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Synopsis Lakes and coastal wetlands play a vital role in the global ecosystems. Their importance has been recognized in the maintenance of biodiversity, ecology, hydrology and recreation. They provide habitat for wide variety of flora and fauna and help maintain the life cycle of many species. Lakes and coastal wetlands all over the world are ideal places for human habitation, fisheries, industries, shipping and recreation. Habitat environment of lakes and coastal wetlands are deteriorating due to their exploitative use and improper management. As rapid development and population growth continue in coastal areas, environmental degradation and over-exploitation will further erode the biodiversity and undermine the productivity of these unique ecosystems. Lakes and coastal wetlands are transitional areas between dry terrestrial and permanent aquatic ecosystems and are recognized as highly productive. Their importance in socio-economic frontiers has been increasingly felt. These have been used as main source of water supply, food, fodder, fuel, fishery, aquaculture, timber production, transport, ecotourism, culture and heritage, research and educational values. They influence significantly the lifestyle and livelihood of the community, which lives in and around the lakes and wetlands. Over 200 rivers and lakes in the world are shared by two or more countries. This envisages their international importance.