Lake Baikal at the crossroads? Ecologists battle pollution and algae to save planet’s biggest reservoir
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- Russia’s Lake Baikal in Siberia, the world’s oldest and deepest, contains 20% of the world’s fresh water.
- Its incredibly clean and clear water is home to hundreds of unique animal and plant species.
- Pollution, plastics and other waste left by tourists and factories have led to the appearance of harmful swamp algae along its coastline.
- RTD’s James Brown joins a team of researchers who are increasingly concerned about the region’s ecology to see just how bad the situation is.
- Ecologists and volunteers are employing strategies to fight the pollution, including recycling and educating tourists about environmental issues.
- There are a few hopeful signs as well, as certain endemic animal populations are starting to recover.
Russia’s Lake Baikal in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake on the planet.
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It is famous for containing 20% of the world’s fresh water.
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It’s incredibly clear and clean water is home to hundreds of unique animal and plant species.
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The beauty and rich biodiversity attracts many visitors.
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While tourism brings in much needed cash, it also has a flip side; tourists bring pollution, plastics and other waste.
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Local biologists, who have been monitoring the lake for 70 years, are now increasingly concerned about the region’s ecology.
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James Brown returns to Baikal seven years after his last visit to investigate reports that the region’s ecology had changed for the worse.
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He joins a team of researchers to take water and sediment samples to see just how worrying the situation is.
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Visual examination reveals that a certain type of algae usually found in swamps has appeared.
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It has been spreading along the coast line signifying growing levels of pollution.
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Along with some worrying signs, there are a few hopeful ones too – certain endemic animal populations have begun to recover.
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James also visits Olkhon, an island popular with tourists, to see how ecologists and volunteers are fighting against the pollution that visitors leave behind.
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From recycling to educating tourists and raising awareness of environmental issues, they’ve come up with effective strategies to preserve Baikal’s unique beauty and water quality.
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If they’re going to succeed, they need everyone who visits or lives by this natural wonder to play their part.
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To find out more about the ecological situation at Lake Baikal, check out Baikal Blues at RTD Documentary Channel.