How much would you pay to keep your favourite swimming spots clean and safe? 

Nature Lacks a Clear Price Tag – Yet Caring for Freshwater isn’t Free 

We all happily pay an entry free to access the local pools. But imagine spending just $10 for an all-access day pass to two of the most stunning alpine lakes in the world. Would you do it? What if that small contribution helped keep these lakes clean, safe and swimmable for generations to come? 

Here in our rohe (region), we’re lucky to enjoy freshwater that many people around the world can only dream of – alpine lakes, winding rivers, and quiet swimming spots that connect us to nature and to each other. Yet even these seemingly pristine waterways are under pressure. 

Local Freshwater is at Risk 

Despite their beauty, these lakes and rivers face growing challenges: 

• Declining water quality from increasing pressures 
• Contamination from land use and changing climate patterns 
• Invasive introduced species threatening delicate ecosystems 
• Rising visitor numbers impacting shorelines and habitats 

Healthy water doesn’t happen by accident. It requires ongoing care, monitoring, and community commitment. 

What Nature Matters to Our Wellbeing 

Research shows something we’ve always felt intuitively: spending time near lakes, rivers, and native forests makes us healthier and happier. Access to nature is linked to: 

• Lower stress levels 
• Reduced anxiety 
• Better physical health 
• Stronger community connection 
• Higher overall life satisfaction 

 Freshwater isn’t just a resource – it's a foundation for wellbeing, identity, and community life.