Lakes: The Lifeblood of Our Planet
The thought of the lake evokes romantic thoughts. Being on a boat and looking at the vast blue skies, and holding the hand of the dear ones, one is tempted to think that is all that one wants. Lakes are under threat, again, due to human beings’ greed and reckless use of natural resources. Protecting and restoring lakes is crucial to both mitigation efforts and helping ecosystems and humans adapt to the impacts of climate change. Lakes are among the most vital freshwater ecosystems on Earth. World Lake Day, a UN observation, is on August 27, 2025, marking its first observation. The word “lake” has shifted over time to refer to larger, enclosed bodies of water. The planet has more than 3 million lakes, with 90% of them being small. Lake Baikal in Russia is the oldest, and estimates suggest that it contains ~20% of the planet’s freshwater resources. In terms of area, the largest lake is the Caspian Sea. There are ~35,000 lakes of various types and sizes in India. Many lakes, like Dal, Chilka, and Loktak, are culturally and historically significant. The oldest known lake in India is Sudarshan Lake, located in Junagadh, Gujarat and mentioned in ancient inscriptions and texts. Sustainable lake management is crucial to ensure the long-term well-being of communities and ecosystems.
Every Ripple In a Lake Tells a Story,
Let Us All Come Together and Ensure Those Stories Continue.
The thought of the lake evokes romantic thoughts. Being on a boat and looking at the vast blue skies, and holding the hand of your dear ones, one is tempted to think that is all that one wants. Lakes are under threat, again, due to human beings’ greed and reckless use of natural resources. Protecting and restoring lakes is key to both mitigation efforts and helping ecosystems and humans adapt to the impact of climate change.
Lakes are among the most vital freshwater ecosystems on Earth. One can find lakes all over the world, some of them spanning thousands of square kilometres. World Lake Day, a UN observation, is on August 27, 2025, marking its first observation. The UN adopted the resolution endorsing the observation, which Indonesia initiated. August 27 was chosen to commemorate the first World Lake Conference held in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Â Â
Celebrating the Silent Guardians of Nature.
The word “lake” has a fascinating linguistic history that traces back through several languages. Over time, the meaning shifted from referring to any water body (including streams and pools) to more specifically referring to larger, enclosed bodies of water.
Freshwater ecosystems supply food, water and energy, and protect us from droughts and floods. These ecosystems range from mangroves that shield our coasts against tsunamis and erosion. The expansion of agriculture is draining wetlands, with ~87% of them lost globally over the last 300 years and 50% since 1900. The loss of one in three freshwater species is threatening their extinction.
The planet has more than 3 million lakes (lakes larger than 0.1 hectares). 90% of lakes are small, less than one hectare in size. Lake Baikal in Russia is estimated to contain 20% of the planet’s liquid freshwater resources. In terms of area, the largest lake is the Caspian Sea.
The oldest known lake in the world is Lake Baikal, located in southern Siberia, Russia (~25-30 million years old) and is identified as the deepest and most biologically diverse freshwater lake on Earth. Five of the oldest (>1 million years old) known lakes in the world are Lake Tanganyika, located in East Africa; Lake Zaysan, in Kazakhstan; Lake Ohrid, shared by North Macedonia and Albania; and Lake Titicaca, situated on the border between Peru and Bolivia.
The countries with the highest number of lakes are Canada, Russia, the USA, and China, with Canada being home to the largest number of lakes in the world. India ranks eighth in the world in terms of the number of lakes, with ~35,000 lakes of various types and sizes. Many lakes are culturally and historically significant, such as Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), Chilika Lake (Odisha), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan) and Vembanad Lake (Kerala). The oldest known lake in India (~300 BC) is Sudarshan Lake, located in Junagadh, Gujarat and mentioned in ancient inscriptions and texts. Ancient Indian scriptures deeply revered lakes and water bodies, integrating them into spiritual life. Some of the ancient texts describe holy lakes such as Manasarovar, Pushkar Lake, and Bindu Sarovar.
Many lakes are under threat. Research indicates that ~53% of the world’s lakes are experiencing significant water loss. There are some positives too; not all lakes are shrinking, with ~24% of lakes having increased in water storage. Overuse, urban encroachment, pollution and climate change are threatening their survival. Plastic pollution in lakes has become a global environmental crisis, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health.
Protecting and restoring lakes is key to both mitigation efforts and helping ecosystems and humans adapt to the impact of climate change. Observing “World Lake Day” aims to raise awareness about the ecological and economic value of lakes. Sustainable lake management is crucial to ensure the long-term well-being of communities and ecosystems. Promote sustainable lake management. Encourage community action to protect freshwater ecosystems. Â
A Lake is the Landscape’s Most Beautiful and Expressive Feature.
It is Earth’s Eye, Looking into Which the Beholder Measures the Depth of His Own Nature.
Henry David Thoreau
Toons: Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
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