Field trip during the EUROPARC Conference 2025 by Vaidas Garla
The EUROPARC Conference 2025 took place in Birštonas, Lithuania and was hosted by the Lithuanian State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment.
THANK YOU for an amazing EUROPARC Conference 2025!
Hosted by the Lithuanian State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment, the EUROPARC Conference 2025 was a smashing success!
With over 400 registered participants, Birštonas, Lithuania was the place to be for Protected Area professionals. The Conference was held from October 7-10 in one of Lithuania’s unique protected territories: Nemunas Loops Regional Park, Birštonas. It was a week filled with connections, inspiration and nature. Furthermore, our hosts gave all delegates a crash course in Lithuanian culture through field trips, food, and music.
Nature for People, People for Nature
The theme of the EUROPARC Conference in 2025 focussed on the topic of nature restoration in Europe, in the framework of the EU Nature Restoration Act. The Conference theme, Nature for People, People for Nature, was chosen to emphasize the connection between nature and people.
Discover the report below and learn more about the main outcomes of this spectacular event!
Takeaway Messages
1. People and Nature – Mutual Dependence.
Human well-being depends on a healthy environment. Nature restoration must include ecological, social, and cultural aspects, strengthening education, emotional connection, and community involvement.
2. From Policy to Action.
Effective restoration requires cross-sector collaboration among communities, businesses, scientists, and youth. Environmental recovery should become a shared social effort.
Survival is only possible through cooperation.
– Said keynote speaker A. Jasinavičiūtė-Trakimienė
3. Connecting through Experience and Stories.
To counter nature loss indifference, emotional ties with nature must be renewed through art, storytelling, and direct experience.
In nature we love what we understand.
– Said keynote speaker M. Čepulis
4. Innovation and Technology for Nature.
New approaches – from nature credits to satellite data, AI, and “nature guardians” – show that conservation is entering a technology-supported phase.
5. Inclusion and Accessibility for All.
Nature should be open and accessible to everyone, fostering solidarity and shared responsibility for its future.
“Our green spaces are safe spaces – for everyone.”
– Said Innovation and Inspiration Session speaker H. Bridgeman
Get more insights in the Conference Report:
