Lithuania assigns institutions to manage Kapčiamiestis military polygon and its environmental impact

The Lithuanian government has designated institutions responsible for developing infrastructure for the Kapčiamiestis military polygon and compensating for its environmental impact, reports BNS.

The State Service for Protected Areas (VSTT) will oversee the establishment of new protected areas outside the polygon, adjustments to existing protected zones, and measures to restore protected species. The Ministry of Transport will coordinate the construction of necessary engineering structures and facilities on state roads outside the polygon and training areas.

According to the Ministry of Environment, VSTT, together with the Ministry of National Defence, will monitor the condition of protected areas and species within the polygon. Unavoidable negative impacts will be offset by creating equivalent protected areas elsewhere, adjusting boundaries of existing ones, strengthening their protection regimes, and implementing species restoration measures.

The Ministry of Transport, along with Via Lietuva, municipalities, and the Ministry of National Defence, plans to improve road infrastructure in the Lazdijai district to facilitate the movement of heavy equipment and military units.

The exact funding required for infrastructure works will be determined once technical solutions for specific projects are prepared. Environmental compensation measures will be financed from the state budget allocations for the Ministry of National Defence, with the government providing additional funding if necessary.

As previously reported by BNS, Lithuania is establishing the polygon in Kapčiamiestis to form a national division and deploy a German brigade in the country, requiring more space for military training. The polygon is expected to cover about 14,600 hectares, currently including nearly 2,000 private plots, mostly forest land. Military manoeuvres in Kapčiamiestis are planned to begin in 2028.