The kick-off meeting of the European HORIZON project ProCleanLakes (link: https://procleanlakes.eu) took place on 25–26 June 2024 in Vienna, with the participation of partners from 12 European countries, including the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. Experts, scientists, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the project’s next steps and explore future synergies with other related initiatives, laying the foundation for a strong alliance to improve and restore Europe’s natural lakes.
Europe’s natural lakes are vital ecosystems that play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating the climate, and supporting human well-being. They host a rich variety of species, including many endemic and threatened plants and animals, and are essential to the continent’s ecological balance. Acting as natural carbon sinks, they help regulate the hydrological cycle and provide protection against extreme weather events, significantly contributing to climate resilience. In addition, they offer essential ecosystem services such as water purification, fisheries, and recreational opportunities. However, natural lakes are increasingly under pressure from pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation.
The project, coordinated by the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna (BOKU) https://boku.ac.at/en, aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable management practices and innovative solutions for the protection and restoration of these precious ecosystems, safeguarding their ecological integrity for future generations.
