At the Vilnius GreenTech Forum, a high-level discussion on the future of Lithuania’s forests brought together experts from policy, science, and industry. The session was moderated by Nerijus Kupstaitis, CEO of the Forest 4.0 Centre of Excellence, who opened the conversation by reflecting on the remarkable progress Lithuania has made in developing its forest sector.

Over the past five decades, Lithuania has expanded its forest cover from 20% to 33% of the country, established productive timber-rich forests, and designated nearly 35% of them as protected or ecologically valuable areas. The forest sector now generates more than 5% of GDP, provides around 60,000 jobs, and supports a growing wood processing industry and biomass energy sector.

Yet today, climate change, biodiversity loss, and evolving societal expectations are reshaping what Lithuania needs from its forests. Kupstaitis emphasised that these challenges require not only changes in forestry practices but also stronger political will to make long-term strategic decisions. The National Forest Agreement (2021–2023) demonstrated that balancing competing interests: economic use, recreation, conservation, and climate goals – is impossible without compromise and a clear strategic direction.

During the discussion, experts explored several critical questions:

  • How can multifunctional forests and protected areas be managed to reflect diverse societal needs while safeguarding ecosystems?

  • What types of forests – more diverse, naturally developing, or actively managed—will best serve future generations?

  • Are current forestry practices sufficient, or should Lithuania expand approaches such as continuous-cover forestry, precision forestry, or agroforestry?

  • How can the interests of nature conservation and sustainable timber use be better aligned?

  • Is there a viable alternative to the current timber-based financing model?

  • And what role should science, education, and digital innovation play in shaping the next Lithuanian Forest Strategy?

The conversation highlighted a shared understanding that Lithuania’s forests face both significant challenges and significant opportunities. As Kupstaitis noted, finding balance will require evidence-based decisions, innovative technologies, and close collaboration across sectors.

The Forest 4.0 Centre of Excellence will continue contributing to this dialogue, supporting smarter, more sustainable solutions for Lithuania’s forests.