Eco-Tourism in the Lake Biome

Eco-tourism is the tourism to exotic or threatened ecosystems to observe wildlife or to help preserve nature. If one were to eco-tour a lake biome, there are several important things to remember.

1. What takes days to ruin can take centuries to fix.

Several articles have been released showing how wide reaching the effects are of dumping contaminants into lakes. Along with all the immediate death and destruction, it can take hundreds of years for the lake to repair its natural balance. That is, if it can even be repaired at all. So remember, every little bit of waste disrupts the ecosystem. Always responsibly dispose of all waste.

2. Lake biodiversity is in danger.

Through the introduction of non-native species, global warming, pollution and other human activities, lake biodiversity is severely threatened.  It is estimated that only 10% of all animal species are known to scientists. With every lake species killed off, a medicine to combat a disease may not come to light. No new insight on the earth's history is gained. An ecosystem may be destroyed. Biodiversity is not only important to natural ecosystems, it is also key to the global fishing economy. Protecting biodiversity could reap many rewards, but not protecting it can only hurt us.

3. Freshwater is a valuable resource. 

Only 2.5% of the world's water supply is freshwater. Only .007% of the world's freshwater supply is even available directly for human use. With every lake contaminated, that number keeps getting smaller. Water is key to life on Earth. We need to be smart with the little bit we have.

4. Invasive species are rarely helpful.


Besides destroying native species, invasive, introduced species can ruin economies centered around fishing. In this bad economy, no one can afford to lose more jobs.

5. Poor land management has far reaching consequences.


It is important for farmers to responsibly use their fertilizer and not over-farm their land. This can lead to serious runoff into lakes, lowering dissolved oxygen and creating algal blooms which suffocate fish.