Lithuania, located in the Baltic region of Europe, shares borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast to the southwest. It also has a coastline along the Baltic Sea to the west. The country covers an area of about 65,300 km² (25,212 mi²). Lithuania’s landscape is mostly flat, with gently rolling plains dotted with numerous lakes and rivers. The highest point in Lithuania is Aukštojas Hill, which stands at 293 meters (961 feet) above sea level.

Lithuania’s diverse landscapes support a rich variety of flora and fauna. The country is home to large forests, wetlands, and coastal areas that provide habitats for many species. Forests cover about one-third of Lithuania’s land area, and they are home to wildlife such as red deer, wild boar, and foxes. The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a unique sand dune peninsula that hosts a variety of bird species and other wildlife. Lithuania’s numerous lakes and rivers, including the Nemunas and Neris rivers, support diverse aquatic life.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	62	20	N/A
Land Management	56	78	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	60	99	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	34	141	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	31	157	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	74	15	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	79	152	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	47	52	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use	63	42	N/A
Threats to Biodiversity	73	30	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	95	9	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	86	3	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	100	1	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	33	69	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	75	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	69	158	N/A
Capacity and Governance	68	44	N/A
Total Management Cost	82	145	N/A
Conservation Culturomics	48	68	N/A
Conservation Legislation	27	148	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	70	3	N/A
Control of Corruption	64	35	N/A
Government Effectiveness	70	31	N/A
Future Trends	52	37	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	52	37	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Lithuania has an extensive network of protected areas, covering almost 18% of its land. These areas include various types like strict nature reserves, national parks, and Ramsar sites. They preserve the country’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, providing habitats for a wide range of plants and animals. Additionally, they offer opportunities for recreation and scientific study. Lithuania’s dedication to conservation is evident in its participation in global agreements like the Ramsar Convention and Natura 2000 network, promoting sustainable management practices and preserving ecological treasures.

Threats to Biodiversity

Changes in Lithuania’s environment have greatly impacted its biodiversity and natural resources. These changes include alterations in the land’s structure from Soviet-era land drainage, heavy cutting of forests, and damage from natural disasters like pests. Pollution from various sources, like agricultural runoff and industrial waste, harms ecosystems. Meadows have suffered due to reduced economic activity, while water bodies have been altered by human activities like straightening riverbeds. Illegal fishing, sea pollution, increased recreation in nature, and urban development also contribute to biodiversity loss and landscape changes.

Capacity and Governance

The primary national legislation governing environmental monitoring in Lithuania is the Law on Environmental Monitoring of the Republic of Lithuania. This law establishes the framework for the country’s environmental monitoring system. The State Environmental Monitoring Programme outlines the comprehensive measures for monitoring various environmental components. The current government-approved programme, effective from 2011 to 2017, includes a section on nature monitoring. This section focuses on monitoring species and habitats of European Union (EU) concern, as well as monitoring forest, fish, regulated game, and invasive species.

Future Trends

In 2015, Lithuania introduced its National Environment Protection Strategy, endorsed by the Parliament. This strategy outlines the country’s environmental goals until 2030, with a vision extending to 2050. It emphasizes four main policies: sustainable use of resources and waste management, enhancing environmental quality, ensuring ecosystem stability, and addressing climate change and its impacts. The strategy stresses the importance of integrating environmental considerations into territorial planning at all levels and implementing plans to preserve natural areas and ecological networks. These plans should include measures to maintain landscape diversity, enhance ecosystem functions, protect species and habitats, and improve their conditions for survival.

Biodiversity

Lithuania, located in the Baltic region of Europe, is characterized by a rich and varied biodiversity, supported by its diverse landscapes of forests, wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas. Approximately one-third of the country is covered in forests, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. Key species include the European bison, elk, wild boar, and various bird species such as the white stork and the lesser spotted eagle. Lithuania’s mixed forests of pine, spruce, and deciduous trees create a mosaic of habitats that support a wide range of wildlife, contributing to the country’s ecological richness.

The country’s numerous lakes, rivers, and wetlands, such as the Curonian Lagoon and the Nemunas Delta, are vital for aquatic biodiversity. These areas are especially important for migratory birds, providing crucial nesting and feeding grounds. The coastal region along the Baltic Sea, including the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit, is another significant habitat known for its unique dune landscapes and diverse birdlife. Lithuania’s meadows and grasslands are also notable for their plant diversity, including many rare and endemic species.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Lithuania only):