The situation is exacerbated by rapid population growth and urbanization in developing countries.
New challenges call for a new approach.
It provided a systematic framework to Governments as a basis for developing a comprehensive action programme for attempting to address problems that affect the global and local environment. Chapter 18 of Agenda 21 focuses on freshwater resources, providing useful and challenging directions for priorities to be addressed. It also outlines specific actions and strategies for those responsible for sustainable management and use of freshwater resources. This article considers the actions taken by regional areas to achieve the aims of chapter 18 as well as constraints faced by these areas. Lake Toba, Indonesia, and Lake Champlain, United States Lisa Borre, Monitor International, Annapolis, MD, USA Midian Sirait, Lake Toba Heritage Foundation, Jakarta, Indonesia During 1996-98, the Lake Toba Heritage Foundation and the Lake Champlain Basin Program formed a Sister Lakes partnership.