Lahti Lakes 2024 Conference, a major international event focused on lake restoration and the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems was held from 3 to 5 June 2024 in Lahti, Finland. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners and policy experts to exchange knowledge on current challenges and innovative solutions related to lake health.

FERRO was introduced to the conference audience as a new European research initiative focused on fostering sustainable lake restoration through nutrient removal, recovery and reuse using integrated catchment and in-lake solutions. The project was presented as an example of next-generation restoration thinking, aiming to deliver multiple co-benefits including improved lake ecological status, support for a circular economy, climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement and strengthened ecosystem services.

Representatives from FERRO were people from almost all consortium partners.

The conference programme also included two sessions led by FERRO project partners. Olga Tammeorg (University of Helsinki), presented the topic of “Towards sustainable lake restoration”, in which she outlined the vision and ambitions of FERRO and highlighted its potential to support transformative approaches to lake restoration across Europe. The second session, “Sustainable lake restoration: from the bottom to the crop”, was delivered by Kasper Reitzel (University of Southern Denmark) and focused on innovative restoration strategies that integrate in-lake processes with broader catchment management.

FERRO’s presence at the Lahti Lakes 2024 Conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the international lake restoration community, share emerging project concepts, and exchange insights with leading experts in the field. Participation in the conference further strengthened FERRO’s position within the European research landscape and contributed to building momentum for collaborative, science-based solutions to support the long-term health and resilience of lake ecosystems.