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IGB gave feedback in the Call for Evidence on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy and highlighted the central role of water and freshwater ecosystems.

Light pollution, which illuminates the night sky, promotes the growth of cyanobacteria (often called blue-green algae) and stimulates metabolic processes in lakes. This is shown by a recent study by the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) in the largest field experiment to date on the effect of light pollution on lakes. The results have been published in the scientific journal Water Research.

IGB researchers gave feedback in the EU consultation on the GreenData4All initaitive.

Water is misused as a weapon when infrastructure and water resources are deliberately destroyed in armed conflicts. Water resources and infrastructure are also affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine: In June 2023, the Kakhovka Dam, which held water from one of Europe's largest reservoirs, collapsed as a result of military damage. Researchers led by the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) have now published a study on the ecological consequences of the dam collapse in the journal Science.

The River Spree flows in reverse direction in some sections. Subsequently, water from River Erpe, which contains partly treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant Münchehofe, can flow in reverse direction in River Spree into Lake Müggelsee. Such flow reversals, which will likely occur more frequently in the future due to the phase-out of lignite mining, climate change and deviated annual precipitation patterns, pose a challenge for water management.

IGB researchers gave feedback on the planned European Water Resilience Strategy and underlined the relevance of freshwater ecosystems.

A new IGB Dossier shows options for action for policy-makers and authorities at the nutrient-polluted Lake Arendsee.

As part of Berlin Science Week 2024, IGB researchers, artists and the public immersed themselves in the diverse habitats of the Oder and Spree rivers. Four formats offered insights into the fragile balance of ecosystems, the sensitive relationships between species, human responsibility and the unifying power of art and science. On 14 December and 11 and 12 January, you can see, hear and experience extracts from these formats once again.