{"id":8215,"date":"2023-11-12T22:50:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-12T21:50:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=8215"},"modified":"2023-11-12T22:50:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-12T21:50:18","slug":"what-is-so-special-about-lake-baikal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/what-is-so-special-about-lake-baikal\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is So Special About Lake Baikal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Overview<\/h2>\n

Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world. It is located in the south-central Siberian region of Russia, between the regions of Irkutsk and Buryatia. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 due to its unique aquatic biodiversity. Lake Baikal is exceptionally deep and long; its depth is estimated at 1620 meters and its diameter at 636 kilometers. It is home to more than 1,700 species of flora and fauna and is the only body of freshwater that contains more than 25% of the world’s freshwater.<\/p>\n

Lake Baikal is also one of the oldest lakes in the world, believed to be 25 million years old. It is noted as the planet’s deepest lake with a water volume that is estimated to be 20% of the freshwater on the earth’s surface. Furthermore, it is composed of high-quality drinking water in addition to its high calcium and magnesium content. Its clear waters, the unusual shape of its shoreline, and its stunning landscape make it the ideal spot for travelers. The lake is very sacred to those who reside near it, as its surrounding is filled with myths, legends and tales of ancient creatures that remain unverified.<\/p>\n

Environmental Significance<\/h2>\n

The importance of Lake Baikal to aquatic wildlife and activities make it a target for conservation efforts. It plays a vital role in the East Siberian ecosystem that is home to many species, of which more than 70 percent are endemic species, meaning that they are found only in the lake. The lake also furnishes an important source of livelihood for the people who lived in nearby settlements, particularly in agriculture and fishing.<\/p>\n

Scientists have often mentioned that the lake’s ancient and stable water body form the perfect natural laboratory for aquatic ecology and research. Recently, Lake Baikal made news headlines as its own ecosystem is endangered due to climate change. The lake’s water is becoming increasingly warmer and this could lead to the possible extinction of many of its unique species and the ruin of the lake’s ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Tourism and Other Activities<\/h2>\n