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 Klaipėda, representatives of politics, business, academia and industry agreed that economic growth and high environmental standards are not mutually exclusive goals. However, participants from Klaipėda noted that projects are often held back by lengthy and complex bureaucratic processes, as well as insufficient dialogue between institutions, businesses and the public.
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.
The Klaipėda region plays an important role in Lithuania’s economy. Participants explored how industrial and infrastructure development can move forward while maintaining a high quality of life and reducing environmental impact.
The port invests in green transformation
Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport, says that the port has been consistently investing in environmental solutions in recent years.
“Environmental requirements are becoming increasingly strict, but we are investing in reducing our environmental impact, and these efforts are delivering results – the number of substantiated complaints related to port activities has declined in recent years. At the same time, we aim to remain at the forefront of innovation. Lithuania’s first green hydrogen production and refuelling station has been opened at the Port of Klaipėda,” says Latakas.
The discussion also highlighted the concept of a green port. According to Latakas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying vessels are among the key priorities today. Last year, the port had one shore power station supplying electricity to vessels, while four additional stations are currently being installed.
Pollution is not only an industrial issue
Dr Gintvilė Šimkonienė, Vice-Dean at Klaipėda University, emphasises that public debate often presents industrial pollution as the main problem, although the reality is far more complex.
“Industry accounts for only 25% of total pollution in Klaipėda, so we need to see the sector not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity. At the same time, both European Union and national environmental requirements must be respected, and solutions should be grounded in science,” says Šimkonienė.
According to Šimkonienė, Klaipėda University actively cooperates with businesses and industry to develop solutions for reducing pollution, strengthening energy security and improving infrastructure resilience.
Dialogue is more effective than restrictions
Member of Parliament Ligita Girskienė says that her perspective on the relationship between industry and environmental protection has changed in recent years.
“I used to be sceptical, but today I see that dialogue can achieve more. Companies are looking for ways to reduce pollution, investing in new technologies and paying increasing attention to sustainability,” says Girskienė.
She also emphasised the importance of the circular economy and called for more favourable conditions for sustainable projects. One of her proposals is a so-called “green corridor” that would allow environmentally beneficial projects to move through administrative procedures more quickly. Girskienė also noted that amendments introducing stricter requirements for limiting industrial odours are currently being prepared in Parliament.
Member of Parliament Audrius Petrošius believes that excessive bureaucracy is one of the greatest obstacles to the region’s development.
“Dialogue, rather than opposition, is the best way to find solutions. We cannot move the port out of Klaipėda, so we need to think about how to coexist and address the challenges together,” says Petrošius.
According to him, a number of strategic projects – including the development of hydrogen infrastructure, wind energy initiatives and transport infrastructure projects – are being delayed by lengthy approval procedures and insufficient cooperation between institutions.
Stronger cooperation is essential
At the end of the discussion, participants agreed that balancing economic growth with environmental protection requires stronger cooperation between national institutions, municipalities, businesses, academia and local residents.
The Environmental Dialogues series took place across different regions of Lithuania, addressing environmental, energy and regional development issues relevant to local communities.
“The project brought regional communities, industry representatives and environmental activists together around the same table. Although the discussions were heated and at times even overly emotional, we believe this is a step towards concrete solutions. The ideas and recommendations developed throughout the project will be presented to decision-makers,” says Teresė Škutaitė, Director of Baltijos Lizdas.
Teodoras Žukas, Director of the Institute of European Right, says that the process itself was at the heart of the series: “The aim was to hear the voices of politicians, experts and, most importantly, local communities. To identify problems and concerns, and to explore possible paths and directions for moving forward. Throughout the series, voices were raised more than once, and fingers were pointed at different organisations, institutions, decisions and communities. But these emotions demonstrate precisely why such conversations are necessary. From my perspective, the event series was a success.”
