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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Lithuania to the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
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This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: The Ministry of Environmental Protection
Date: 20 December 1996
Submitted by: Dr. Evaldas Vėbra, Head of International Cooperation Unit, Mailing address: Juozapavičiaus 9, 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania
Telephone: (370 2) 72 82 75
Telefax: (370 2) 72 80 20
E-mail: Evaldas.Vebra@nt.gamta.lt
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
At the time of adoption of Agenda 21 as an action programme for sustainable development in Rio, the economic and social situation in Lithuania mainly resulted from the integration of its economy into the Soviet economic system. It was characterized by ineffective management, by one-sided orientation both to the use of raw materials from the former Soviet Union and to sending final products to the former Soviet market. For these reasons the economic crisis in the former Soviet Union directly affected Lithuania's economy. Lithuania had neither a rational economic structure nor a structure of developed external economic ties.
A direct consequence of Soviet industrial policies was the creation of an economic structure with negative impact on the environment, as all its giant industrial enterprises were lacking treatment facilities. Pollution treatment plants were drown up only after the damage to nature and human health had become clearly evident.
On 11 March 1990, the independent Lithuanian state was restored, followed by great positive changes in social order, the legal system, the economy, agriculture, science, culture and environmental protection.
In searching solutions to the deteriorated state of the environment, the establishment of sound environmental policy and an effective system for its implementation was essential. In developing environmental policy, Lithuania took into consideration standards established by international agreements and conventions, EU directives and requirements. Integration of environment and development is a guiding principle in Lithuania's efforts to reconstruct its economy enabling the attainment of sustainable development.
Lithuania's Environmental Protection Programme developed in 1992 included all major environmental problems of the day highlighting ways of addressing them in priority order. Most of the measures included in the Programme have already been implemented, some are still in the phase of implementation. However, the national economy development policies, economy reconstructuring and the urgency to address some environmental problems have put forward a demand of setting new environmental policy goals and priorities, of selecting most effective ways to achieve them. Therefore, a new programme was worked out in 1995. It is outlined in the Lithuanian Environmental Strategy (adopted by the Parliament in 1996) which addresses both the policy formation issues and actions aimed at attaining the priority objectives.
The effective implementation of the Lithuanian Environmental Strategy Action Programme requires good coordination and feed-back between all involved state, municipal and non-governmental organizations in developing and implementing their action plans. |
1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP)
Contact point (Name, Title, Office):
Telephone:
Fax:
e-mail:
Mailing address:
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson:
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved:
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies:
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved:
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council:
Executes the state regulation on the use of natural resources and environmental protection management; coordinates and implements the National Environmental Strategy.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
|
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: Not applicable | |
| STATUS REPORT: Lithuania is not able to
accelerate sustainable development in developing countries because
it is one
of the countries with economies in transition after 50 years of
Soviet occupation and with its own difficult problems in the
path of sustainable development.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Focus of national strategy
The unemployment rate in Lithuania increased during the past few
years which has led to a substantial reduction of living
standard in some sectors of society. Some social, educational and
labour policy measures are taken to redress the problem.
The access to primary health care, clean water and sanitation, and
primary education is rather sufficient with some
exceptions.
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
No information
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Poverty is not a national priority.
Unemployment is a major concern.
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Legislation related to the
issue of poverty is covered by the Constitution of the Republic
of Lithuania, the Law on the Support of the Employed and the Law of
State Social Insurance. The Article 48 of the
Constitution guarantees the right to work and the right to social
security. Every man has the right to get a proper pay for
work and social security in the case of unemployment. State social
insurance accounts for the largest share of the social
security system of the Republic of Lithuania and consists of
pension insurance, maternity and sickness insurance, health
insurance, and insurance against unemployment and accidents at
work. Unemployment insurance contributions must be
paid by permanent residents of the Republic of Lithuania, who are
employed under employment and other types of
contracts, and receiving remuneration.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: The major group receiving public
assistance is the unemployed. Clients have the opportunity to
participate in and influence the planning and execution of social
welfare and the assistance provided through social
insurance units.
4. Finance: Threatening income differences due to
persistent unemployment have been controlled through unemployment
insurance schemes. Provision of social welfare in communities is
subsidized financially by the state. The amount of
unemployment benefit and the procedure and conditions for payment
are provided for in Articles 15, 16, 161, 17, 18, 19
of the Law on the Support of the Employed of the Republic of
Lithuania. Such provisions are made in the Law on Social
Security.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Population (annual average, in 1000) | 3,722.3 | 3,741.7 | 3,741.7 | 3,730.2 | 3,720.8 | 3,714.8 | |
| Number of unemployed | 6,785 | 66,450 | 65,467 | 77,960 | 127,738 | ||
| Unemployment rate (%) | 0.36 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 7.3 | ||
| Other data
| |||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
After restoration of independence of the Republic of Lithuania in
1990, consumers have greater confidence than before in their
ability to influence producers and suppliers in environmental
matters. On the issue of changing consumption patterns, the
following activities have been completed: national seminars/debates
on ecological agricultural products, public awareness on
consumption/production and its consequences, new legislation
encouraging waste reduction and change in consumption
patterns, and eco-labelling. In 1995, the main normative documents
were prepared for a new function of the Ministry of
Environmental Protection (MEP)- eco-labelling of production - in
order to reduce environmental impact during the whole
cycle of product existence (production, packaging, marketing, use,
and waste management). Adjusting to the normative
documents of the European Union (directives on eco-labelling, waste
management, etc.), MEP adopted the Order on Eco-labelling of
Products (Nr. 81 of 15/05/1995). By this environmental protection
measure MEP attempts to stimulate design,
production, marketing and use of the products with the least impact
to the environment during the whole life-cycle with
producer interest protection and product usability warranty. The
Order is applied to all products produced in or imported to
Lithuania except food products, beverages and pharmaceuticals,
medicines, and chemical materials. The new structure to
organize eco-labelling in Lithuania was established in 1996. The
main product groups which can be selected for eco-labelling
(building materials, ceramics, technological machinery,
electrotechnical equipment, paper, textile, leather, fertilizers,
and
chemical substances) were determined.
National targets
A process of harmonization of national legal acts with the
directives and requirements of the European Union just started in
Lithuania. Relevant to this chapter, the main attention will be
provided to the standards of production (goods) and standards
of stationary equipment (process standards).
