III INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "LAKES OF EURASIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS"
From May 20 to 23, 2025, Kazan hosted III International Conference "Lakes of Eurasia: Challenges and Solutions", bringing together scientists, officials, and representatives of international organizations. The conference served as a vital platform for discussing the future of lake ecosystems in the face of climate change and anthropogenic challenges. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Institute of Water Problems of the North at the Karelian Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Ecology and Subsoil Use of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The plenary meeting was opened by Ms. L. Abzalilova, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ms. O. Manidieva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan, and Dr. R. Shagidullin, Director of the Institute of Ecology and Subsoil Use of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan. The speakers highlighted the importance of scientific and interregional cooperation in addressing the growing climatic and anthropogenic threats to lake ecosystems.
Dr. D. Ziganshina, Director of SIC ICWC, member of the Conference's Program Committee, delivered a report titled "Ecosystem Aspects of Transboundary Water Reources Management in the Aral Sea Basin." The report offered a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the basin's ecosystems, addressing the degradation of the Aral Sea, water shortage in deltaic lakes, the impact of climate change on flow of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya Rivers, and the critical need to establish and meet minimum environmental flow.
The conference featured six thematic sessions, covering such topics as hydrology, hydrobiology, hydrochemistry, lake ecosystem functioning, ichthyofauna and fisheries, and the challenges facing lakes in the context of climate change and transformations of water use. Particular attention was drawn to the vulnerability of small lakes, which are especially susceptible to water regime disturbances and pollution.
As part of the Conference, participants visited the natural reserve "Blue Lakes" near Kazan. During the tour, they were introduced to recent improvements, including bank reinforcement, establishment of visitor's centers, swimming areas, walking trails, and birdwatching zones. These efforts aimed to preserve the lakes' natural uniqueness while enhancing their recreational potential.
Participation of SIC ICWC in the conference contributed to deeper scientific exchange and the promotion of an ecosystem-based approach to transboundary water management in Central Asia. The participants expressed an interest in expanding cooperation in scientific and applied research, as well as in the sustainable development and conservation of lake ecosystems.
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