In a study conducted by Tuddao, the main objective was to identify significant risks to freshwater biodiversity and suggest conservation strategies to tackle them.
The author acknowledges that Lake Lanao has experienced a noticeable deterioration in its water quality, which is primarily caused by water pollution. This pollution is the main reason for the lake's current poor condition. Overall, Lake Lanao is an important freshwater resource and one of the Philippines' largest inland bodies of water.
Lake Lanao is an ancient and culturally significant lake known worldwide for its calm and magnificent waters teaming with a wide array of aquatic life. However, human activities driven by the growing demand for its resources have adversely affected the lake over time. These activities include extracting water for domestic and agricultural purposes, generating hydropower, engaging in recreational activities like boating and swimming, conducting cu
...ltural rituals, participating in water sports, fishing for sustenance and livelihood, and other uses associated with the lake. Consequently, these anthropogenic actions have significantly degraded the quality of the lake's water. Factors contributing to this degradation involve inadequate management of solid waste in communities surrounding the lake, direct discharge of domestic wastewater into it, excessive sedimentation resulting from land development and deforestation, improper agricultural practices as well as the use of pesticides and insecticides. These detrimental activities have caused an increase in Bio-Chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), reduced levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), higher coliform and heavy metal content in the lake's water while also altering other parameters such as salinity, pH level, and acidity.
The deterioration of water quality in Lake Lanads is having a detrimental impact on its aquatic ecosystem and the wide variety of organisms
that contribute to its biodiversity. Human actions that endanger their habitat are placing specific fish species, which are exclusive to this lake, in danger of disappearing forever. The author's primary focus is to highlight the potential harm confronting the lake's biodiversity and propose strategies to mitigate this peril.
The main focus of the author is on fishes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton in Lake Lanao. However, microorganisms like bacteria that can indicate water quality are not given much attention. The study emphasizes the significance of collaboration among the government, private organizations, and local residents to prevent further deterioration of the lake. It is important to note that instead of assigning blame for the poor water quality, the author proposes cooperation between the government and people as a solution. As a member of the ethnic group living near Lake Lanao, it is essential to recognize and tackle water pollution.
The pollution of Lake Lanao must be seriously considered due to its significance as a hydroelectric power source. This research has provided me with knowledge about the lake's importance, emphasizing both the potential consequences of future water contamination and how our own actions can jeopardize its biodiversity. To have an impact, it is advised to take personal responsibility and demonstrate dedication. Although water pollution is a worldwide problem, it should be tackled locally.
Environmentalists emphasize the importance of a global perspective and local action in promoting environmental consciousness. To address the declining state of Lake Lanao, it is crucial for the government, private organizations, and citizens to collaborate. The government must allocate additional resources to research sustainable solutions for the lake. Additionally, they should not depend solely on temporary or emergency measures
but prioritize cost-effective comprehensive strategies that yield superior outcomes. As the saying goes, "We only appreciate water's value when the well runs dry."
The responsibility for any damage caused by residents of the nearby lake lies with them.