NATIONAL PRIORITY: No information
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The central institutions that
focus on the issue of consumption are: the Ministry of Trade
and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of
Economics, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the
Department of Statistics and within it, various units. In its
consumer information and seminars, both at national and local
levels, a promotion of functioning recycling system, minimization
of unnecessary consumption, lengthening of the
durability and service life of goods in order to reduce the amount
of waste, and other consumption related matters are
discussed.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Lithuania
participates in the work of the Baltic Council of Ministers,
sometimes
the Nordic Council of Ministers, OECD, and UNEP in the area of
changing consumer patterns.
| GDP per capita (current US$) | 226.25 | 744.5 | 1,141 | 1,496 | |
| Real GDP growth (%) | 63.6 | 34.75 | 23.7 | ||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | 2,390 | 2,380 | 2,170 | 2,370 | |
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | 187 | 199 | 212 | 231 | |
| Other data
| |||||
Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a (X) those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
| Agents Goals | |||||
| Material efficiency | |||||
| Energy efficiency: | |||||
| Transport | |||||
| Housing | |||||
| Other | |||||
| Waste: | |||||
| Reduce | |||||
| Reuse | |||||
| Recycle |
Comments:
2. Means & Measures and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with an (R) those agents who assume primary responsibility for any of the policy measures indicated; indicate with an (I) the agents for which the impact is expected to be especially significant.
| Agents Means & Measures | |||||
| Improving understanding and analysis | |||||
| Information and education (e.g., radio/TV/press) | |||||
| Research | |||||
| Evaluating environmental claims | |||||
| Form partnerships | |||||
| Applying tools for modifying behaviour | |||||
| Community based strategies | |||||
| Social incentives/disincentives (e.g., ecolabelling) | |||||
| Regulatory instruments | |||||
| Economic incentives/disincentives | |||||
| Voluntary agreements of producer responsibility
for aspects of product life cycle | |||||
| Provision of enabling facilities and
infrastructure (e.g., transportation alternatives, recycling) | |||||
| Procurement policy | |||||
| Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing performance | |||||
| Action campaign | |||||
| Other (specify) |
Comments:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: National problem | ||||
| STATUS REPORT: For the last five years
demographic changes in Lithuania have violated long-term trends and
set up
a new demographic situation. For the first time in the post-war
period the population started to decrease. Besides,
population distribution in towns and rural areas is changing in
opposite direction: decreasing in towns and increasing in
rural areas. At present, most of the families in Lithuania have one
or two children. In 1995, 15.2% of children in the
families were the third ones and in 1970 they comprised 22.3%.
Since the beginning of the 1970s the highest fertility
indicators were among women aged 20-24 years. For the last years
the fertility indicators decreased in all women fertility
groups. Economic regression, housing problems and unemployment are
the main reasons for such demographic situation
including decrease of births. During 1990-1995 the total fertility
indicator dropped down from 2.00 to 1.50. There is as
yet no national policy on demographic dynamics and
sustainability
In the Government's view, population growth and fertility level are too low, Government intervention intents to raise the population growth rate and maintain fertility level.
| ||||
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Social
Security and Labour (most directly concerned with demographic
issues), the Ministry of Health Care, the Migration Department at
the Ministry of Interior.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: a) Department of Demography, Lithuanian
Institute of Philosophy and Sociology; b) Lithuanian
Department of Statistics.
4. Finance: Government of Lithuanian Republic, United
Nations Population Fund, European Commission, Open Society
Fund - Lithuania.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Many international
projects are carried out at the Department of Demography
of the Lithuanian Institute of Philosophy and Sociology. The
following projects are coordinated by United Nations,
Economic Commission for Europe, Population Activities Unit
(UN/ECE/PAU): 1. Fertility and Family Surveys in
Countries of the ECE Region (20 countries take part). 2. Population
Related Policies in Countries of the ECE Region (20
countries, project finished in 1994). 3. Reproductive Health in
Central and Eastern European Countries (8 countries). 4.
Causes and Selected Consequences of Emigration from Central and
Eastern Europe (3 countries). 5. The Dynamics of
Population Ageing in ECE Countries (more than 20 countries).
European Commission coordinates the project "Migration
- Europe's Integration and the Labour Force Brain Drain (10
countries). The project "Illegal Transit Migration in
Lithuania" is coordinated by the International Organization for
Migration (IOM).
| 1979 | 1989 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | |
| Surface area (km2) | |||||
| Population density per 1 km2 | 52 | 57 | - | 57 | 57 |
| Births per 1000 population | 15.4 | 15.1 | 11.5 | 11.1 | - |
| Deaths per 1000 population | - | 12.5 | 12.2 | - | |
| Natural increase per 1000 population | -1.1 | ||||
| Population (Thousands) males (thous.) females (thous.) | 3391.5 | 3674.8 | - | 3714.8 1754.6 1960.2 | 3711.9 |
| Urban population (thous.) | 2522.4 | ||||
| Rural population (thous.) | 1192.4 | ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high | |
| STATUS REPORT: The National Health Concept was
adopted by the Parliament of Lithuania in 1991, the essence of
which is the active strategy and policy of health care. It was
based on the principles of the WHO program "Health for All-2000".
The Law on the Health System was adopted in 1994. According to the
law, the national health system is divided
into two parts: individual health care and public health care.
Public health care institutions are responsible for public
health epidemic, hygienic and sanitary conditions of the
environment, health education and promotion. Public health is
under the responsibility of the State and municipalities. The state
control of public health includes the state control of
alcohol, tobacco, narcotic substances, environmental protection as
well as the state medical audit. Municipalities maintain
sanitary control of the living environment. Individual health care
institutions are of three levels: primary, secondary and
tertiary. The institution of general practice or family doctor
should form the primary health care level. The secondary
level provide main specialized in-patient and out-patient medical
care. The tertiary health institutions are university and
national clinics which provide very specialized in-patient
treatment and out-patient consultations and are basic institutions
for training of physicians and other health care professionals. The
Lithuanian national strategy for health is render
discussion. It is expected to be adopted in the nearest future. The
national health strategy is based on three key areas:
coronary heart diseases and stroke, cancer and trauma. The concepts
of health promotion and health education are new in
Lithuania. The main priorities for health education on the national
level are: 1. prevention of risk factors and promotion of healthy lifestyle; 2. prevention of diseases (coronary heart diseases and stroke, cancer, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases) and trauma.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Health Care
is the main body in Lithuania responsible for the protection
and promotion of human health.
The reform process began in 1990 and was marked by adoption of a
number of legislative acts: the Law on the Reform of
State Financed Hospitals (1992), the Law on Pharmaceutical
Activities (1991), the Law on the Social Integration of
Invalids (1991), the Law on the Health Care (1994), the Law on
Mental Health (1995), the Law on Alcohol Control
(1995), the Law on Tobacco Control (1996), the Law on Health
Insurance (1996). The greatest financial reform of the
health care system is expected to begin in 1997, after the Law on
Health Insurance has come into force. Main plans are
the harmonization of legislative regulations in order to meet the
European Union standards.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The National Health
Education Centre is the main governmental institution
implementing health education on the national level.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: The base amount of the financing of health care
comes from state and municipal budgets. Each year the
Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania establishes the amount of funds
allocated to health care. Lately, the costs on health
care exceeded the Gross Domestic Product by 4%. The funds are
allocated through the Ministry of Health (about 30% of
costs), through municipalities (55%) and through said insurance
(15%).
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Public Health
Surveillance Service was established within the Ministry of
Health in 1994. It consists of 11 regional public health centres
subordinate to the State Public Health Centre. There is also
a National Centre for Health Education. A programme to increase the
effectiveness of health education between the years
1996 and 2000 has been prepared by this Centre and Lithuania is a
participant in the Healthy Schools Network, and a
regional stroke prevention project. The pilot activity was
encouraged and surveyed by the UNDP supported Health Care
Reform Management Bureau in the Ministry of Health. This Bureau,
PHARE and UNDP have facilitated a national
debate on the future of the health service.
| STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| 1990 | 1994 | 1995 | |
| Life expectancy at birth
male | 72.4 | 68.7 | 69.3 63.6 75.2 |
| Urban male female | 67.6 76.8 | 64.1 75.6 | 65.0 75.8 |
| Rural male female | 64.2 75.1 | 60.2 73.6 | 60.8 74.2 |
| Infant mortality per 1000 live births Still-births per 100 births Maternal mortality per 100,000 live births | 12.4 29.3 6.98 |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Agenda 21 emerged as a result of
long lasting efforts of specialists concerned about the way
development took in the last century. But awareness of the need of
such principles to guide development was there in
various human activities far much earlier. There are many examples
for that. First steps towards creating post-war
settlement structure development in Lithuania were made in early
60-ties, when a nation-wide comparatively evenly
dispersed urban centres' structure based on historically developed
centres was proposed. In this way sustainability was
taken into account not only from the environmental point of view,
but also the cultural heritage. After regaining
independence in 1990, major changes in spatial planning
organisation took place due to the changed status of the country
and new/retrieved responsibilities at all levels of administration
as well as new ownership relations (private ownership
restored). The principle of subsidiarity and decentralisation of
decision making is gradually gaining its momentum. The
last period (1994-1996) brought changes into the administrative
division of the state territory. Former national and local
municipal levels were complemented by a regional one (since 1994),
based on the inherited structure of urban centres.
New challenges, issues and tasks were to be dealt with. The
principle of sustainability being the major general principle
for all development issues was adopted for guiding the
comprehensive national strategic plan of the country (under
preparation now). It is meant also for improvement of
inter-sectoral co-ordination at the local, regional and national
levels. Introducing the regulation on public participation in the
planning process (the last one in 1996) contributed to
transparency of use of land. It improves also the utilisation of
public and private land and responds to the political need of
direct public participation in management and development of home
and neighbourhood. The law on planning of territories
among other goals provides preventive measures to the illegal
occupation of land. Abrupt changes from state control to
practically full reliance on private initiative in housing issues
introduced new trends in settlement development. The State
housing programme (July 1992) was especially oriented to investment
policy, reduction of energy consumption and
improvement of the characteristics of the existing building stock
(thermal insulation). This means a general change from
extensive use of resources towards a sustainable approach. Growth
of population is very slow, which together with
reduced industrial production, creates easier conditions in this
transition period of the society from an environmental point
of view (natural resources, waste, atmosphere; supply of shelter,
infrastructure and service). In general, public transport
is the main means of transport despite the fast increasing numbers
of private cars, which is beneficial to the environment.
Recently set technical restrictions to vehicles will serve to
minimise negative impacts on the environment in settlements.
Engineering infrastructure in Lithuanian settlements still needs
improvement, especially inn the case of water treatment
(need of modernisation, reconstruction and extension). This is a
serious burden on the budget of local municipalities. The
protection and rational use of fresh water resources was ensured
through comprehensive plans of settlements meeting
existing requirements of regulations. Improvements on the general
strategy must be made. The Hazardous Waste
Treatment State Programme (1993) has envisaged a general system for
all the country. A domestic waste dumping system
exists, but needs improvement and modernisation. Many national
programmes serve for better motivation of settlement
development. One of them is the State Programme of use and
protection of entrails of earth resources (1994). Creating
and maintaining natural sites within the system of urbanised
environment and tied up with the system of rural territories
gradually helps forming an interrelated settlement and nature
structure. By financial means regional policy aims to support
balanced living conditions all over the country. A difficulty still
is rural settlements under the changed economic
conditions of their existence and management.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Construction
and Urban Development is the main coordinator of
territorial planning in Lithuania. The coordinators in counties are
the chief architects, in regions - municipalities the chief
architects services. Territorial planning is regulated by the "Law
on Territorial Planning" (1995) and the "Construction
Law" (1996).
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Ministry of
Construction and Urban Development, Vilnius Gediminas
Technical University.
3. Major Groups: The central organizations of
municipalities, the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development,
the
Ministry of Environmental Protection.
4. Finance: State and municipalities budgets, the means of
physical and legal persons.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Lithuania cooperates
with the neighbouring countries through joint single and
multinational programmes, agreements, meetings and seminars.
Cooperation with the Nordic and Baltic countries
including Russia, Belarus and Poland in the field of territorial
planning is being provided since 1992 by preparation of
multinational project "Vision and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea
2010". The project is under development into
document Interreg II. Transborder cooperation between Poland and
Lithuania is carried out since 1995 on the basis of the
Agreement between the Polish Ministry of Construction and Physical
Planning and the Lithuanian Ministry of
Construction and Urban Development. There are agreements between
the Lithuanian Ministry and corresponding
ministries in Finland and Denmark. The activities include exchange
of information, technical assistance, provision of legal
documents, etc. Cooperation in sustainable housing was established
with Nordic countries as well as among countries in
Central and Eastern Europe by preparation of housing and urban
indicators intended to the United Nation Conference on
Human Settlements Habitat II.
| STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| 1990 | 1995 | |
| Urban population in % of total population | 68.5 | 67.9 |
| Annual rate of growth of urban population | 16.0 | -0.27 |
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | 15.8 | 15.5 |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
According to the National Environmental Strategy the problems
resulting from urbanization could be solved by preparing
a land management scheme for Lithuania and its regional
administrative units, municipalities and settlements. The NES
proposes that town plans are amended to make them relevant to the
new social and economic conditions. The main
institutions responsible for supporting the implementation of the
Action Programme are the municipalities, the Ministry of
Construction and Urban Development and MEP.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection executes the State
regulation of the use of natural resources and environmental
protection management. Other institutions solve problems in the
area of their competence. Part of the implementation of
the Environmental Protection Act is conducted by local authorities.
