Lithuania Commits to Biodiversity Goals and Joins Global Peace with Nature Coalition
Kęstutis Šetkus, Lithuania’s Vice-Minister of the Environment, delivered a national statement at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Colombia, reaffirming Lithuania’s commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Agenda, adopted in 2022, with key targets set for 2030.
"We have set an ambitious goal to designate 30% of Lithuania's land as protected areas, with strict protection for 40% of these areas, and to improve the status of at least one-third of currently vulnerable protected species of flora and fauna," said Šetkus, detailing Lithuania’s biodiversity strategy. To achieve these objectives, Lithuania plans to allocate €90 million by 2030.
Šetkus noted that Lithuania is also bolstering its protected area institutions to promote nature restoration nationwide. Recent reforms now allow the creation of private protected areas through agreements between the government and private landowners.
In his remarks, Šetkus shared examples of successful initiatives, such as financial incentives for fishermen who voluntarily suspend commercial fishing and a project led by a local NGO to increase the population of the endangered warbler through an innovative translocation technique for passerine birds. Lithuania is now sharing this experience internationally, underscoring that joint efforts are essential to preserve biodiversity.
Šetkus highlighted the destructive impact of war on biodiversity, referencing the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Lithuania condemns this aggression and is committed to supporting Ukraine in restoring its biodiversity, including specific support for Pushcha Radzivila National Park.
At the UN conference, environment ministers from various nations established the Global Coalition for Peace with Nature, led by Colombia. This coalition’s declaration calls for unified action to tackle environmental challenges and implement practical strategies to protect biodiversity and the planet.
Last updated: 07-11-2024
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