EUROPARC CONFERENCE – FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LITHUANIA
From October 7 to 10, Birštonas will become the capital of European protected areas, hosting the continent's largest nature conservation event, the EUROPARC annual conference, also known as the "Eurovision" of European protected areas. This prestigious international forum is being held in Lithuania for the first time.
More than 360 protected area experts from 37 countries will gather in Birštonas, located in the Nemunas Loops Regional Park.
The theme of this year's EUROPARC conference, "Nature for People, People for Nature," reminds us of the inseparable connection between humans and nature: health, well-being, and responsibility. Birštonas was not chosen by chance – this place has been famous for centuries for its unique values and exceptional relationship between nature and people.
The conference will be attended by leaders of protected areas in European countries, scientists, nature conservation experts, and policy makers. Guests from Peru, Venezuela, and Chile will also participate. They can look forward to:
- Plenary sessions with well-known speakers from all over Europe and Lithuania,
- Practical seminars on environmental protection challenges and best practices,
- Discussions in nature – trips to unique areas of Lithuania, where we will share our long-standing experience and implemented ideas.
The EUROPARC conference tradition is more than half a century old – the first conference was held in 1973 in Sunkene (Sweden).
One of the highlights of this year is the European Union's Nature Restoration Regulation and the National Nature Restoration Plan. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of these documents, compare countries' experiences, and discuss how European and national funds can contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and the strengthening of public awareness, and thus to the survival of humanity.
"The EUROPARC Conference 2025 is not only a platform for sharing experiences, but also a reminder of the need to protect and restore nature – not only for its beauty, but also for the benefit of humanity and future generations," says Dr. Agnė Jasinavičiūtė-Trakimienė, Director of the State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of the Environment.
This international conference is one of the most important events for the European protected areas community, bringing together nature conservation, tourism, and regional development specialists, policymakers, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
The organizers of the EUROPARC Conference 2025 are the State Service For Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment and the Protected Areas Directorate.
For more information, visit - EUROPARC Federation and https://europarc2025.lt/.