The MEP will have the leading role in coordinating
and implementing the National Strategy.
Considerable rights on environmental protection policy are given to
the public in Lithuania. In the 7th article of the Act on
Environmental Protection it is foreseen that the public has a right
on information on the environmental status and the use
of natural resources, information on the environmental impact of
planned activities, and other environmental information.
Non - governmental organizations have equal rights as the public
(citizens) according to the 7th article of the
Environmental Protection Act on "Rights of Citizens and Public
Organizations". This rule gives NGOs the right to
participate in discussions on environmental protection questions.
Participation of NGOs in environmental protection is
confirmed by the act of territorial planning adopted in 1995, and
the act on EIA which is submitted to the Parliament for
consideration. There are 30 contracts written with NGOs which
receive special editions with specified environmental
information. Organizations and separate bodies (physical as well as
juridical) may object the decisions in the
administrative law violation cases by environmental protection
officials, other decisions and resolutions to the Court.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Integrating environment and
development in decision - making processes is confirmed by the act
of
territorial planning adopted in 1995 and the Act on Environmental
Impact Assessment which was submitted to the
Parliament for consideration as well. Territorial planing is a
process necessary for the implementation of integrated
national and regional environmental protection policies. The best
form of environmental protection is achieved by rational
and balanced use of the State's territory. The preparation of a
general land management plan for the Republic of Lithuania
has started. Lithuania is moving steadily towards these goals, a
significant step is the preparation of the country's National
Environmental Strategy.
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): The main principles of environmental legislation are
fixed in the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (human
health protection, protection of the environment from
harmful impact), and the Environmental Protection Act of the
Republic of Lithuania (sustainable development,
environmental integration policy, polluter-pays-principle,
precautionary principle, partnership and liability principle,
principle of information assessment). The polluter-pays-principle
is embodied in the acts on taxes for the State natural
resources and taxes for the pollution of environment. The
precautionary principle is embodied in the EIA Law which was
adopted by the Parliament in August 1996. EIA (including for
separate projects) is foreseen in the Act of Environmental
Protection (adopted on 21 of January, 1992), the Act of Protected
Areas (adopted on 9 of November, 1993), the
Construction Act (adopted on 19 of March, 1996), the Act of
Territorial Planning (adopted on 12 of February, 1995) and
other acts and legal documents. The following laws have been
drafted already or are being drafted at present: Waste
Management Law; Environmental Impact Assessment Law; Territorial
Planning Law: Law of Hazardous Materials and
Products: Radiological Safety Law; Fauna Law; Flora Law; Law of
Protected Fauna, Flora and Mushroom Species and
Communities.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: See STATUS
REPORT.
3. Major Groups: MEP is responsible for water consumption
and waste water pumping, cleaning of water reservoirs,
regulations in advance and issuing of permits, monitoring and
planning investments, special planning of the protected
territories and protection of the natural environment. The Ministry
of Construction and Urbanistic is responsible for
territorial planning. The Lithuanian Geology Board is responsible
for underground water monitoring. The Ministry of
Economics and local authorities are responsible for investment
planning.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In order to adjust
to the normative document of EU (Directives on eco -
labelling, waste management, etc.), the MEP adopted " The Order on
Eco-labelling of Products" (No 81 from
15/05/1995). Lithuania cooperates with neighbouring countries, e.g.
through joint meetings and seminars between the
Ministries of Environment. There has also been cooperation between
Lithuanian municipalities (Association of Lithuanian
Municipalities) and municipalities in Baltic Region countries.
Lithuania is taking part in the international project "The
Vision and Strategies for the Baltic Sea Region 2010".
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1994 and ratified in 1995.
The London and Copenhagen Amendments have
not been signed. The latest report to the Montreal Protocol
Secretariat was prepared in 1996.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was
signed in 1992 and ratified in 1995. The latest
report to the UNFCCC Secretariat was submitted in 1996: National
Strategy for the Implementation of the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The Country Programme on the Phase-out of Ozone Depleting
Substances was developed and adopted in 1995.
In the Republic of Lithuania, an inventory of green-house gases and
their absorbents was made in 1995. In 1996, the
National Strategy for the Implementation of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change was developed
and adopted by the Lithuanian Republic Government. The Strategy
contains concrete measures for climate change
mitigation and adaptation to it.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The following are in charge
of protection of the atmosphere:
- the Environmental Protection Ministry
- the Ministry of Health.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In 1992, an
Integrated Monitoring System was set up by Nordic and Baltic
countries with 3 stations meeting the EMEP standards to monitor air
quality, both long-range transboundary air pollution
and precipitation. Since 1995, near-to-the-ground ozone
concentrations are being measured in 4 stations. In order to
monitor air pollution in cities, in early 1995 an Automated Air
Pollution Local Observation System was developed with 4
stations, of which 2 are fully automated. In 1997, 2 OPSIS systems
will start functioning.
All involved laboratory and field experts have had opportunities of
training abroad or being certified. Their training level
can be assessed as "very good". Capacities for research and
information assessment and exchange can be rated as "good".
An Agreement on Training of Refrigerators Operators signed in 1996
with Sweden.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: So far, no contributions have been made.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1993, Lithuania
acceded to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary
Air Pollution. In 1996, the Baltic Assembly adopted a Resolution on
the Co-operation of the Baltic States for the
Reduction of Transboundary Pollution. Lithuania participated in the
first UNFCCC States Conference in Berlin (1995) and
the second conference in Geneva (1996).
| CO2-emissions (eq. million tons, energy-related) | 42 | 25 | |
| SOx (kilo tons) | 222 | 117 | |
| NOx (kilo tons) | 158 | 77 | |
| CH4 (kilo tons) | 397 | 379 | |
| Consumption of ODS (Tons) | |||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | |||
| Other data: In Lithuania there are 3 EMEP
transboundary pollution measurement stations.
Note: Consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in 1986 amounted to 6090 metric tons.
