The following issues were addressed during the Conference: 

• scientific grounds of evaluation and preservation of river and lake biodiversity, environmental monitoring of water bodies.

• Biodiversity of lakes and rivers: evaluation and preservation

• Effects of hydraulic structures and subsurface uses on aquatic ecosystems and strategic aspects of operation of hydraulic structures in river basins. 

• Lessons learnt from implementation of basin approach in various regions all over the world (Aral Sea basin in Central Asia, Mekong River basin in South-East Asia, Great American lakes and the St. Lawrence River in North America)

• Potentials of the strategic environmental assessment for sustainable development and international dialogue on water use in the Baikal-Angara-Yenisei basin, Amur and Ob River basins, and the Volga River. 

• Initiatives of local people, municipal authorities and community-based organizations on river and land protection, ecotourism, environmental education and awareness.