Environmental Dialogues is an event series organised as part of the Defining Climate Realism project. Through the series, Baltijos Lizdas and the Institute of European Right aim to bring together local communities, experts and decision-makers to discuss specific environmental challenges facing Lithuania’s regions and explore practical solutions.
During a discussion held in Anykščiai, politicians, environmental experts, local communities and representatives of the forestry sector discussed the future of Lithuania’s forests and regional development. Participants agreed that Lithuania’s forest policy lacks a clear direction that would balance environmental protection, regional development and economic interests. Towards the end of the event, the discussion was disrupted by the actions of some activists and could not be completed as planned.
The discussion was organised by Baltijos Lizdas together with the Institute of European Right as part of the Environmental Dialogues series, which aims to encourage evidence-based discussions on environmental protection, energy and regional development across Lithuania.
Historian Prof. Dr Alfredas Bumblauskas opened the event by highlighting the special role forests have played in Lithuania’s history and identity.
“Where the forests begin, Lithuania begins,” he says.
According to Bumblauskas, Lithuania has long been recognised as a land of forests, and this image has become an important part of the country’s national identity.
“History shows that we have always been a land of forests. Swedish cartographer Olaus Magnus depicted Lithuania with a bear climbing a tree in search of honey. This tells us a great deal about how Lithuania was perceived at the time – as a land of bees, friendship, bears and forests,” says Bumblauskas.
Where values and interests meet
Environmental expert Žymantas Morkvėnas believes that discussions about Lithuania’s forests reveal a deep tension between different values and interests.
“A large part of society approaches forest protection from a values-based perspective, while politicians tend to focus on balancing the interests of private forest owners, the State Forest Enterprise, businesses and other stakeholders. The latter often view forests primarily as an economic resource. These are two different perspectives, and reconciling them is not easy,” he says.
Morkvėnas notes that the relationship between Lithuanians and forests is included in Lithuania’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It reflects a living tradition of coexistence with forests – not an ambition to conquer or exploit them, but an ability to live alongside other species and recognise them as an equal part of nature.
Lack of political will
Member of Parliament Simonas Gentvilas says that discussions about the future of forests inevitably require compromises between the expectations of different groups in society.
Member of Parliament Aistė Gedvilienė says that the National Agreement on Forests was the result of a lengthy process involving different groups across society, including communities, scientists, forest owners and non-governmental organisations.
“We managed to reach agreement on many issues. Most importantly, we agreed that different interest groups need to talk to and respect one another. However, when the discussion reached the question of where economic interests end and forest protection begins, we were unable to reach a common position. What we lack most today is the political will to decide what we prioritise – preserving more forests or generating more economic value from them,” says Gedvilienė.
Gabrielė Griauzdaitė-Patumsienė, opposition leader in the Anykščiai District Municipal Council, emphasised that discussions about forests should also consider their importance for regional development.
“In Anykščiai, forests are not only a natural asset to be protected or an economic resource. They are an important part of local identity, quality of life, tourism and recreation. Decisions about forests must therefore also be assessed in terms of their impact on the region’s future,” says Griauzdaitė-Patumsienė.
Discussion disrupted by activists
Towards the end of the event, the discussion was disrupted by the actions of some activists. As a result, the planned programme could not be completed and representatives of other communities did not have an opportunity to speak.
“The situation at the end of the event demonstrated that discussions about environmental protection in Lithuania remain sensitive and highly emotional. This makes it particularly important to create space for evidence-based dialogue, where important issues can be discussed based on facts rather than emotions,” says Teresė Škutaitė, Director of Baltijos Lizdas.
Teodoras Žukas, Director of the Institute of European Right, adds that discussions about the future of forests extend far beyond environmental protection alone.
“Forests in Lithuania are not only an environmental issue, but also a matter of regional policy, the economy and cultural identity. Long-term solutions will therefore not be possible without dialogue between all stakeholders. The more complex these issues become, the more important it is for decisions to be based on facts, scientific knowledge and open discussion,” says Žukas.
The Environmental Dialogues series will continue across different regions of Lithuania, addressing environmental, energy and regional development issues that matter to local communities.
