Freshwater lakes globally are being degraded by climate change and anthropogenic actions. With future projections pointing towards an increase in the intensity and occurrence of extreme climatic events in addition to continued anthropogenic stressors, there is concern over the functions and usability of lake ecosystems. The content of this intersectoral thesis traces the cause-effect relationship between the projected pressures to their effects on lake functions and ecosystem provisioning. For example, a microcosm experiment, analysis of the COVID19 lockdown repercussions and the applications of a serious game traced the cause-effect from pressure to functions and/or service. Further, this thesis assessed the role of holistic management approaches for addressing, if not mitigating, the effects of these lake pressures. This was done through the serious game’s stakeholder involvement as well as an online survey for defining the barricades and solutions for improving lake scientist and manager collaborations.