They create jobs by putting more Americans back to work in tourism and recreation.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on America's Great Outdoors Initiative

Lakes and reservoirs provide a range of resource values, including drinking water, irrigation water, navigation, fisheries, tourism, recreation, flood and drought management, climate mediation, as well as having religious and historic values.

UNESCO: Summary

The main economic activities of this area are agriculture, tourism, weekend recreation, and sustainable forestry and fishing.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

The designations were made with bi-partisan support from congressional, state and local officials, local businesses and other stakeholders and are expected to promote economic growth in the local communities through tourism and outdoor recreation.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Designates Five New National Monuments

He was then Head of Sport and Recreation Division in DCMS from July 1999 to April 2003 followed by Head of Tourism Division April 2003 to September 2004.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO :: UK National Commission for UNESCO announces new Secretary-General