NANCHANG, Nov. 23(Xinhuanet)-- China loses an average of 20 natural lakes every year due to improper human activity, said experts attending China's first symposium on the sustainable development of inland lakes here Wednesday.

Chen Bangzhu, director of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference's population, resource and environment commission, said the ecological environment of the majority of China's inland lakes has deteriorated to varying extent because ofhuman activity.

China has lost more than 1,000 lakes in the past half century.

The official acknowledged the reducing lakes acreage weakens their floodwater storing and controlling capacities, increasing the danger of floods.

Additionally, in west China, the deterioration of lake systems dries the local climate and cuts down the wetland coverage. The salt content of lake water, at the same time, is also growing, the expert said.

Chen said the shrinking and dying out of natural lakes restricts the development of surrounding areas.

He called for society as a whole to raise the awareness for the protection of inland lakes. Enditem