Lithuania PA

As part of the preparation for the "Can't You SEA?" Youth Exchange, the Lithuanian team focused on researching sea and coastal pollution in Lithuania and the Baltic Sea region. Since Lithuania borders the Baltic Sea, understanding its environmental challenges was an important step before the international project.

Participants collected information about:

  • Main sources of pollution in Lithuania (agriculture runoff, wastewater, plastic)

  • Pollution levels and environmental risks for the Baltic Sea

  • Government efforts and EU cooperation through HELCOM and environmental programs

  • Local and youth-led campaigns promoting cleaner coasts and more sustainable habits

Their research helped them learn how marine pollution affects ecosystems, coastal communities, and climate change in their region. By gathering facts, examples, and real data, the Lithuanian group prepared themselves to join discussions, share knowledge with participants from other countries, and represent Lithuania in the project.

Lithuania is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, and although the country has a relatively small shoreline, the pollution of this sea affects the environment, economy, and people's health. Baltic Sea pollution comes mainly from industrial waste, untreated sewage, agricultural chemicals, and plastic litter. It is a closed sea, which means the water exchange with the Atlantic Ocean is very slow – pollution remains for many years, making it one of the most polluted seas in the world.

Current Situation in Lithuania

In Lithuania, the main sources of sea pollution include agricultural fertilizers, wastewater, and plastic waste, while industrial activity and the busy port of Klaipėda also contribute significantly. Despite government efforts to improve waste management and water treatment, progress remains slow. Lithuania's Baltic Sea coastline faces severe environmental pressure, with studies showing some of the highest microplastic concentrations in Europe on beaches such as Klaipėda and Šventoji. Less than half of Lithuania's coastal waters meet good chemical status due to runoff from urban areas, industry, and agriculture. At the same time, NGOs and youth initiatives, including campaigns like "Blue Wave" and "Let's Do It! Lithuania", continue to raise awareness, promote beach clean-ups, and encourage communities to reduce waste and protect marine ecosystems.

Government and Local Initiatives

The Lithuanian government has introduced national programs to reduce marine pollution, focusing on improving wastewater treatment and enforcing stricter industrial emission controls, while also cooperating with HELCOM and other Baltic Sea countries to share data and coordinate protection strategies. In Klaipėda, the "Green Port Initiative" supports more sustainable port activities, and municipalities regularly collaborate with schools and youth groups to organize beach clean-ups and environmental education. Lithuania also takes part in wider regional efforts, such as the Baltic Sea Action Plan, and implements public campaigns including coastal clean-ups and the "Save the Baltic Sea" expedition to raise awareness and involve citizens. Additionally, modern digital tools are used for real-time monitoring of water quality in lakes, rivers, and coastal zones, strengthening environmental management and community awareness.

Youth-Led environmental initiatives

Lithuanian youth actively participate in environmental projects, like reclaiming urban areas for green spaces and running "Youth Green Spots" community gardens. Initiatives led by organizations such as Active Youth Planet focus on sustainability, education and public engagement, empowering young people to propose and implement local solutions for clean water and climate action. 

Lithuanian youth actively participate in environmental projects, like reclaiming urban areas for green spaces and running "Youth Green Spots" community gardens. Initiatives led by organizations such as Active Youth Planet focus on sustainability, education and public engagement, empowering young people to propose and implement local solutions for clean water and climate action.

Everyday Actions for Cleaner Coasts

In Lithuania, many simple daily actions can help protect the Baltic Sea. People are encouraged to sort their household waste properly and reduce plastic use – especially single-use items like bottles, bags, and straws. Coastal communities such as Klaipėda and Palanga organize regular clean-up events, where volunteers collect waste from beaches and dunes. Schools also participate in 'Green Week' projects, where students learn about pollution and how to live more sustainably. Even small choices – like using reusable cups, saving water, and supporting eco-friendly tourism – can make a big difference for our coasts and marine life.

Marine Life in Danger

Pollution in the Baltic Sea severely affects marine animals and plants, with microplastics and chemical waste harming fish such as cod and flounder, reducing their populations and impacting local fisheries. Seals and seabirds often ingest plastic, leading to injury or death, while one of the most threatened species, the Baltic ringed seal, faces the double challenge of pollution and melting sea ice due to climate change. Agricultural runoff causes eutrophication, creating low-oxygen "dead zones" where marine life cannot survive, demonstrating how strongly human activities influence ocean health. At the same time, Lithuania's coastline is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels, land subsidence, and more frequent storm surges posing serious risks to coastal cities like Klaipėda and Palanga, as well as port operations and local economies. To address these threats, adaptation strategies are being developed, including improved engineering solutions, monitoring systems, and community preparedness.