Living Lakes
Supporting Living Lakes - a global alliance for lakes, wetlands and freshwater systems
Through our ongoing support for Global Nature Fund (GNF), we contribute to the advancement of the Living Lakes Network - a global initiative which has been led and coordinated by GNF for over 10 years already, working to protect, restore, and sustainably manage lakes, wetlands, and freshwater systems around the world. Living Lakes brings together more than 130 partner organisations across over 60 countries, forming one of the most influential international alliances for freshwater conservation.
Why lakes and wetlands matter
Lakes and wetlands are among the planet’s most important ecosystems: they store freshwater, sustain biodiversity, purify water, regulate local climates, and support fishing, agriculture and livelihoods. Healthy wetlands and water-bodies are critical infrastructure for communities worldwide - especially in emerging economies under pressure from development and climate change. Yet many lakes and wetlands are under threat from pollution, unsustainable water use, habitat loss, and climate pressures. The degradation not only undermines biodiversity but also puts water security and livelihoods at risk.
What the Living Lakes Network does
The Living Lakes Network works on multiple fronts to address these challenges:
- It supports the protection and restoration of damaged or threatened lakes and wetland ecosystems.
- It promotes sustainable management and use of freshwater resources and surrounding landscapes - integrating livelihoods, community needs, and conservation.
- It implements pilot and demonstration projects across different continents to show how nature-based solutions and community-led management can safeguard ecosystem services while supporting local development.
- It builds capacity and awareness by training lake managers, supporting youth and local communities, and facilitating knowledge exchange across countries.
Through these activities, Living Lakes aims to restore ecological integrity, improve water and habitat quality, and help communities adapt toward sustainable water and land use.