Since 2004, the Living Lakes Network (LLN) and the Global Nature Fund (GNF) have been committed to protecting endangered lakes and wetlands worldwide with the “Endangered Lake of the Year” campaign. This annual award aims to draw attention to the ecological challenges and threats faced by lakes and other wetlands worldwide. The campaign also aims to demand and promote measures to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems. With the newly established “UN Global Lake Day” on August 27, this campaign will be transformed into the “Lake of the Year” and moved from World Wetlands Day to Global Lakes Day.
Lakes and Wetlands in Danger
Since 2004, the “Threatened Lake of the Year” has been selected as part of the international LLN. The GNF coordinates the network with 115 organizations representing 112 lakes worldwide. The goal is to raise awareness among the international public, decision-makers, and local communities about the problems of the selected lakes and to initiate concrete protection measures. The “Threatened Lake of the Year” was presented each year on World Wetlands Day, February 2; national and international media reported on it.
Unfortunately, there has never been a shortage of endangered lakes and wetlands. Iconic lakes such as the Dead Sea, Lake Victoria, and Lake Titicaca, as well as emblematic wetlands such as the Pantanal and Mahakam Wetlands, were included. The world’s wetlands are more endangered than ever: destruction of shores and shallow water zones, overuse, climate change, and invasive species are the major threats. The International Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes that about 85% of wetlands have been destroyed in the last 300 years. The rate of loss has been increasing since 1970 with the development of countries in the global south. The designation as an endangered lake therefore not only highlights the problems but also emphasizes the importance of these lakes for local populations and biodiversity.
Successes and Challenges
In recent years, the “Threatened Lake of the Year” campaign has achieved significant successes. Targeted projects and international cooperation have led to improvements in water quality and protection efforts. One example is Lake Titicaca, which was named “Threatened Lake of the Year” in 2012 and again in 2023. Despite challenges from wastewater and pollution, progress has been made through collaboration with local partners and authorities.
To improve lake protection, the Global Nature Fund and partners in the Living Lakes Network are implementing a variety of measures and projects:
1. Biodiversity protection: Projects to preserve fish stocks, ensure adequate water supply to guarantee ecological functions, or control invasive non-native species contribute to biodiversity protection.
2. Habitat restoration: Mangroves, shallow water zones, and natural shores are valuable habitats are conserved and restored for countless animal and plant species.
3. Constructed wetlands: The construction of “green filter systems” in countries such as Latin America and Jordan ensures clean drinking water and healthier water ecosystems.
4. Waste reduction: Concrete measures to reduce plastic waste in and around water bodies reduce water pollution.
5. Implementation of management plans: Most “Living Lakes” are wetlands of international importance and are protected under the Ramsar Convention. Improving and implementing these management plans is an important task of the LLN.
6. Local involvement of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: Involving local people is crucial for long-term success. This includes educational programs, voluntary commitments by municipalities, and active citizen participation.
7. International cooperation: The Living Lakes Network promotes global knowledge exchange and initiates new projects to protect lakes.
The approach of the GNF and the Living Lakes Network is diverse and comprehensive to protect endangered lakes and restore their ecological health.
Future Perspectives
This year, the Global Nature Fund (GNF) will end its long-standing “Threatened Lake of the Year” campaign. With UN Resolution A/79/L.39 establishing a “World Lake Day” on August 27, starting in 2025, the initiators will name the “Lake of the Year” on World Lake Day. This new initiative aims to highlight positive examples of lake protection and sustainable use and to celebrate successes in water conservation. World Lake Day provides an ideal platform to draw public attention to the importance of healthy lakes and their ecosystems. The initiators aim to cooperate with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and hope for the support of other wetland organizations.
With the “Lake of the Year” award, inspiring stories and successful projects will be presented, showing how community engagement and innovative approaches can contribute to the conservation and restoration of lakes. This positive orientation aims not only to raise awareness of the challenges in water conservation but also to motivate people to actively engage in protecting our valuable water resources.
