Lake Constance is the second largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.
2.2 million people live, work and relax in the Lake Constance region covering an area of about 12,500 square kilometres. 4.5 million people drink Lake Constance water, and up to 50,000 boats are based on the lake.
In spite of a wide variety of human activities, Lake Constance has preserved a natural landscape with rich biological diversity. About 200,000 water birds rest or hibernate in the region. These include about 80,000 Tufted Ducks, 50,000 Pochards, and 7,000 Great Crested Grebes. The water of Lake Constance is teeming with fish - 26 different species live there.
Partner of Living Lakes is Bodensee-Stiftung, an international foundation for nature and culture. Together with the Environmental Lake Constance Council (Umweltrat Bodensee) the Bodensee-Stiftung provides a platform for all associations aiming at sustainable development at the same time preserving its actual natural and cultural landscape. The Council comprises about 20 nature protection associations from Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The main stress is put on "Sustainable Tourism", "Organic Farming" and "Renewable Energies" e.g. solar technology for water sport.
The Working Group for the Lake Constance Shore together with the Lake Constance Foundation and Global Nature Fund have published an Evaluation System for Lakeshore Conservation and Water Body Protection using Lake Constance as an example:
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