PURPOSES: The United Nations General Assembly by the Resolution A/RES/79/142 have designated August 27th as World Lake Day to raise awareness about the importance of Lakes; Lakes are one of the most vital natural resources on our planet. Reiterating that lakes are one of the water-related ecosystems that should be protected and restored, in line with target 6.6 of the Sustainable Development Goals, Taking note of resolution 5/4 of the United Nations Environment Assembly, entitled “Sustainable lake management”, adopted on 2 March 2022, and reaffirming the importance of integrated, intersectoral, collaborative and coordinated approaches, at all levels, in the management and protection of lakes, Recognizing the important contribution of sustainable lake management in tackling environmental challenges, Emphasizing that water ecosystems, including lakes, energy, food security and nutrition are linked and that water is indispensable for health, well-being and human development, and a vital element of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and other relevant goals in the social, environmental and economic fields, Recognizing that the state of lake environments, notably in terms of water quality and quantity, is severely deteriorating around the world and that this needs to be urgently addressed in a sustainable manner, Stressing the urgent need to address the unprecedented global decline in biodiversity, including through the preservation and restoring and safeguarding ecosystems that provide essential functions and services, including services related to water, health, livelihoods and well-being, Emphasizing the need for raising awareness and promoting education of the value of lakes and their essential role in supporting human livelihood, biodiversity and ecosystems resilience through sustainable lake management, in line with SDG 6, Trusting that the observance of an international day will create a comprehensive platform to promote sustainable lake management.

FORUM: “Lakes: the lifeblood of our planet.” World Lake Day 2025. Lakes serve as a crucial source of fresh water, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry. Lakes also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for countless species of fish, plants, and wildlife. Beyond their ecological significance, lakes contribute to climate regulation by keeping the planet cool, absorbing the floodwater and storing carbon. Additionally, they provide recreational and economic opportunities, attracting tourism, fishing, and other activities that support local communities. Lakes are affected by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change. Lake pollution is frequently caused by inflows from fertilizers, contaminants and solid waste being dumped directly, or flushed into lakes via rivers, and this is worsened by global warming – leading, for instance, to more frequent and intense floods. The water levels of lakes are also changing dramatically. Rising temperatures and changes to cloud cover, which are leading to decreasing ice cover, are increasing the rate of water evaporation. Which action can be taken to safeguard these vital freshwater. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldlakeday, #lakemanagement, #naturallakes, #artificiallakes, #27August, #GenerationRestoration.

EVENTS: We need to act now. This World Lake Day 2025, let's be aware of the problem lakes are facing and protect them today for a sustaining life tomorrow. The United Nations General Assembly Invites all States Members of the United Nations, members of the specialized agencies and observers of the General Assembly, as well as the organizations of the United Nations system, other international, regional and subregional organizations and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector and academia, to observe World Lake Day in an appropriate manner through activities aimed at education and awareness-raising of the importance of lakes and preserving, conserving, restoring and sustainably managing lake and related ecosystems. Join UNEP and partners in the mission to conserve, protect, and restore them to their former glory! Register to participate!

PUBLICATION: Dive into the Healthy and Productive Lakes Portal. Learn about the diversity of lake ecosystems, explore their vital role in human development and planetary health, uncover the threats they face, and access tools and resources.