Sustainable lake restoration: From challenges to solutions

Abstract

Sustainable management of lakes requires us to overcome ecological, economic, and social challenges. These challenges can be addressed by focusing on achieving ecological improvement within a multifaceted, co‐beneficial context. In‐lake restoration measures may promote more rapid ecosystem responses than is feasible with catchment measures alone, even if multiple interventions are needed. In particular, we identify restoration methods that support the overarching societal target of a circular economy through the use of nutrients, sediments, or biomass that are removed from a lake, in agriculture, as food, or for biogas production. In this emerging field of sustainable restoration techniques, we show examples, discuss benefits and pitfalls, and flag areas for further research and development. Each lake should be assessed individually to ensure that restoration approaches will effectively address lake‐specific problems, do not harm the target lake or downstream ecosystems, are cost‐effective, promote delivery of valuable ecosystem services, minimize conflicts in public interests, and eliminate the necessity for repeated interventions. Achieving optimal, sustainable results from lake restoration relies on multidisciplinary research and close interactions between environmental, social, political, and economic sectors.This article is categorized under: Science of Water > Water Quality Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Put the Land Back on the Land: A National Imperative

“…Many lake restoration experts, however, now support removing bottom sediments to promote the concept of sustainable lake restoration [83]. Sustainable lake restoration can improve water quality, while delivering numerable socio-economic benefits.…”

“…Many freshwater water bodies located downstream of agricultural/forestry lands have accumulated sediments that restrict intended uses of the water bodies. Each nation's environmental organization should work with non-landowning stakeholders to prioritize waters for refurbishment and the establishment of sustainable lake restoration programs [83]. These stakeholders need to be informed the Put the Land Back on the Land program is not a program to drain wetlands or remove base materials from a water body to increase water storage.…”

Life by the Lake: Lubana Region and Its People in History and Present

“…Such changes can cause drastic alterations in local habitats, such as an increase in trees that thrive in poorer soil. This can be remedied either by (at least partial) restoration of natural lake water flow, extensive amelioration work, such as digging drainage ditches, or a combination of both (Tammeorg et al 2023). In Latvia, this topic is not very well studied, so it would be beneficial to take the experiences of other countries and implement them here appropriately.…”

Nutrients and Rare Earth Elements in Surface Sediments of Hongze Lake (China) Using the DGT Technique: Spatial Distribution Pattern and Probabilistic Risk

“…Lakes, playing a vital role in sustaining ecosystems and serving as essential components of regional water systems, are numerous and widespread in China. − They act as crucial freshwater reservoirs, supporting agriculture, urban water supply, and ecosystem stability. − Lakes contribute to biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and play a key role in climate regulation, flood mitigation, and water purification. − Additionally, they provide resources for fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and recreation, driving local economic development. − Despite their importance, lakes face threats from varying degrees of nutrient and REE pollution caused by anthropogenic activities. ,,,, …”