WORLD LAKE DAY
AUGUST 27
A lake is a body of standing freshwater or saline water, typically surrounded by land, that supports diverse ecosystems and provides important resources for humans, including drinking water, recreation, fisheries, and flood regulation. There is a great variety in size, depth, and origin of lakes, as they originate through glacial processes, tectonic processes, oxbows of rivers, or artificial damming, and physical and chemical properties affect the quality of water, the health of habitats, and nutrient cycling. Good lakes also support the population of aquatic plants, fish and birds, aid in the sequestration of carbon in the environment, and stabilize local climates, and the poor lakes are prone to pollution, invasion, eutrophication and hydrological alteration implying that concerted conservation and management efforts are needed to ensure the ecological and societal values of such lakes.
World Lakes Day, observed annually, highlights the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of lakes worldwide and calls attention to the urgent need for their protection and sustainable management; it encourages governments, communities, scientists, and businesses to collaborate on monitoring water quality, restoring habitats, reducing pollution and invasive species, and adapting to climate-driven changes in water levels and biodiversity so that lakes continue to provide clean water, food, recreation, and cultural value for present and future generations.
Some Facts On Lake
Approximately 3 percent of the land surface of the earth is covered by lakes.
Approximately 90 percent of the liquid freshwater in the world is found in freshwater lakes to support the ecosystems and human consumption.
Lakes form by tectonic activity, glacial carving, volcanic craters, river oxbows, landslides, or human-made dams.
Lakes range from oligotrophic (low nutrients, clear, high oxygen) to eutrophic (high nutrients, productive, often low oxygen).
Lakes provide ecosystem services: drinking water, irrigation, fisheries, recreation, flood control, and habitat for wildlife.
Ways To Promote This Day
Organize lake events (cleanups, guided walks, family education) with schools, NGOs, and businesses to boost participation and stewardship.
Run a coordinated media campaign with a unified hashtag, shareable visuals, and short videos on water quality, invasive-species prevention, and responsible recreation.
Provide partner toolkits (press releases, event checklists, volunteer signup templates, signage, and age-appropriate lesson plans) for easy Lakes Day hosting.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Volunteer: Join us in our efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in your community. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, your help is invaluable!
Partner with Us: If you're part of a nonprofit, business, or government organization, consider partnering with the Environmental Alliance for collaborative projects or events. Together, we can make a bigger impact!
Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, events, and ways to participate in our initiatives.
Attend Events: Participate in our upcoming events and awareness days. Check our calendar for dates and details.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network. Follow us on social media and help us raise awareness about environmental issues.