| STATEMENT Adopted at the International Workshop on the Wise Use of Lagoon Wetlands held on 23-25 July, 2003, in Kushiro, Japan |
| @Lagoon wetlands are formed where seawater and fresh water meet each other.
These wetlands perform extremely important functions, especially for maintaining
biodiversity and for biological production including many marine fish species.
We were able to profoundly recognize their importance through this international
workshop. To achieve the wise use of lagoon wetland systems and to assure their abundant natural resources benefits, the conservation and restoration of these natural areas has become a vital issue to be addressed. People involved with fisheries, local residents, researchers and governmental and non-governmental organizations should make a united effort to work toward the wise use of lagoon systems. All of the participants in the Workshop have strong expectations for ghealthy lagoon wetlandsh for both people and nature and therefore urge continuing endeavors to this end. |