Looking in the Mirror: How Societies Learn from Their Dependence on Large Lakes

摘要: Abstract Lakes provide goods and services facilitate economic development. However, prosperous riparian communities impact the lakes that catalyzed their This paper argues state of a lake mirrors community which depends upon it. The reviews cases Lake Victoria in East Africa, Chapala Mexico Eastern Scheldt estuary Netherlands by considering direct human impacts (water withdrawals, changed inflows outflows, pollution, introduction new species, etc.) indirect caused processes global change extreme events. Three factors have assisted societies to balance benefits from with (negative) impacts. first factor is sound valuation considers not only use values but also non-use values. second relates regional cooperation involvement political units administrative authorities. third knowledge infrastructure scientific research on policy analysis implementation. Strong resource institutional learning capacity are needed ecological interests find sustainable development paths. An informed public vital long term viability lakes, part because academic training require strong sustained societal support.