Data from palaeolimnological studies are increasingly being used by lake managers to assess the ecological status of lakes. Indeed in Europe, the EU Water Framework Directive lists the use of palaeolimnology as one of the approved methods for assessing reference conditions in lakes.

In this session we provide an opportunity for palaeolimnologists (i) to present examples of how their data have been used in understanding and managing lake ecosystems in different parts of the world; (ii) to propose new ways in which palaeolimnology might be used in future; and (iii) to debate the relevance of palaeolimnology in guiding strategies for lake restoration in a world facing potentially unprecedented shifts in climate.