Lake Baikal is the broadest lake in the world, comprising 20% of the Earth’s fresh water. Its basin dramatically spans Russia’s Sibiria and Mongolia, deeply surrounded by mountains, woodland and steppe. The lake is so large that it was once thought to be an ocean, an impression strengthened by its sheer size, its dramatic depths, the strong winds on its surface, and numerous rare species of flora, fauna and fish that have evolved in it.
Federico de los Rios, senior research fellow of the Grupo de Estudios de Sistemas Naturales y Antropología Social at the Autonomous University of Madrid, explains how Lake Baikal is “a unique ecosystem with extraordinary species, some endemic, and possessing a singular and exceptional biodiversity”. An astonishing 600 endemic species inhabit this lake and its basin, making the lake a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake is particularly renowned for its clarity and depth, with visibility up to 40 metres; in some places, scientists have recorded depths of more than one kilometre. Such a depth has facilitated the growth of endemic species, breeds and fish that are found nowhere else on the planet and cannot be found in any other body of water.
Having existed for 25 million years, Lake Baikal is the oldest known freshwater lake on Earth and the best example of an ancient lake. In addition, the lake has accumulated sediment from geological processes, which are estimated to be between 1.5 and 2 billion years old. These sedimentary deposits are of particular relevance and researchers suggest that their study can provide a unique window into the history of Earth’s evolution.
Furthermore, according to Stas Brazhnikov, Head of the Limnology Laboratory of the Limnological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the lake is globally important due to its biological productivity, especially with respect to plant life. Visual estimations suggest that there are over 20,000 aquatic plants, many of them endemic, making it the most biodiverse lake in the world. This plant-rich ecosystem is of particular value to the local wildlife, in particular, to its extensive bird population.
However, it is not only its biological diversity that makes the lake valuable. As Brad Warren, Senior Researcher at the US Geological Survey, explains: “Lake Baikal is an important source of renewable energy. Its water is so clear that several hydroelectric plants have been erected on its banks and its energy is becoming increasingly produced and consumed as part of the Russian energy system.” Indeed, every year hundreds of megawatts of hydroelectricity generate power based on the water passing through the lake.
Nature-based tourism is a further benefit of Lake Baikal, particularly because in its steppes, mountains and forests one can spot many rare species of plants, mammals and birds. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of the lake’s water have led to the development of medical treatments.
Pollution Impacts
Cities and towns in the region have discharged their pollution, including untreated sewage and industrial waste, directly into the lake. This of course has a detrimental effect on the environment and poses a real risk to both human health and the lake’s natural ecosystem. While strict regulations have been implemented in the last couple of decades to reduce the amount of pollution, careless environmental practices still contribute to the considerable amount of pollution that is found in the lake.
Complicating matters further, the region around Lake Baikal experiences severe water shortages, which result in the infiltration of much salt into the lake, further upsetting its delicate ecosystem. Of great concern is the construction of polders, an irrigation measure designed to prevent flooding, which has had a huge impact on the lake’s water levels and salinity. In addition, the warmer temperatures experienced in the last 20-30 years have had a detrimental effect. Although Lake Baikal has been able to recover in the past, the warmer temperature means that this process may now take longer.
The lake’s importance is recognised internationally and, in 2017, the World Heritage Committee granted Lake Baikal status as a base for scientific research and environmental monitoring. It is hoped that this program will enable us to better understand and protect this beautiful lake for current and future generations.
Oil and Gas Developments
The local government has implemented various initiatives to protect the lake from further damage, yet the challenge is complicated by the fact that the region’s economy is based largely on the extraction of natural resources. In addition, the lucrative oil and gas industry in the region has resulted in plans to develop pipelines and further extractive resources in the area. The potential negative impact of such activities on the lake’s delicate ecosystem has generated significant debate in the region.
The development of this sector has, of course, provided economic benefits to the local population, yet it has also caused considerable environmental damage. Experienced environmental activists and researchers are increasingly vocal in their criticism of the government’s decision to pursue extraction projects in the region without properly assessing the potential environmental consequences.
In response to these criticisms, Yuri Kostin, a biologist employed by the Russian Ministry of Environmental Protection, claims that “ a consortium of interested organisations and experts is being formed to ensure that geological, hydrological and other important measures are taken to ensure that, in the event that extraction of resources is approved, all relevant safety guidelines are followed and the lake’s environment is protected”.
