The volunteering initiative of the partners of the conservation project “Naturalit” (the Environmental Project Management Agency, the State Service for Protected Territories and the Directorates of Protected Territories) has been nominated in the “Power of Lithuania” awards. The growing interest in volunteering in Lithuania’s protected areas shows that it is becoming increasingly important to contribute to the protection of landscape and biodiversity.
“The initiative, which has been noticed by the organisers of the “Power of Lithuania” Awards, is now in its third year and invites Lithuanian companies to volunteer in protected areas. An interactive map created for the convenience of companies offers volunteering opportunities in Lithuanian protected areas. Many protected areas are also included in the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas due to their special natural values.
In 2021, the initiative attracted 13 volunteer teams and 145 participants, in 2022 – 26 teams and 350 participants, and in 2023 (until 15 September) – over 90 teams and around 1700 participants. Companies such as Swedbank, Danske Bank, Ignitis Group, Lietuvos draudimas and other companies and organisations have already joined the volunteering in protected areas.
The volunteers who took part in the initiative shared their knowledge of the sites they visited and their biodiversity. They also said that they were surprised by the diversity of Lithuanian nature, felt happy to contribute to its preservation and improved their teamwork skills.
“Power of Lithuania” Awards are annual awards given on the initiative of the President to recognise civic initiatives and good practices in cities, towns and regions, as well as in Lithuanian communities abroad. The Awards encourage community mobilisation, inspire others to embark on a journey of change for the common good and contribute to strengthening civic power across the country.
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