Farmers and environmentalists clash over Lithuania’s plans to expand protected nature reserves

Lithuania’s Environment Ministry is facing opposition from farmers over plans to establish three new nature reserves and expand a fourth, with environmentalists warning of potential EU sanctions if the country fails to meet conservation targets, LRT reports.

The ministry intends to expand the Stračiūnai Herpetological Reserve in southern Lithuania—currently protecting species such as the European pond turtle, fire-bellied toad, and crested newt—by 100 hectares. Three additional reserves are proposed: Radyščius Herpetological, Tyklė Botanical-Zoological, and Večiai Botanical.

Officials argue the move is necessary to comply with EU Natura 2000 network requirements, which mandate protection for endangered species and habitats. “The European Commission is pressing us to finalise these designations,” said Algirdas Klimavičius, head of the ministry’s nature conservation policy group. “If we don’t act, Lithuania risks sanctions.”

Farmers counter that conservation efforts disproportionately restrict agricultural activity. “In protected areas, farming is essentially banned,” said Darius Ufartas, a farmer from Šakiai district. “If a reserve expands onto your land, your livelihood is over.” He compared the policy to “surrendering a room in your home to biodiversity—paying full taxes but losing the right to use it.”

Environmental experts insist current protections are insufficient. “At this pace, we’d need another 20 years to cover all critical areas,” said Ričardas Skorupskas of the Geographers’ Association. The ministry acknowledges delays stem from funding shortages and political resistance, as landowners lobby against restrictions.

Under the proposals, protected wetlands would ban peatland forest logging, while meadows near reserves could face access limits. The ministry stresses that without action, Lithuania may fail to meet its EU obligations.