African Great Lakes, one of the world's most endangered water systems

"Twisting down the two arms of the Great Rift Valley – the Eastern Rift Valley and Western (or Albertine) Rift Valley – one finds some of the oldest, largest and deepest lakes in the world. These include the 3 largest lakes in Africa - Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi - as well as lakes Turkana, Albert, Edward, Kivu and several others. The lakes are important habitats for a number of fish and amphibian species, abundant birdlife and numerous crocodiles." The lakes are home to 10% of world's fish, known specifically for its endemic cichlid fish species, which are specifically threatened with invasive fish. "In the surrounding lake region, one finds elephants, gorillas, hippos and other wildlife in the Great Rift's mountains and valleys. Millions of people across several East African countries depend on the lakes' resources and surrounding forests for their livelihoods and day-to-day lives. Despite their beauty, the great lakes rank as one of the world's most endangered water systems." Deforestation in the lakes' watershed causes sedimentation runoff in the lakes and poor waste management has also led to eutrophication, harmful algal blooms that threaten wildlife. Agricultural activity is also a threat to the health of the lakes from toxic chemical use and overuse of water for irrigation which contributes to critically low water levels. Additionally, climate change and development are growing concerns to the lakes' ecosystems.