OTSU, Japan Scientists from 12 nations today formed an international environment council to stop further pollution of vital fresh water sources,
‘Symbolically, the 13-member International Lake Environment Committee was founded at a research institute in south central ‘Japan on the shores of Lake Biwa the country’s largest and most polluted fresh-water lake,
Despite a heightened awareness of the threat in recent years, the scientists said acid rain, industrial contaminants, improper farming ‘and poor management of watersheds still endanger thousands of lakes in developed and Third World nations.
Lakes are the chief source of fresh water for much of the world’s population, along with providing fisheries, power and water for industry and for recreation,
“We must act now,” said Heinz. Loffler, an Austrian water quality expert who heads global lake science association. “It is essential a major effort be made,”
‘The committee, formed under United Nations auspices, will act as a data clearing house, training authority and advisory panel for national and local governments, the organizers said, Its budget was not immediately disclosed but initial funding will come from U.N. and Japanese government agencies.
Among its start-up projects are a catalog of 250 “large lakes” and 100 others deemed priorities, and arranging month-long seminars in China, India, Africa and South ‘America on lake pollution.
- Wetzel, a botany professor from Michigan State University and one of two Americans on the panel, said a pressing task will be to convince governments of the urgency and move from in adequate separate efforts to a comprehensive approach,
“Water is undervalued in people’s minds,” he said, “That leads to waste. And it is much more expensive to repair the damage after it has occurred.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 28, 1986
