Sometimes the most meaningful change begins not with new infrastructure or technical solutions, but with a conversation. Such a conversation became one of the key final highlights of the project “Protection of Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure through Sustainable Management of Recreational Areas in Biržai and Aizkraukle” (Safe and diverse).
On 17 December 2025, the Biržai District Municipality Administration invited local community members – sub-district representatives, education institution representatives, environmental specialists and other stakeholders – to a meeting focused on biodiversity in their everyday environment. The dialogue continued 23 January 2026, when representatives of neighbor municipalities responsible for environmental issues (mostly ecologists), as well as representatives of the Environmental Protection Department under the Ministry of Environment, gathered for round-table discussions. The theme of the meetings, “Biodiversity in My Environment: Understanding, Seeing, Nurturing,” encouraged participants not only to listen, but also to actively engage.
These round-table discussions served as a space to present the project activities implemented in Biržai District Municipality, share experiences, and openly discuss both encouraging and concerning findings related to biodiversity in Biržai. Most importantly, the discussions were not formal. All participants were actively involved, sharing good practices, implemented initiatives, and ideas for future actions.
During the joint dialogue, participants searched for solutions on how each community member could contribute to environmental initiatives, promote an eco-friendly lifestyle, and develop projects that would not only help preserve and enhance biodiversity, but also bring tangible benefits to specific territories. Special attention was paid to volunteer engagement and the inclusion of people with disabilities, ensuring that nature protection initiatives remain open and inclusive for all.
At the end of the discussions, after recognizing the value and potential of joint action, a new idea emerged – a community-based initiative aimed at reducing invasive species, called “Renkam” (“We Collect”). The participants expressed readiness to become the initiators of this initiative, demonstrating how dialogue can transform into concrete action.
Thanks to the project activities implemented – ranging from biodiversity inventories and habitat restoration to educational events and youth initiatives – the Biržai Castle area has become not only more aesthetically attractive, but also ecologically richer. The project has contributed to raising public awareness, strengthening community ties, fostering responsibility for the environment, and supporting the sustainable development of the Biržai region.
The project No. LL-00045 Safe and diverse is implemented under the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Program. The project is jointly implemented by the Biržai District Municipality Administration and Aizkraukle District Municipality (Latvia).
We sincerely thank all participants for their insights, ideas and meaningful dialogue – as it is dialogue that lays the foundation for sustainable change.
