Trichonis Lake is the largest lake in Greece, spanning an area of 95.8 km², with a maximum length of 21.5 km, a maximum depth of 58 m, and a surface elevation of 15 m. The water temperature ranges from 4° to 25°C. The lake is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife, including endemic species of algae, birds, and fish.

Human activities have significantly degraded large portions of the shoreline habitats. Additional pressures include chemical pollution, partly from agricultural sources such as waste from olive oil mills, water abstraction, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Data from past research projects such as “Hydrobiological surveillance for a biotypological classification and management of inland waters of Greece – The Aetolian-Akarnanian water basin, Central Western Greece” (1984-1987), which created databases for hydrobiological parameters to support ecosystem protection plans; “Aerobic post-treatment of the anaerobic pre-treated liquid waters from olive oil mills using a rotating disc reactor with longitudinal flow” (1984-1985), which developed treatment solutions to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural wastewater in the Trichonis Lake area; and “Limnological Studies of the Aetoloakarnanian Lakes” (1985-1988), which provided a limnological framework for reconstruction. Publications and meetings organized in past years are also available and will contribute to the development of nature-based solutions (NbS).

Trichonis Lake primarily serves agricultural purposes, including irrigation, food supply, and fishing, while also being a secondary source of recreation and tourism, particularly religious tourism due to the presence of many monasteries in the area, thus providing added value to the community.

After assessing the ecological status based on biodiversity, various nature-based solutions (NbS) will be implemented. These include extending vegetation buffer strips across different habitat types around the lake or in specific sections as an NbS. Additionally, the integration of wetlands may be considered as a potential NbS to enhance the lake’s resilience against point source pollution.