On World Lakes Day, FERRO joins its sister projects EuroLakes, FutureLakes, and ProCleanLakes in celebrating the role that lakes play in our environment, communities, and future.

Lakes are much more than beautiful landscapes. They provide drinking water, support biodiversity, store carbon, contribute to climate resilience, and sustain livelihoods and recreational activities. Yet, across Europe and beyond, many lake ecosystems are under increasing pressure from nutrient pollution, eutrophication, climate change, and other human impacts. Protecting these ecosystems requires not only recognising their value, but also taking action to restore and maintain their health.

This is where FERRO and its sister projects are working together towards a common goal: healthier, cleaner, and more resilient lakes.

FERRO is developing innovative approaches to tackle eutrophication by reducing excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, from lake ecosystems. At its demonstration sites across Europe, the project is testing different solutions for nutrient removal, recovery, and reuse, contributing to restoration approaches that can deliver environmental benefits while supporting a more circular use of resources.

Together with EuroLakes, FutureLakes, and ProCleanLakes, FERRO is part of the MissionLakes initiative to better understand lake ecosystems, address the pressures they face, and develop practical solutions for their restoration. By combining research, innovation, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge exchange, these projects are helping to turn scientific knowledge into action for healthier freshwater ecosystems.

World Lakes Day is therefore an opportunity not only to celebrate lakes, but also to reflect on the responsibility we share in protecting them. Healthy lakes support healthy ecosystems, healthy communities, and a more resilient future.

Happy World Lakes Day! Let’s work together for healthier lakes.