Three initiatives aimed at restoring lakes in Turkey and Albania were selected as replication sites for the EU project EUROLakes. This is an important step toward applying proven approaches to seashore conservation to new local contexts beyond the project’s pilot regions.
Following a selection process in which more than 20 applications were received, the EUROLakes project welcomes three municipalities and their lakes—Lake Manyas and Lake Sapanca in Turkey, and Lake Shkodra in Albania—into its growing community of lake restoration experts, researchers, and stakeholders.
Over the next few years, the three selected replication partners will work closely with the EUROLakes consortium. Together, they will explore how the approaches, tools, and nature-based solutions (NBS) developed in the project can be adapted to their respective ecological, social, and governance contexts. This marks an important transition for EUROLakes—from demonstrating the approaches at three pilot sites to their adoption and adaptation in new lake regions.
“We are very pleased to welcome our three new replication partners,” says Milena Baumert, project manager for Living Lakes and international nature conservation at the Global Nature Fund. “Replication isn’t simply about transferring a solution. It’s a way to learn from different local contexts, adapt solutions, and strengthen the approaches we’ve developed with EUROLakes.”
A wide range of environmental challenges and local priorities
Lake Manyas in Turkey faces challenges stemming from past lead mining, agricultural runoff, and the risk of eutrophication. As part of the replication initiative, measures such as buffer zones, micro-wetlands, and the restoration of reed beds are being studied, as are the general conditions necessary for the long-term restoration of the lake.
Lake Sapanca in Turkey is subject to significant hydrological pressures that are affecting an important source of freshwater and drinking water. As part of the replication initiative, nature-based approaches such as floating wetlands and biological barriers, as well as measures to reduce nutrient input, are being investigated.
At Lake Shkodra in Albania, the focus is on nutrient pollution and untreated wastewater, while at the same time exploring opportunities to strengthen local engagement and sustainable development around the lake. Planned activities include establishing a collaborative practice, developing a roadmap for renaturation, researching nature-based solutions, and promoting initiatives such as bird-watching infrastructure and eco-trails.
“The three locations bring different challenges, experiences, and local perspectives to the EUROLakes network,” says Milena Baumert. “This creates new opportunities for mutual learning and demonstrates how approaches to lake conservation can be adapted to different local conditions.”
From Selection to Implementation
The call for replication proposals was designed to identify initiatives at lakes that can benefit from and contribute to the findings of EUROLakes. During implementation, the selected implementation sites will receive tailored support from the EUROLakes consortium partners.
This support is based on the expertise gained through the project. These include participatory planning and public engagement, modeling and digital twins, nature-based restoration, nature-based financing, the “Four Returns” framework, monitoring and indicators, communication and outreach, as well as data and knowledge management.
About EUROLakes
EUROLakes is a project under the EU’s “Restore Our Ocean and Waters” mission. EUROLakes has set itself the goal of developing an innovative, holistic, and scientifically sound approach to the protection and restoration of Europe’s natural lakes and their ecosystems.
EUROLakes is currently demonstrating integrated approaches to the restoration and sustainable management of natural lakes at Lake Vico (Italy), Lake Dümmer (Germany), and Lake Bistreț (Romania). The inclusion of the three new replication sites builds an important bridge between these demonstration initiatives and a broader community of European lake landscapes.