Unfortunately, despite these measures, many organisations remain unconvinced, arguing that the lake remains vulnerable to potential damage and noting the historical examples of pollution, which have had a detrimental effect on the lake’s ecosystem in the past.
Risk of Climate Change
The region is also at risk of climate change, with the water temperature in the lake having increased by more than one degree in the last 15 years, along with a noticeable reduction in precipitation. Increasing temperatures and changes in the lake’s hydrology can have an adverse effect on the lake’s flora and fauna. As a result, numerous conservation efforts have been implemented in an attempt to stem the negative effects of climate change.
Lee Hudson, a research scientist from the University of Washington’s Center for Conservation Biology, claims that “ by investing in research and monitoring, we can better understand the dynamics of the lake’s climate and weather-related eco-systems”. Hudson believes that such research is crucial in order to better protect the lake and safeguard it for current and future generations. He goes on to highlight the need for further partnership and collaboration among organisations in order to promote efforts that engage local stakeholders in the conservation of the lake.
Indeed, in recent years, the World Wildlife Fund and other organisations have provided funding and support for conservation efforts, while a number of public-private partnerships have resulted in the development of new initiatives. These initiatives often involve the local population and include initiatives such as the reduction of water pollution, improved waste management, and the protection of endemic species.
Raising Public Awareness
Although the lake may not be such a well-known destination, it is no less spectacular and its importance cannot be understated. It is hoped that, by generating public awareness of the lake’s uniqueness, more individuals and organisations can become involved in its protection and conservation.
In an effort to raise public awareness, the Lake Baikal Foundation launched the #BaikalIsBeautiful campaign in May 2019. The campaign aims to share the beauty and uniqueness of the lake with a broader audience and is intended to help spread awareness of the lake’s importance, beauty and fragile ecology.
The campaign has been met with widespread support and awareness has grown significantly since its launch. It is hoped that, with continued public engagement and awareness, Lake Baikal’s invaluable ecosystems can be preserved and protected for generations to come.
Education Programs
As part of its mission to raise awareness and inspire more people to get involved in protecting the lake, the Lake Baikal Foundation has launched a number of education programmes. This includes a series of school-based programmes that educate children and young people on the importance of conservation and protecting the environment, as well as an international research and training programme that brings together scientists, educators and local stakeholders to work together in the protection of the lake.
The research and training programme has had a positive impact, with a significant growth in the number of scientific studies and the number of experts engaging on the subject. It is hoped that, with the continued support and engagement of the local population, scientists and the general public, Lake Baikal can be better protected and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations.
Preservation Initiatives
In addition to generating public awareness, numerous other initiatives have been implemented in order to protect the lake from further damage. These have included the introduction of stricter regulations on pollution and waste management, as well as the formation of a legal framework for the conservation of the lake and its basin.
The development of the Baikal National Park provides an example of how, with the right regulations in place, the lake can be protected and its ecosystem sustained. The park, designed to ensure the conservation of the lake’s pristine environment, has supported the growth of flora and fauna, while also providing recreational opportunities.
Researchers have also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in the region, with the potential to generate jobs and income for the local population and protect the lake’s ecosystem at the same time. By striking a balance between the environmental and economic needs of the region and the conservation of the lake, sustainable tourism can be an effective and beneficial way to protect the lake for future generations.
Development of Renewable Energy Sources
Another important initiative in the protection and conservation of the lake is the development of renewable energy sources. The lake has, of course, traditionally provided energy to the region, most notably through hydroelectric energy production. However, strong environmental measures have been implemented in order to minimise the pollution and environmental impact of the plants.
These measures, implemented with the support of the Russian Ministry of Energy, include the introduction of new technologies and the development of renewable energy sources in order to reduce emissions and protect the lake. These renewable sources include solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower, providing a range of energy sources that minimise the environmental impact of the production of energy.
The development of these renewable energy sources is seen as an important step in the protection of the environment and the preservation of the lake’s fragile ecosystem. It is hoped that, with continued investment in renewable energy and sustainable tourism, Lake Baikal can remain an important ecological, economic and social resource for generations to come.
