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Vital African Lakes Diminishing, UN Says
November 14, 2005 -- The launch of the Atlas of African Lakes, published by the
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), exposes the rapid diminishment of
lakes that serve as lifelines to
millions of Africans. The study compares satellite images of the
lakes over several decades and reveals clear decline in the size of African
lakes. Currently, the 677 African lakes included in the study hold the greatest
stored volume of water of any continent. “Lakes are the lifeblood of millions
and millions of Africans” says Nick Nuttal of UNEP, emphasizing the importance
of the water supply for food and employment.
Both natural and human factors contributed to the decrease in the lakes’ water
volume. Salt production has caused the reduction in the size of Ghana’s Lake
Songor, while considerable deforestation is the main culprit of Kenya’s Lake Nakuru. Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, also shows marked
decline, falling a full meter (over three feet) since the early 1990s.
Stressing the preservation and restoration of these lakes, UNEP Executive
Director Klaus Toepfer stated, “I hope that the images will ring a warning
around the world, that if we are to overcome poverty and meet internationally
agreed development goals by 2015, the sustainable management of Africa’s lakes
must be part of the equation. Otherwise we face increasing tensions and
instability as rising populations compete for life’s most precious of precious
resources.” In order to meet the Millennium Development Goals, the economic
lifelines of African communities must be protected, including the conservation
of the lakes. “We are not going to meet the Millennium Development Goals on
water or health unless we protect Africa’s lakes,” Nuttal cautioned.
Updated November 14, 2005
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