Lithuanian Forest Conservation Enthusiasts Preserve Tree Cover to Slow Down Climate Crisis

Global deforestation shows no signs of slowing down—10M ha of forests were destroyed each year from 2015 to 2020, and 2,400 trees are cut each minute. The loss of tree cover is also a threat to climate stability and biodiversity conservation as trees absorb the carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses of human activities. Seeing the deforestation crisis and a pressing need for constructive actions, a Lithuanian non-profit organisation, the Ancient Woods Foundation, has taken up the task of reducing deforestation in the country.

Local initiative to prompt forest and biodiversity conservation

Lithuanian strict nature reserves make up only 1.225% of the entire forest territory in the country. Given the dire statistics, the Ancient Woods Foundation has been fighting for Lithuanian woods conservation since the beginning of 2020. The inspiration for the Foundation was drawn from a 2017 documentary Ancient Woods by Lithuanian director Mindaugas Survila. The seed money for the Foundation, 60 thousand euros, came from the documentary in order to acquire the first forest plots, slated to become the very first publicly accessible Lithuanian ancient wood.

Within the first year of operations, the Foundation bought out the first forest parcel. Now, almost 33 acres of old-growth forests have been preserved to date: three forest parcels, amounting to 22.48 acres were bought out by the Foundation whereas another two parcels, constituting 10.32 acres, were donated by private benefactors.

Prior to acquiring forest parcels, they are analysed by scientists to determine their potential to become ancient woods. Tree maturity, species variety, the number of microhabitats, the relief, and other environmental factors are taken into consideration before deciding on a suitable forest parcel.

After the parcel is acquired, it is left as it is—no logging or other destructive human activity is permitted in the parcel, allowing it to age and turn into an ancient forest. Ancient woods are considered forests of over 200 years, which are mainly characterised by biodiversity, high maturity of trees, and a large variety of species dwelling in them.

Recognition by Lithuanian emigrants boosted donations

The activities of the Ancient Woods Foundation have recently been recognised by the Lithuanian diaspora. A private benefactor, Gabrielius Gedvila, residing in the U.S., and the fund established to honour his late wife, Dana Gedvilas Fund, have recently donated USD 20K for the latest forest parcel of 11.11 acres acquired by the Ancient Woods Foundation. As a thank you gesture, the parcel was named after the donating fund.

The newest parcel is composed of a mixed forest with a variety of species of different ages. It contains oaks, asps, birches, black alders, and spruces. Part of the parcel has also been recognized by the European Community as an important habitat.

According to Survila, the support by the Lithuanian diaspora is a significant push for the Foundation to move forward.

“The forest parcels, bought out by the Ancient Woods Foundation, will forever stay as they are, with flora, fauna, and fungi carrying on intact. Therefore the Foundation team appreciates every act of kindness, allowing us to preserve as many forest parcels as possible,” Survila said. “It’s amazing that Lithuanian woods are important to those who live here and abroad. The support by private benefactors also encourages the Foundation to strive for even bigger goals each year.”

Forest conservation to fight disease outbreaks and natural disasters

Experts assert that forests help to maintain the natural balance in the environment and they are closely linked to the protection from viral diseases such as COVID-19. Since wooded areas act as shields and therefore reduce the spread of pathogens, the reduction of deforestation is essential in order to minimize the risk of similar outbreaks.

Justinas Kilpys, a climate expert collaborating with the Ancient Woods Foundation, also explains that besides protection from disease spread, carbon dioxide absorption, and maintenance of microclimate in the area, forests help to minimize the risk of other natural disasters, such as flash floods. Since trees, moss, and natural soil absorb rainwater like a sponge, wooded areas are threatened by flash floods less compared to areas with fewer forest parcels.

More information about the Ancient Woods Foundation means of contribution, and implemented initiatives are available here.