Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the
world at 1700 m.It’s contains 20% of all fresh running water on the planet,
making it the single largest reservoir. Also, the lake contains an outstanding
variety of endemic flora and fauna, of exceptional value to evolutionary
science.
The basin supports a variety of plant and animal species, a
number being endemic; the most notable of which is the Baikal seal, a uniquely
freshwater species. The great variety of plants in the basin is determined by
its climatic asymmetry: the western part is occupied by light coniferous
forests and mountain steppes; in the eastern part pine forests predominate; and
the north is covered by deciduous forests.
The lake itself is the centrepiece of the site and its
largely unseen underwater features are the core of its value to both science
and conservation. Baikal is one of the most biodiverse lakes on Earth, with
1,340 species of animal (745 endemic) and 570 species of plant (150 endemic).
In the forests surrounding the lake there are an additional 10 threatened
species along with the full complement of typical boreal species. The evolution
of aquatic life that has taken place over this long period has resulted in an
exceptionally unique and endemic fauna and flora. As the 'Galápagos of Russia',
the lake is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.
The landscape surrounding the lake basin, with its
mountains, boreal forests, tundra, lakes, islands and steppes, is exceptionally
picturesque. The Baikal region has some 1,200 historical, archaeological and
cultural monuments of which 1,000 have state protection. A number of these are
considered sacred. There is also a mix of distinctive cultures in the region
and an interesting human history.
However, there are serious threats to the biotic
communities at Lake Baikal and there is a danger that its unique ecosystem
properties could be lost. Various steps are being taken to address these issues
of integrity with strong support from all levels of government and the Russian
public
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