Scope
Lake 2022 Symposium focussing on Conservation of Wetlands: Ecosystem-based Adaptation of Climate Change (during 28-30th December 2022) provides a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the role of ecosystems in sustaining the food and water with the challenges faced by these fragile ecosystems. The forum would demonstrate the vital role of ecosystems for the future of humanity and specifically their relevance towards achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals. Lake 2022 conference: Lake 2022 forum would deliberate on nature based solutions through protection, restoration, and sustainably managing ecosystems in ways that increase their resiliency and ability to address those societal challenges, while also safeguarding biodiversity and improving human wellbeing. Lake 2022 participants include all stakeholders (Researchers: 30%, School students and teachers: 20%, college and university students: 20%, NGO’s, community representatives: 20%, government officials (local, state and centre): 10% Lake 2022 would focus not only on updating the current knowledge of the scientific community but also would bring in awareness among students, teachers, practitioners and the public. This would provide a platform for interaction among researchers, policymakers, academics and NGOs and address the issues related to wetlands and biodiversity in an era of climate change. This would help develop a stronger network among experts and institutions to develop efficient strategies for conserving and managing fragile ecosystems. As a part of the conference, it has been decided to have theme-based lead lectures by eminent scholars, paper and poster presentations by researchers, school and college students.

Objectives
Focus of Lake 2022 would be (i) assessment of the present status and conservation aspects of ecosystems (terrestrial, aquatic - wetlands, lakes, tanks, ponds, swamps, streams and rivers), (ii) presentation by researchers, practitioners, students of case studies focusing on biodiversity, ecology, present status, threats, conservation measures required, (iii) discussion of current initiatives of conservation and management, (iv) role of education institutions, non-governmental organisations, religious organisations, (v) discussion of people’s livelihood and fundamental right towards equitable resource allocation through scientific assessment of ecosystem goods and services, (vi) presentation by students (schools and colleges) based on documentation focusing on wetlands – biodiversity, present status, ecology, conservation and protection needs, (vii) allocation of financial and human resources to conserve and protect ecologically fragile ecosystems, (viii) proposals by students and non-governmental organisations for conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, (ix) discussion on research gaps and activities to be initiated by researchers to evolve appropriate strategies towards conservation of ecosystems in Western Ghats, (x) application of advanced technologies – big data, artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning techniques for monitoring and sustainable management of ecosystems, (xi) developing SDSS – spatial decision support system for planning and management of ecosystems, and (xii) developing strategies for conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems in Western Ghats to sustain water, food and human livelihood.