impacts include dwindling of biodiversity, habitat damage and loss of spawning grounds of aquatic organisms, reduction in inland fisheries resources and loss of vegetation.”

He said the symposium will identify significant natural, recreational, economic, cultural, scenic resources and aquatic ecosystem values and potential threats to aquatic resources. It will recommend policies and actions that can be undertaken to restore, maintain or enhance aquatic resources.