Lithuania to miss forest cover target by 17 years at current pace, state audit finds
Sunday 12th July 2026 on 18:00 in
Lithuania
Lithuania will miss its target of increasing forest cover to 35% by 2030, achieving it only by 2047 if current reforestation rates persist, according to a new report by the State Audit Office (Valstybės kontrolė).
The institution’s review of forest resources and protection found that forests covered 33.91% of Lithuania’s territory last year, below the EU average of 39%.
State Controller Irena Segalovičienė emphasised that increasing forest cover must align with strengthening climate resilience and biodiversity protection. “In pursuing ambitious forestation goals, we must ensure that new forests are resilient to climate change, effectively preserve biodiversity, and create long-term value for the state,” she said.
The audit identified obstacles to progress, including a decline in suitable land for afforestation, limited availability of state-owned land, and reduced engagement from private landowners. It also highlighted concerns over forest quality, noting that 74% of Lithuania’s forests remain single-species and single-age stands—primarily pine, spruce, and birch—which reduces their resilience to climate change, diseases, and pests.
Most forest habitats in Lithuania remain in poor or deteriorating condition, with strictly protected reserve forests accounting for just 1.25% of the total forest area. Additionally, the European Commission estimates that Lithuania’s Natura 2000 network lacks around 15,000 hectares of forest habitats.
Delays in legal reforms further hinder progress, the report states. Key legislation, including amendments to the Forest Law and the National Forest Sector Strategic Document, remain unadopted. Outdated inventory data and inaccuracies in forest accounting also pose challenges.
The State Audit Office urges accelerated reforestation efforts, stronger biodiversity protection, and the formation of climate-resilient forests. It also calls for long-term solutions to balance ecological and economic forest functions. The institution announced it will launch an audit this year to assess whether current measures are improving forest habitat conditions and climate resilience.