ABSTRACT
The first studies of the Lake Baikal ecosystem date back to the late 19th century. Since the 1920-30s studies of the limnological features became more regular and extensive, and since the 1960s the studies have acquired a new approach, i.e. an integrated assessment of anthropogenic impacts. Kozhov (1947,1962a,b, 1970,1972) was the first to characterise the general scheme of the Lake Baikal ecosystem structure and function, its description and evolution. He also formulated the requirements to protect the unique Lake Baikal ecosystem (Kozhov, 1966, 1971). The Limnological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Research Institute of Biology of the Irkutsk State University and the Russian Federal Hydrometeorological and Environmental Service (ROSGYDROMET) play a key role in the implementation of integrated monitoring of Lake Baikal.
