WORKING FOR
CLEANER MOUNTAINS

2000Lakes - Swiss lakes, a heritage to be preserved

With over 1,500 lakes across its territory, Switzerland is often referred to as the «water tower of Europe». Alone, it accounts for nearly 6% of the continent's freshwater reserves. These ecosystems provide an essential resource for our biodiversity, our quality of life, our drinking water supply and our energy production.
Preserving this outstanding heritage is now a major challenge. In the face of global warming and the intensification of human activities, it has become essential to better understand the mechanisms that shape the biological equilibrium of these fragile environments.

Research at the heart of the Alps

To address these challenges, the Foundation is teaming up with EPFL and researcher Anna Carratalà Ripollès on the 2000Lakes project. This research aims to better understand the composition of the microbial communities found in Alpine lakes. These microorganisms, invisible to the naked eye, nevertheless play a fundamental role in the functioning of lake ecosystems and serve as valuable indicators of their state of health.
Through sampling campaigns carried out directly on mountain lakes, the researchers are studying the influence of several factors on these microbial communities, notably:
  • atmospheric transfers; ;
  • seasonal variations; ;
  • impacts linked to human activities.

This work will enable better anticipation of the effects of climate change on Alpine ecosystems and improve preservation strategies for these essential resources.

A science open to all

Ultimately, the 2000Lakes project aims to integrate the general public into the sampling campaigns in a genuine citizen science approach.
By involving citizens, volunteers and mountain enthusiasts in data collection, the project seeks to bring scientific research closer to society. This involvement not only enriches scientific knowledge but also raises awareness of the challenges associated with preserving Alpine lakes.
Because the fight against climate change also depends on a better understanding of its effects on ecosystems, turning this research into a collective project is a powerful lever for disseminating knowledge, strengthening trust in science and encouraging everyone's commitment to protecting our natural heritage.
Sign up for a 2000Lakes outing