14th Biennial Lake Conference

The 14th Biennial Lake Conference, held in Moodbidri from October 17-20, 2024, focused on the theme "Wetlands for Human Wellbeing." Organised by the Indian Institute of Science and Alva’s Education Foundation, it urged the government to notify ecologically sensitive panchayats and recommended stronger oversight of Biodiversity Management Committees. The conference proposed a Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) metric and emphasized the need for a natural capital accounting framework. It also advocated a hydro-centric development approach and the formation of Western Ghats Task Forces. Immediate government action was called for to protect ecosystems and enhance human wellbeing.