ABSTRACT
As we approach the next millennium, it is an opportune time to reflect and examine what challenges lie ahead in terms of conservation and management of key natural resources such as freshwater. Management of freshwater has direct implications for wetland ecosystems. Already in the past few hundred years, untold damage has been done to wetland ecosystems. Although our perception of wetlands has changed from one of wastelands or dirty places to a recognition that they are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world (Maltby, 1986), much remains to be accomplished if we are to manage these vital resources in a manner which will benefit future generations. Worldwide, wetlands face an uncertain future. Human attitudes must change; new wetland management tools and practices must be set in place. These are major challenges for the next millennium. It remains to be seen whether we can meet these challenges.
