Living Lakes Germany - Lebendige Seen Deutschland

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since September 2009

Germany

Reckitt Benckiser,
Anton & Petra Ehrmann Foundation

Natural but also artificial lakes and wetlands as well as their catchment areas are among the most important and at the same time most threatened habitats in Germany. They are affected by environmental pollution caused by the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides in the agriculture, untreated sewage, bank stabilisation measures, impacts of settlements, water sports and fishery. In some cases wetlands are even drained.

In many lake regions (Lake Constance, Lake Ammer, Steinhude Sea) projects to reduce or remedy adverse environmental impacts have already been successfully carried out. As yet, there is no adequate platform in Germany for the exchange of experiences and cooperation between organisations that are active in the protection of lakes and wetlands.

A network of environmental organisations and other stakeholders active in lake areas and wetlands will be set up under the coordination of the Global Nature Fund. Common thematic priorities will be on the protection of lakes as habitats of great  biodiversity, on sustainable development in lake regions with regard to securing water resources and the water quality. Climate change and the adaptation of lake regions to changed climate conditions as well as information of citizens and stakeholders will be other focal points of common activities.

The network will provide a forum for ongoing and effective exchange of experiences and knowledge transfer between the actors in different lake regions. To facilitate the implementation of sustainable use in lake regions and wetlands, the users of lakes and wetlands such as fishermen, anglers and water sportsmen  will be included into the activities. Furthermore, a trans-boundary and international exchange of experiences is being planned as well as collaboration among different regions.

Currently the network is being developed. In July 2009, a first meeting was held in Friedrichshafen at Lake Constance. Environmental organisations, authority officials as well as sponsors took part in the conference. On September 15th, 2009, the kick-off meeting took place at Lake Starnberg.

The project Living Lakes Germany is being sponsored by Reckitt Benckiser and supported by the Anton & Petra Ehrmann Foundation.