10^th Living Lakes Conference, Philippines

 

"Sustainable development of densely populated lake regions" was the title of the 10th Living Lakes conference, which took place from 15 to 19 May 2005 in the Philippines. The venue of the conference was located close to the most fascinating crater lakes, Taal volcano.

The conference reader containing the abstracts of the speakers of the 10th Living Lakes Conference is available for download in pdf-format:

The Taal Lake is situated on the main island of the Philippines, Luzon, not far from the largest lake of the Philippines, Laguna de Bay. Accounting for about 949 sq. km, Laguna de Bay is connected with Manila Bay by the Pasig river. Both lakes represent vital habitats for a diverse wildlife, among which some rare and endangered species such as the Philippine Eagle Owl and the cockatoo as well as the worldwide smallest monkey, the Philippines Tarsier. Conference participants were introduced to this exotic and unique natural and cultural treasures during two guided fieldstrips.

 

Lakes are due to the possibilities for transportation and source of water and food provision favourite settlement areas. Simultaneously they are, for the same reason fragile and endangered ecosystems. Can humans be held responsible for the destruction of such habitats?

Such questions and the results of effective environmental conservation in densely populated areas were main focus of the conference. The invited experts and members of the Living Lakes Network elucidated and discussed the topics of concern using example studies. Nutrient enrichment, pollution and settlement planning  - the complex uses of land and water resources requires adequate solutions.

The conference addressed institutions and organisations, which are engaged in the conservation of lakes and development of lake regions. Stakeholders are communal and businesses representatives as much as the public audience.

The 10th Living Lakes Conference was organized by the GNF and three Philippines partner organisations (Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Unilever Philippines). Amy Morado Lecciones, Director of the Society of Conservation of Philippines Wetlands, emphasized in the Philippines newspaper "Philippines Daily Inquirer", the significance such a visit of numerous international guests from over 30 countries has for the conservation and environmental protection within the insular state.

Supported by the Bundesamt für Naturschutz (German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation) through funds granted by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.