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
According to the National Environmental Protection Strategy,
sustainable planning and management of land resources is
implemented through the optimisation of land use management. This
strategy foresees that in the area of natural resources
and landscape protection there are the medium and short term
programmes which consist of separate action plans aiming
to achieve the following priority goals in Land Use Management: to
improve and optimize the network of protected areas;
to prevent further degradation of the natural landscape, especially
in protected areas; to prevent further degradation of the
environment in urban areas. The action plans are designed to
achieve various objectives and one of them is the
development of an optimal territorial planning documents'
system.
This programme covers measures in the areas of policy, legal and
institutional changes, territorial planning, technical
measures, research and monitoring, education, training and public
awareness. The action programme supports the
continuation of existing priorities in landscape protection,
especially the preparation of legal and planning documentation
for the protected areas.
The planning and management of land resources fully covers
international and regional cooperation, scientific
understanding of land resources systems and strengthening of
technological capacity.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The planning and management of
land resources by the Lithuanian government includes in part the
following issues: policy development and policy issues (the
National Environmental Protection Strategy), the planning and
management of system, raising awareness and promoting public
participation (the Law on Environment Impact
Assessment which aims to ensure that environmental impacts are
taken into account in all planning and decision-making
as well as to provide more opportunities for citizens to obtain
information and to influence decision-making, came into
force in 1996), strengthening information systems, education and
training in the integrated approach and strengthening of
institutions.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Construction
and Urban Development is primarily responsible for the
regulation of general (cross-sectoral) territorial planning. The
Ministry of Environmental Protection is involved in general
territorial planning processes through setting requirements for the
preparation of plans, environmental impact assessment
and co-ordination of proposals. The Land Management and
Biodiversity Department of the Ministry of Environmental
Protection is responsible for special territorial planning (e.g.
planning of protected areas, nature reserves, national and
regional planning, managed reserves; planning of the use of natural
resources). In the national legislation planning and
management of land resources is covered through the Law on
Territorial Planning and law documentation. Environmental
aspects receive more attention, especially in the preparation of
general plans. Land use planning is an important
instrument for sustainable development to control construction,
engineering, agriculture, forestry etc. Planning of
protected areas could be properly integrated into land use
planning. One of the outcomes of territorial planning could be
the establishment of national or regional ecological infrastructure
which could compensate intensive economic activities
and provide areas of renewable natural resources and areas of
refuge for wildlife. A very important task in the formation
of the land use structure is the development of an optimal
territorial planning document's system.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Vilnius University,
Institute of Architecture and Construction, Vilnius
Gediminas Technical University, Vytautas Magnus University,
Institutes of Botany, Geography and Ecology.
3. Major Groups: The following major groups are important
to the sustainable planning and management of land
resources: State, regional and local authorities, non-governmental
organisations, scientists and technologists.
4. Finance: The main sources of funding for the
implementation of the National Environmental Protection Strategy
are:
state budget, budgets of municipalities, state and municipalities
nature funds, foreign funds (see below).
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Within the framework
of bilateral development cooperation, Lithuania is
supported for various programmes and projects:
- Special attention is given to training activities in the field of
land use planning and projects with aspects relevant to land
resources management.
- Preparation of Planning Scheme for Nemunas Delta Regional Park,
Denmark.
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management Projects, PHARE.
- Biodiversity and Landscape Conservation, PHARE.
- Preparation and Implementation of Kuršių Lagoon
Management Plan, HELCOM, Denmark.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: Forests are one of the principal
Lithuanian natural resources. Forests occupy almost 1/3 of the
country's territory. State forest ownership prevails in Lithuania.
At present, private forest and forest due to privatisation
make up 16.7%. It is estimated that after the land reform the
private forest sector will cover 1/3 of the forests. Lithuanian
policy of forest use is based on the principles of sustainable and
multiple-use management and conservation of forest
resources. It is expected that in the nearest future the share of
forestry and forest industry in GNP can reach 7.5-10%.
Annual harvesting foreseen until the year 2003 is 5.1 mill.m3. The
average annual increment per hectare is 6.3 m3 while
the average annual drain (removals) makes up 3.2 m3 per hectare. In
rather big part of the forest (27%), due to the
environmental requirements (protection of biodiversity, protective
functions of forests etc.) restrictions to the forest
management are applied. In commercial forests management
activities have very small restrictions, however, general
silvicultural and ecological requirements should be followed. While
carrying out harvesting and other silvicultural
operations environmentally sound and economically viable
technologies are being introduced on a broader scale.
According to the Lithuanian Forestry Act (1994) cutting areas are
reforested within two years after final felling. All
silvicultural measures are aimed at the establishment of productive
and resistant stands, protection of biologic and genetic
diversity in forests. While carrying out reforestation, planting is
successfully combined with natural forest regeneration.
About 1/3 of cutting areas are left for natural regeneration. Mixed
plantations are planted in bigger part of cutting areas.
Lithuania is actively taking part in the pan-European process for
the implementation of Strasbourg (1990) and Helsinki
(1993) resolutions aimed at sustainable forest management and
protection of forest resources.
STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| 1995 | |
| Forest area (thousand hectares) | 1,976.0 |
| Forest area as % of total area | 30.1 |
| Commercial force (%) | 73.0 |
| Total growing stock volume (mln.m3) | 351.8 |
| Total annual increment (mln.m3) | 11.9 |
| Total annual felling (mln.m3) | 6.0 |
| Roundwood production (mln.m3) | 5.97 |
| Roundwood export (mln.m3) | 1.769 |
| Ownership structure: state forest (%) private forest (%) | 84.3 15.7 |
1. Decision-Making Structure: Since the restoration of Lithuania's independence, most attention in the forestry sector has been paid to the establishment of a new legal framework. In 1994, the Lithuanian Parliament adopted a new Forestry Law. Following the Law, during 1994-1996 many relevant rules and regulations were issued. While combining silvicultural, environmental and economical requirements, Regulations on Forest Use in Nature Protected Areas have been prepared. Therefore, the establishment of a forestry legislation system practically has been completed. The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Lithuania is primarily responsible for the forestry sector. Other ministries and institutions actively involved in forestry matters are the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the State Forest Inspection, the Lithuanian Agricultural Academy, the Center of Forestry Economics, and the Forest Management Planning Institute.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Lithuania is further developing its institutional structures. It is worth mentioning that despite the structural changes that occurred during the last five years, the amount of employees in the Lithuanian forestry sector has not decreased. In 1995 over 16,000 employees were working in the Lithuanian forestry sector, some 75 foresters graduate each year.
3. Major Groups: The following major groups are important to sustainable forestry: State and local authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations, Scientists, Youth.
