A major community effort is under way in Co Mayo, to safeguard the ecosystem around Lough Carra.
Volunteers, from a number of different sectors, have devised a plan to reduce nutrients, assist aquatic life and improve water quality.
They say the inclusive nature of the project is central to its success.
Backed by €5 million in EU funding, the Lough Carra LIFE initiative brings together farmers, landowners, anglers, ecologists and other community members from the lake's catchment area.
They are halfway through a five year plan which is working towards the longer term restoration of the marl crust on the lake bed. Made of tiny organisms that thrive in bright, low nutrient conditions, it has been compromised in recent decades.
Dr Cilian Roden, who has conducted extensive research on the lake, said the deterioration is a "consequence of national choices" in terms of agriculture policy.
"The inevitable result is that nitrogen and phosphorous that isn't being used in food is going to waste, and ending up in our water."
He said the problem is not confined to one area, and references the pollution of Lough Neagh as the end result when nutrient levels go unchecked.
Dr Roden feels that any attempt to tackle this has to have local buy-in.
"These people [around Lough Carra] live locally and they care and that's so important - the emotional connection to a place, motivating people to do the right thing."
They are focused on improving water quality, restoring the marl habitat and raising the conservation status of other species in the environs.
The strategy aims to change practices that cause pollution and bio-diversity loss.
Throughout the project, detailed monitoring has been carried out to determine the ways in which some actions work and other can be enhanced.
As part of the work being undertaken with landowners, 60 bespoke plans have been drawn up for individual farmers. Each contains specific actions that can be taken, to improve sustainability and assist the ecosystem.
The plans also list things like tree and hedgerow planting, the installation of drinking troughs and settlement ponds, along with soil sampling and land maintenance measures.
John Horan, from Ballintubber, said the support has given him the ability to make informed and beneficial choices, to support the local environment.
"I suppose we now recognise that we have a jewel of a lake in terms of its ecosystem and all that wildlife and abundance surrounding us… You want to leave the area better than you found it, so it’s important we make a good job of it".
Locals are updated on the progress of the initiative with regular community meetings as well as through online and hard copy newsletters.
Lough Carra Life Project Manager, Ann Marie Meaney, says the example being set in Co. Mayo could be replicated elsewhere.
"We know we should be doing but we need more investment. If we don’t invest in water policy then you know we’re not just going to lose the habitat, but the water we need for drinking, we need for our animals to grow, to sustain our economy… so it’s it’s an issue that we all need to address" she says.
All involved in the recovery effort are mindful that it will take time to yield results but the Lough Carra Catchment Association says the momentum created thusfar will sustain the attempt to reverse the damage to the lake.
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