Lesser flamingo flock, Lake Magadi, Kenya
© Denis-Huot/Nature Picture Librar
Water, wildlife and wonder. World Lake Day
Imagine a world without the natural wonders that hold about 90% of Earth's surface freshwater. Lakes are among our planet's most valuable resources, providing clean water, supporting wildlife, regulating climate and sustaining communities worldwide. Recognising their importance, the United Nations designated 27 August as World Lake Day, first observed in 2025. Earth is home to more than 117 million lakes covering nearly 4% of its land surface. Together, they sustain countless ecosystems, while Lake Baikal in Russia alone holds about one-fifth of the world's surface liquid freshwater. Yet many lakes face growing pressure from pollution, overuse and climate change.
Pictured here is Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. Its mineral-rich waters support abundant algae, attracting vast flocks of lesser flamingos that gather there to feed. Their pink plumage often transforms the shoreline into a dazzling spectacle, reminding us that healthy lakes sustain extraordinary wildlife and life far beyond their shores.
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