4. Finance: A self-financing principle has been implemented in the Lithuanian forestry sector which is very important at the given movement. All forestry operations are financed from the Forest Fund. The formation of this Fund is defined in the Forestry Law. Regulations on Forest Fund Formation and Use were approved by the Government in 1995. The Forest Fund consists of: incomes from the sold non-cut forest, secondary use of forest, from forest area rented for hunting, from sold forestry and hunting production etc. In general, the Forest Fund is a part of the State financial resources used for forestry development. At present it creates good preconditions for forestry functioning in comparison with other industries. However, it is clear that it will not be enough in the future and forestry (especially silvicultural operation) has to be subsidized from the State budget.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Recently the cooperation with foreign countries and international organizations considerably increased. Since 1992 the cooperation with the Swedish company Jaakko Poyry Consulting AB has been going on. This year the IVth stage of the Forest Sector Development Programme is being carried out. It covers 6 subprojects and is aimed at implementation and training of regional forest authorities, detailed design and implementation of a national forest inventory, a wood measurement system, training in and implementation of a grading system for wood, training and implementation of an operations improvement programme at forest enterprises, and vocational training of sawmill workers. This project is financed by the Swedish Government through Sida (Swedish International Development Agency). PHARE is financing the Dubrava Nursery Modernization Project which is carried out by the Danish company Hedeselskabet. Very important technical assistance was received from the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy. Besides the mentioned projects of technical assistance, bilateral cooperation between institutions is very important for transfer of information and exchange of know-how. Lithuanian forestry institutions have established good contacts with foreign partners.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in
Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
There are no deserts or areas in danger of becoming deserts in
Lithuania.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Not applicable
STATUS REPORT:
Particularly in Africa has not been signed or ratified.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Not applicable.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Not applicable.
3. Major Groups: Not applicable.
4. Finance: Not applicable.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Not applicable.
| Latest 199_ | ||||
| Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Not applicable
STATUS REPORT: There are no mountain areas in
Lithuania. The highest point in Lithuania is Juozapinės hill
with
293.6 meters.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Not applicable.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Not applicable.
3. Major Groups: Not applicable.
4. Finance: Not applicable.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Not applicable.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
According to the strategy approved for the environmental protection
and climatic changes, the "pilot model"
environmental protection programme was started in some regions,
i.e. the Karst region of the Northern Lithuania. In
accordance with this programme the restructuring of farms from
conventional to sustainable use is going on, sustainable or
bio-organic farming is being carried out. The National Agricultural
Development Programme approves the environmental
protection investment programme in the Karst region. The "model"
programme, i.e. the programme of ground water
protection from pollution and the programme for the intensive
development of ecologically clear agriculture in the Karst
zone are aimed to discontinue the point and non-point pollution by
the methods beneficial for economic entities.
The "model" programme will be implemented by the Tatula Foundation,
established by farmers, food processing
enterprises, companies and other economic entities.
The concepts of bio-organic farming, the procedures for
ratification and control (only the organization that received the
accreditation from the Standardisation Department may certify and
control) are clarified in the Law on the State
Regulation of Agricultural Economic Relations.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: Agriculture has gone through
several periods of historic development when due to land reforms
its
structure changed by a proportionate increase or decrease of
specific land use groups. Currently Lithuania is undergoing
another land reform changing the Soviet-type land use structure
into one based upon small privately owned plots. Intensive
economic, primarily construction activities cause a decrease in the
total area of natural and semi-naturals territories, spelt
up landscape degradation and changes in its structure. The same
tendencies can be observed in protected areas. Human
activities causing degradation and destruction processes in
addition with erosion caused by water and wind, are resulting in
degraded, medium - level or heavily destroyed soils which account
for over 1.6 percent of the country area.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Agriculture
is primarily responsible for agriculture and rural
development in Lithuania. The national legislation covering
agriculture and rural development consist of the following
laws: 1. the Land Law; 2. the Law on the Land Reform; 3. the Law on
the State Regulation of Agricultural Economic
Relations.
The Environmental Protection Ministry is responsible for
environmental protection of agriculture. This protection is based
on several legislation as well as voluntary measures taken by
farmers and advisory services. Loading of surface and
ground water is regulated by legislation on the use of protective
zones of water bodies.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No specific
information.
3. Major Groups: No specific information.
4. Finance: The system of compensation for carrying out
environmental measures is formulated in the Karst area of
Lithuania by the fund "Tatula". No compensation system is relevant
in other regions of Lithuania yet. Financial support of
foreign countries for projects on environmental protection of
agriculture and farmers education exists (see
Regional/International Cooperation).
5. Regional/International Cooperation: As part of the
activities linked with the membership in HELCOM, the
implementation of recommendations concerning measures aimed at the
reduction of discharges from agriculture is one of
the main goals of environmental protection. Lithuania has financial
and methodical support from Sweden and Denmark
concerning pesticides handling, farmers education, implementation
of GAP (good agriculture practice) and environmental
monitoring in small catchment basins.
| Agricultural land (Km2) | 32,890 | 32,860 | |
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | 50.6 | 50.6 | |
| Agricultural land per capita | |||
| Consumption of fertilizers (kg/Km2 of agricultural land as of 1990) | 19,500 | 4,300 | |
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was ratified in
1995.
Confirming to Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
Lithuania has made the National Action Plan for
Biological Diversity Conservation. At the end of 1996, the action
plan was revised to include proposals on coastal and
marine biodiversity.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora has not been ratified.
Convention on Wetlands of Internationale Importance, especially
as Waterfowl Habitats (Ramsar Convention)
Lithuania accessed the Convention in 1993. The Lithuanian Ramsar
Sites are implemented in national legislation through
Executive Order No 408 of 25 May 1994.
Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the
Baltic Sea Area (Helsinki Convention).
Convention has come into force in 1980, is prepared to be ratified
in Lithuania. The Lithuanian legislation on land use,
landscape protection and activities in terrestrial - local marine
ares is compatible with the obligations set out in the
Convention.
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats (Bern Convention)
The Bern Convention was ratified by the Lithuanian Parliament in
1996. It is not yet possible to make full evaluation on
wether the Lithuanian landscapes, populations and species
protection is compatible with the obligations set out in the
Convention. The Red List of protected species was published in 1991
and will be revised in 2000.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The National Environmental Strategy of Lithuania was prepared in
1996, and conservation of biota resources and
landscape protection was included in this document as a separate
part. The National Action Plan for Biological Diversity
Conservation was the next step issuing from the National
Environmental Strategy to solve biodiversity conservation
problems and a concrete program for practical implementation of the
Rio Convention. By the end of 1996 the National
Strategy for Biological Diversity Conservation and the Report will
be prepared.
