On October 1, 2025, an event commemorating the establishment of World Lake Day (WLD: August 27) was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, and ILEC was invited to participate.
The event is available for viewing on YouTube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpw7Mc9vqwQ
(The video message from Japanese high school students is around 46:35, and ILEC’s speech starts around 1:03:00.)
At the ceremony, held under the theme “Our Lakes, Our Future,” the Government of Indonesia presented both the achievements and remaining challenges in its efforts toward lake management.
In the opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Nirofiq, Minister of Environment, expressed the government’s commitment to further strengthen conservation measures for the country’s 15 National Priority Lakes. They underscored the urgent need for more concrete and accelerated actions to tackle long-standing issues related to lake degradation in Indonesia.
On behalf of ILEC, a message from Dr. Kazuhiko Takemoto, President, was delivered by Dr. Masahisa Nakamura, Science Advisor. The message highlighted the background of WLD by reflecting on the significance of the first World Lake Conference (WLC), describing it as a historic starting point where science and policy converged, paving the way for local experiences to contribute to international cooperation. It was noted that the continued organization of WLCs over the past 40 years, and the international collaboration nurtured through them, were key factors leading to the establishment of WLD.
The message further emphasized the multifaceted roles that lakes play in supporting humanity’s freshwater resources while also contributing to biodiversity, water cycles, climate change mitigation, and cultural values. It stressed that lakes today face complex and pressing challenges, including pollution, eutrophication, ecosystem degradation, and climate change, and called for strengthened international cooperation and leadership at the local level through the adoption of integrated approaches such as Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM). These efforts are aligned with global frameworks, including the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the resolution on the Sustainable Lake Management (SLM) adopted at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
The president’s message also included a heartfelt recognition of the younger generation, stating: “The creativity, passion, and forward-looking vision of youth are the very hope for lake conservation.” It underscored the importance of working hand in hand with youth in the pursuit of SLM.
The ceremony also featured video messages from youth in both Indonesia and Japan. From Japan, students from Hikone Higashi High School and Minakuchi Higashi High School, who participated in the Youth Session at WLC20 held recently in Brisbane, Australia, called for concrete actions in conjunction with WLD.
Through such multigenerational and cross-sectoral engagement, the event served as a renewed opportunity to recognize the importance of international dialogue and collaboration for SLM.
Looking ahead, ILEC will continue to serve as an international platform connecting science, policy, and local communities through initiatives such as the WLCs, further promoting and advancing the practice of SLM.
