Biodiversity in Lithuania: Achievements, challenges and policy

Abstract

Biodiversity is the key to the stability and productivity of natural systems. Preserving biodiversity is, therefore, one of the most important environmental issues for both developing and developed countries. The objective of the study is to reveal the main temporal trends of biodiversity and related indicators in Lithuania, a post-Soviet country. The analysis focuses on the biodiversity and related indicators such as forest coverage, protected areas, red list, and administrative infringements in protected areas covering the period of the last two decades (1991-2014) after the reestablishment of independence which is considered a transition period. After the restoration of independence, the country became a participant in international law collaboration. Despite the relatively good situation in biodiversity conservation, loss and fragmentation of the habitats due to economic activities as well as infringements highly contribute to the current challenges. Public information and awareness are rising as well as strong political awareness is still needed.