The most valuable complexes, ecosystems and fragments of Lithuanian
nature are protected in 5 National Parks, 30
Regional Parks, 4 strict nature reserves and 300 managed reserves
of different types. There are 728,042 ha of especially
protected areas in Lithuania and this makes 11,1% of the total
territory.
The aim of protecting diversity of nature is to preserve and in
some cases to restore the unique diversity of ecosystems,
biotopes, organisms and their populations. The current Lithuanian
Red Book describes 501 rare or vanishing animals,
plants and fungi species.
The Red Data Book of Communities (prepared for publication) will
include 59 association communities out of 120 existing
in Lithuania.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: very high
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: On State level the Ministry
of the Environment is responsible for biodiversity. It shares
the responsibility with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Environmental Protection Ministry includes: the
Land Management and Biodiversity Department; 8 Regional
Departments; 4 Strict Nature Reserves: Kuršių Nerija
National Park, Regional Parks. The Ministry of Agriculture
includes: the State Park Division, 9 Regional Parks; 3
National Parks. Ministry of Agriculture - Fund "Fatula".
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: There are 6
different scientific research institutes ; 2 project management
institutes ; 9 NGOs.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: The main sources of funding for the
implementation of the Action Plan for Biological Diversity
Conservation
are: the State budget, budgets of municipalities, state and
municipalities's nature funds, foreign funds, private money, etc.
Financial resources to cover all the objectives of the National
Biodiversity Research Programme have been strictly limited.
During the last two years (1994 /95) 200.000 Lt (US$50.000) were
allocated to the acquisition of nature conservation
areas. In Lithuania there is no fund for compensation for
landowners yet.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Lithuania
participates in biodiversity projects. The National Environmental
Protection Strategy was financed by PHARE and was approved by
Parliament in 1996. The Biodiversity Strategy is
financed by the World Bank and will be prepared by the end of 1996.
The Landscape and Biodiversity Protection
Programme is financed by PHARE.
| Latest 199_ | |||
| Protected area as % of total land area | 11.1 | ||
| Ratio between natural and urbanized territories/ha/ (according to the data of Lithuanian Land Fund) | 7,93 | ||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
Additional comments relevant to this chapter: At present
there are two enterprises which produce products of modern
biotechnology - the Institute of Biotechnology "Fermentas" and the
joint stock company "Biota". "Fermentas" produces
about 400 different products and has distributors in 21 countries.
Annual turnover is about US$1.5 million. "Biota"
produces high quality human medicines and diagnostic products.
Annual turnover is about US$1.0 million.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: satisfactory
STATUS REPORT: The largest part of the
biotechnology potential in Lithuania was created in the 1960s and
1970s with
the foundation of the biology institutes of the Academy of Sciences
and the Institute of Applied Enzymology "Fermentas"
(recently the name was changed to Institute of Biotechnology) and
with launching the plants for technological production
of enzymes of the modern biotechnology. There are over 16 factories
and institutes in all (with production facilities)
involved in manufacturing of the products of classical
biotechnology and 4 in modern biotechnology. The total number of
employees is about 2,000. The number of active scientific personnel
(including research and development) involved in
biotechnology, is about 400. Consequently, biotechnology as a
branch of industry and R&D has accumulated a certain
production basis and numerous scientific personnel. The analysis of
the structure of industrial production reveals that the
amounts of products manufactured in food industry (yeast, ethanol,
vinegar, beer) in Lithuania is less than enough for
home consumption. At the same time, enzyme preparation both for
technological and pure grade as well as preparations
for medical use are produced for export and their need in Lithuania
makes not more than 10 - 20 % of the production
volume. Recent political and economic changes create a new
situation in Lithuania. It could be predicted that some of the
biotechnology potential will be unavoidably lost. One possible way
to cope with arising problems might be the deeper
involvement of Lithuania's biotechnology in the world cooperation.
For this reason it is important to prepare the laws and
regulations according to the European standards.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Development of legislation
and policies related to environmentally sound management of
biotechnology are in primary stage only. Health, food and drugs are
controlled by the Ministry of Health Care, the State
Specialized Center of Hygiene and the National Nutrition Center.
The Law of Health Protection was adopted by
Parliament in 1994. The Ministry of Environmental Protection is
responsible for releases to the environment in the
country. Partially the Ministry of Health Care and the Ministry of
Agriculture are also involved. The Law of
Environmental Protection was adopted by Parliament in 1992. This
Law included the regulations for manipulation,
multiplication and utilization of microorganisms. The additional
rules "Procedure for registration, use, storage,
introduction and transportation of microorganisms and other sources
of biological pollution" were confirmed in 1993. The
Government of Lithuania confirmed new rules:
The "Procedure to register means for chemical and biological
protection of plants" and "Rules for chemical commission
for state protection of plants" in 06/03/1996. There are no special
rules concerning use and introduction of recombinant
plants and animals. The Law of the Republic of Lithuania on
Biochemical Research Ethic" is under confirmation of the
Parliament. Each biotechnology institution in Lithuania has
Regulations which are prepared according to the laws valid in
Lithuania and EEC recommendations (Council Directive Commission of
the European Communities on the protection of
workers from risk related to exposure to biological agents at work
: 80/1107/EEC, 88642/EEC, 90/679/EEC,
93/88/EEC).
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Though the
Scientific Advisory Committee has not been officially confirmed in
Lithuania yet, the organization of the Advisory Committee on
Genetic Manipulation has started its activities since 1996 on
the basis of the Society of Genetics and Breeders of Lithuania.
International and regional cooperation on safety in
biotechnology would help to prepare and adopt the full value
regulation according to international standards. Lithuania
joined the ROCEED.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea has not been signed or
ratified.
See also the attached tables on the next pages.
The whole Lithuania's territory is within the Baltic Sea
catchment area. About 80 % of the Kuršių Lagoon and 45%
of the
Baltic Sea coastal waters are heavily polluted with nitrogen and
phosphorus. Often, particularly during algae blooming,
oxygen deficit resulting in mass fish deaths is observed. The
Nemunas basin rivers' as well as the Kuršių Lagoon water
mass impact upon the Baltic Sea can be easily traced at a radius of
10 to 15 km from the Klaipėda Straits. During the hot
days of summer season the sanitary status of the beaches of
Klaipėda, Giruliai and Palanga is below standards.
