November 11th, 10 hrs (GMT-6)
Discussions on lake systems, IWRM, ILBM, IILBM and wetland ecosystems all consider the multiple crises observed in the West Africa sub-region during past decades, including:
- Climate change, extreme events and disaster reduction (floods & droughts);
- Population growth;
- City expansions and unsustainable provision of drinking water and sanitation infrastructures;
- Ecosystem degradation and low population incomes, and
- Pollution, degradation of ecosystem services, etc.
These evolving conditions require research & scientific interventions, and consideration of societal realities and activities, to develop effective sustainable management options and solutions.
Objectives of these studies should be development of knowledge and initiation of research actions focused on preserving and developing integrated management of lake basins and other aquatic ecosystems.
Specific objectives:
- Describe situations, characteristics and dynamics of West African lake systems;
- Conduct analysis of water resources management policies, and compliance with laws and regulations;
- Develop areas of cooperation to adopt a common approach to relevant research regarding lake and wetland ecosystems and their watersheds.
Session Chair: Carlos Román Cordourier Real, University of Guanajuato