Essential supply of fresh water
Lakes and wetlands are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They’re an essential supply of fresh water for many communities, a store of renewable resources, and a magnet for leisure activities. However they are easily damaged, and in recent years lakes around the world have been showing signs of strain.
As part of its water initiative, Unilever has sponsored the Global Nature Fund’s Living Lakes partnership – a network of environmental organisations working to protect lakes worldwide. With 23 member lakes in five continents, Living Lakes is committed to preserving water quality and wildlife, and encouraging sustainable development in lake communities.
Waste-dumping, over-fishing, and pollution from factories, agriculture or vessels using the lake can all harm fragile ecosystems. Because lakes are enclosed bodies of water, they are particularly vulnerable.
Addressing the problem means bringing people together – NGOs, businesses, politicians, local authorities and people who depend on lakes for their livelihood or daily needs. Bringing the clout of an international organisation to bear on the problem can make a big difference. That difference is evident in a number of the member lakes, now restored to health and a sustainable future.
Lake Constance
Lake Constance in Germany is central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and the source of drinking water for millions of people. By the late 1980s, however, it had become severely polluted and was under threat as a wildlife habitat.
Lever Fabergé in Germany was growing increasingly aware of the environmental impact of its products, and wanted a sponsorship to coincide with the launch of Skip Baukasten, its environmentally-compatible washing powder. In 1990 it began working with a German NGO to improve the condition of Lake Constance. Out of that grew Living Lakes.
The project encouraged industries, farmers, foresters, tourism businesses and others to review their impact on the lake. It promoted organic farming and organic produce, carried out a study of anti-fouling paints for boats, and promoted solar energy, especially in boats.
A coalition of NGOs, businesses, political groups, local authorities and community effort have now brought Lake Constance back from danger. Pollution levels have dropped and the lake is a refuge for hundreds of thousands of birds. Now Unilever Germany is moving its attention to the River Elbe, which runs through Hamburg near its head office.
Uluabat Lake
One of the most important wetlands in the Middle East, Lake Uluabat has been threatened by over-fishing, land reclamation and waste discharges. Unilever Turkey has funded a management plan by WWF Turkey to return the lake to sustainability and preserve it for future generations. The plan was completed in 2003 and studies of fish stocks and aquatic vegetation, breeding birds surveys, waterfowl counts, and otter surveys have all now taken place. The project has also made a preliminary study of land use and economic activities around the lake and of the stakeholders that need to be involved.
