Wildsight’s Lake Windermere Project Goes International

Successful initiative becomes conservation template around the world

Invermere, B.C. — You may think Wildsight’s Lake Windermere Project (LWP) is strictly local. But thanks to its success, it has become an international model for water conservation.

The community-based water stewardship initiative is being used as a template for conservation of similar water bodies. German non-profit environmental organization Global Nature Fund believes it is a perfect model for their International Living Lakes Network.

“The experience of the Lake Windermere Project benefits our partner organizations, not only in the European Union but also around the world,” says Marion Hammerl, President of Global Nature Fund. “It’s an excellent example for lake and wetland management and stewardship everywhere.”

The International Living Lakes Network’s mission is to enhance the protection and restoration of lakes, wetlands and other freshwater bodies around the world.

In 2004, Wildsight, the District of Invermere and Global Nature Fund hosted the ninth International Living Lakes Conference. The Lake Windermere Project will be attending this year’s conference in Lago Trasimeno, Italy in September.

“Having the opportunity to host the conference here in 2004 was an amazing experience,” says Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky. “Living Lakes provides the opportunity to bring together people who are concerned with the health of the world’s lakes and surrounding communities.”

The Columbia River Wetlands, including Windermere and Columbia Lakes, are Canada’s only member of this international organization. The network is constantly growing and currently consists of 45 lakes worldwide.

“We’ve learned a lot through the LWP,” says Wildsight LWP Program Manager Heather Leschied. “We’re really looking forward to sharing our knowledge, to continue learning, and making a difference on an international scale.”

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For more information, contact:

Heather Leschied
Wildsight Lake Windermere Project Program Manager
250.341.6898
heather@wildsight.ca