5.4 Alpine headwaters and lakes
Lakes and headwaters worldwide are faced with severe environmental changes caused by Global Climate Change. Rising water temperatures and a changed discharge regime will have dramatic consequences. It is still unknown what the consequences will be for species composition and ecosystem functioning. As protected areas provide pristine freshwater systems, they are ideal areas for investigating potential alterations. In this session we want to share the knowledge concerning the current status of lakes, springs, springbrooks and glacier-fed headwaters in protected areas. This will help to define general criteria for conservation strategies and to plan possible counteractions as well as long-term monitoring projects.