Pokhara Lake Conference comes to a close with a five-point declaration

POKHARA, May 08: A five-point proclamation that includes a pledge to strive for the sustainable development of nine lakes in the Pokhara Valley has been released following the three-day Lake Conference. According to Dr. Kalpana Devi, the authority's chief executive officer, the conference was held by the Lake Conservation and Development Authority in the Gandaki Province and brought together a variety of experts, researchers, government policymakers, lake management committee members, and community members to share knowledge and viewpoints on the various facets of lake preservation and promotion in the valley.

 

Around 20 presentations on policies and conditions related to management of lakes, the goals, challenges and success stories from the lake managers made amidst researchers, representatives of government and non-government organizations, lawyers, journalists and students.

The declaration points out the high natural value of lakes, the large number of flora and fauna and the importance of ecological services, the importance of the lake for the economy and the livelihood of Pokhara and its residents, the decline in the ecological condition of the lake. In addition, it is mentioned in the declaration that there is a need for close cooperation between the local community, government officials and technical experts to maintain the ecological condition while meeting the economic needs of the local community.

A seven-member working group has also been formed to prepare the draft for the operation of the Pokhara Lake Forum under the coordination of Purna Kunwar. At the closing ceremony of the conference, Dean of the Institute of Forestry, Professor Bir Bahadur Khanal, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Environment, Bishal Ghimire, Vice President of the Lake Authority, Navraj Ojha, expressed their commitment to implement the recommendations of the conference.