Guidelines to sustainable planning and restoration of lakes

Abstract

A lake is an important feature of landscape; it is as important to the ecosystem as to the people who live around them. However, a large number of lakes recently have been lost due to human activities and what remains is at risk of degradation. A lot of countries around the world have many lakes that are not only suffering from pollution problems but also suffer from heavy encroachment from industrial, urban and agricultural development. There are many phases and ways to solve the problem; first to stop abuse, then restoration and finally, monitoring and maintenance. The main aim of the paper is to develop a means of restoring valuable lakes using sustainable urban planning guidelines and green infrastructure strategies. Green infrastructure refers to natural and engineered systems that act as a living infrastructure; it integrates natural vegetation and soils into the community's fabric through a variety of techniques, approaches, technologies and practices. The importance of green infrastructure goes beyond restoration of lakes and their buffer, and extends to social, economic and environmental integrity. Research methodology includes literature review and analytical example. Research is expected to conclude in the guidelines of lakes restoration and urban planning strategies. © 2013 WIT Press.