Bhubaneswar, Feb. 6: Experts working on lake conservation from across the country today called for an integrated basin governance practice for better upkeep of wetland ecosystems.

Earlier, the lake management experts mainly comprised biologists, ecologists and environment specialists. But with development processes involving many stakeholders, there is a need for anthropologists, livelihood experts, geographers, geologists, space application scientists and even marketing managers.

Attending the concluding day of the first national Integrated Lake Basin Management workshop here today, the experts called for immediate action on ecologically sensitive wetlands so as to study global warming and climate change.

The ILBM framework has been developed by the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) Foundation, Japan. It is now considered a good tool for holistic management of wetlands, globally.

ILEC chairperson Masahisa Nakamura told The Telegraph: “While undertaking various development processes, it is mandatory to listen to the local people. Planners must try to fulfil their wants. I do not know all local conditions in India, but in Pune and Udaipur, we held consultations and tried to include all the pillars of governance in lake management practices.”

Additional chief executive, Chilika Development Authority, G. Rajesh said: “We are concerned about the eco-sensitivity of wetlands. The Wetland Authority proposed by the Odisha government will take up development of several wetlands in the city for which a survey has already begun.”