When we think about the natural world, we often think about forests, trees, mountains, and wildlife. But there is another beautiful and important part of Mother Nature that deserves our attention: lakes.

Every year on 27 August, World Lake Day gives us a chance to learn about lakes, appreciate their beauty, and understand why protecting them is so important. The United Nations officially established World Lake Day to raise awareness about the importance of lakes and to encourage their preservation, restoration, and sustainable management.

So, we may wonder, why are lakes important? What role do they play?

Lakes may look peaceful on the surface, but they are full of life and perform many important functions. They provide water for us as people, for agriculture, and for other human activities. They are also homes for fish, birds, insects, plants, amphibians, and many other species. Additionally, healthy lakes support complex food webs and provide habitats for wildlife.

Of course, lakes are also important for local communities. Our brothers and sisters around the world depend on lakes for fishing, farming, drinking water, transportation, tourism, and recreation.

Lakes also help Mother Nature manage water, as they can store water, absorb some floodwater, support biodiversity, store carbon, and influence local climates. The United Nations describes lakes as one of the most vital natural resources on our planet.

This means that when we respect lakes, we also respect wildlife, ecosystems, and many forms of life.

A breathtaking aerial view of Gagra’s lush mountains and serene lakes under a clear blue sky.

Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes

Did you know that not all lakes contain freshwater?

Most lakes are freshwater lakes, meaning they contain very little dissolved salt. Freshwater lakes are extremely important because they provide water that can be used by people, animals, and plants. Examples include Lake Superior in North America and Lake Baikal in Russia.

There are also saltwater lakes, which contain much higher concentrations of salt and other minerals. Saltwater lakes usually form when water flows into a basin but has no easy way to escape. Water can evaporate while the minerals remain behind, causing salt to build up over time.

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water and is generally classified as the world’s largest lake by surface area, despite its name. It is a saltwater lake. The Dead Sea is another famous example of a landlocked salt lake.

Freshwater and saltwater lakes therefore provide different environments for Mother Nature. The organisms living in them must be adapted to different levels of salt. Some species can survive only in freshwater, while others are specially adapted to salty conditions.

Both these types of lakes are important. They support biodiversity, provide resources for communities, and form part of the larger water systems that connect rivers, wetlands, groundwater, and oceans.

A map of the Caspian Sea and its surrounding area.

Lakes, Trees and Healthy Ecosystems

Now, let’s take a moment to consider… A lake does not exist alone, by itself, does it? It is connected to the land around it, and everything on the land.

The rain falls on forests, fields, and mountains before flowing into rivers, wetlands, and lakes. The trees and other types of vegetation help hold soil in place, and accordingly reduce erosion and slow the movement of water. This process then helps prevent large amounts of soil and nutrients from washing into lakes.

See, this is how protecting one part of Mother Nature can help protect another. Mother Nature reminds us how everything is connected.

Fun Facts About Lakes

1. The world’s largest lake:
The Caspian Sea is generally considered the world’s largest lake by surface area. Although it is called a “sea”, it is a landlocked body of water and is classified as the world’s largest lake.

2. The world’s deepest lake:
Lake Baikal in Siberia reaches a depth of approximately 1,700 metres, making it the deepest lake on Earth. 

3. The world’s oldest lake:
Lake Baikal is also considered the world’s oldest lake, at approximately 25 million years old.

4. A lake with incredible biodiversity:
Lake Baikal is sometimes called the “Galapagos of Russia” because its great age and isolation have allowed many unique species to evolve there.

5. A huge freshwater reserve:
Lake Baikal contains approximately 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserve.

Breathtaking scenic view of Lake Baikal with rugged cliffs and clear waters in a serene landscape.

Celebrate a Lake Near You!

This World Lake Day, why not visit a lake near you and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature?

If you see a beautiful lake, take a photo and share it with us! Tag the Global Tree Initiative on Facebook and Instagram so that our community around the world can celebrate the incredible lakes of our planet together.

Facebook: Global Tree Initiative on Facebook
Instagram: Global Tree Initiative on Instagram

To conclude, we can consider that when we protect our lakes, we protect Mother Nature. And when we protect Mother Nature, we protect our future generations.

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References:

Images:
Pexels
Britannica

Further Reading:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-lake-day
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/754
https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/379/17/pdf/n2437917.pdf
https://stories.undp.org/684229867344a3aea8c5bcd9224dd50f?locale=en
https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/lakes