Domestic waste waters in cities, with the exception of
Panevėžys, Vilnius and Marijampolė, are discharged
into rivers,
only mechanically treated or after insufficient biological
treatment; in Kaunas City waste waters are totally untreated.
After biological waste water treatment is introduced in
Klaipėda, iauliai, Palanga and the waste water treatment plant
in
Kaunas starts operating it can be expected that only 1% of waste
water will remain untreated. Therefore, construction of
waste water treatment facilities remains the highest priority for
investments, particularly for funds from State budget, and
loans and subsidies received by the State. Alongside, it is
necessary to implement measures for the reduction of non-point
source pollution of surface waters, and develop the necessary water
protection laws.
The management structure of the Port of Klaipėda has been
fundamentally reorganized. Container and oil terminals are
under reconstruction. The period of implementation of the projects
of the port modernisation is 1996-2000.
Since June 1993 Lithuania uses a "sanitary fee" which depends on
the volume of ships. The taxes for the volume of
wastes are used when a ship goes to the repairing enterprise and is
able to deliver wastes. The capacity of two liquid oily
waste treatment plants are sufficient for the needs of the Port of
Klaipėda.
Lithuania is participating in the implementation of the Baltic Sea
Joint Comprehensive Environmental Action Programme
of the HELCOM. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project is
being carried out for Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
and Poland with financial support of the EU PHARE Programme since
1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental
Protection, the Ministry of Construction and Urban
Development and local governments are in charge of integrated
coastal area management.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Lithuania applies
the best available technology to identify pollution of the
marine environment. The problems are with the means for fixing of
oil spills (aerial control).
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Lithuania cooperates
at the international level in addressing the prevention,
reduction and control of the degradation of the marine environment
from land- and sea-based activities, and in integrated
coastal zone management as well. The Helsinki Commission, the
Baltic Sea Fishery Commission, WWF as the main
international organizations should be noted. There is a good
cooperation with the ministries and other institutions of the
neighbour countries - Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Poland.
STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| Direct discharges into the Baltic Sea from land-based sources (metric tons): | 1991 | 1995 |
| Organic pollutants according to BOD5 | 637.1 | 225.4 |
| Releases of phosphate | 72.3 | 33.0 |
| Releases of nitrate | 667.6 | 387.0 |
| Oil | 9.1 | 3.5 |
| Waste water discharges into surface waters in Lithuania | 1992 | 1995 |
| Total amount of waste water discharges | 366.3 | 303.8 |
| Treated to meet the standards | 95.6 | 77.9 |
| Treated insufficiently | 201.0 | 171.8 |
| Untreated | 69.7 | 54.1 |
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |
| Catches of fish (metric tons) in the
Baltic Sea
| 12,101 | 9,865 | 7,524 | 9,975 | 12,401 |
Chapter 17 (Oceans) Continued:
| Check the boxes in the column below left: | Check the boxes in the column below right: |
| For level of importance use: | For level of implementation use: |
| *** = very important | *** = fully covered |
| ** = important | ** = well covered- gaps being addressed |
| * = not important | * = poorly covered |
| N = not relevant | O = not covered; N = not relevant |
TABLE I. THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE APPROPRIATE COORDINATING MECHANISM FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AND MARINE AREAS AND THEIR RESOURCES.
| a. Preparation and implementation of land and water use and siting policies. | ||
| b. Implementation of integrated coastal and marine management and sustainable development plans and programmes at appropriate levels. | ||
| c. Preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas including eroded zones, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and specific priorities for management. | ||
| d. Prior environmental impact assessment, systematic observation and follow-up of major projects, including systematic incorporation of results in decision-making. | ||
| e. Contingency plans for human induced and natural disasters. | ||
| f. Improvement of coastal human settlements, especially in housing, drinking water and treatment and disposal of sewage, solid wastes and industrial effluents. | ||
| g. Periodic assessment of the impacts of external factors and phenomena to ensure that the objectives of integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas and marine environment are met. | ||
| h. Conservation and restoration of altered critical habitats. | ||
| I. Integration of sectoral programmes on sustainable development for settlements, agriculture, tourism, fishing, ports and industries affecting the coastal areas. | ||
| J. Infrastructure adaptation and alternative employment. | ||
| K. Human resource development and training. | ||
| L. Public education, awareness and information programmes. | ||
| M. Promoting environmentally sound technology and sustainable practices. | ||
| N. Development and simultaneous implementation of environmental quality criteria. |
TABLE II. TECHNOLOGY (MARINE ENVIRONMENT)
| A. Apply preventive, precautionary and anticipatory approaches so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment, as well as to reduce the risk of long-term or irreversible adverse effects upon it. | ||
| B. Ensure prior assessment of activities that may have significant adverse impacts upon the marine environment. | ||
| C. Integrate protection of the marine environment into relevant general environmental, social and economic development policies. | ||
| D. Develop economic incentives, where appropriate, to apply clean technologies and other means consistent with the internalization of environmental costs, such as the polluter pays principle, so as to avoid degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| E. Improve the living standards of coastal populations, particularly in developing countries, so as to contribute to reducing the degradation of the coastal and marine environment. | ||
| F. Effective monitoring and surveillance within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of fish harvesting and transportation of toxic and other hazardous materials. |
TABLE III. SEWAGE RELATED ISSUES
| A. Sewage related problems are considered when formulating or reviewing coastal development plans, including human development plans. | ||
| B. Sewage treatment facilities are built in accordance with national policies. | ||
| C. Coastal outfalls are located so as to maintain acceptable level of environmental quality and to avoid exposing shell fisheries, water intakes and bathing areas to pathogens. | ||
| D. The Government promotes primary treatment of municipal sewage discharged to rivers, estuaries and the sea, or other solutions appropriate to specific sites. | ||
| E. The Government supports the establishment and improvement of local, national, subregional and regional, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control effluent discharge. Minimum sewage effluent guidelines and water quality criteria are in use. |
TABLE IV. OTHER SOURCES OF MARINE POLLUTION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS:
| A. Established or improved upon, as necessary, regulatory and monitoring programmes to control emissions, including recycling technologies. | ||
| B. Promoted risk and environmental impact assessments to help ensure an acceptable level of environmental quality. | ||
| C. Promoted assessment and cooperation at the regional level, where appropriate, with respect to the input of point source pollutants from the marine environment. | ||
| D. Taken steps to eliminate emissions or discharges of organohalogen compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| E. Taken steps to eliminate/reduce emissions or discharges or other synthetic organic compounds from the marine environment. | ||
| F. Promoted controls over anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen and phosphorous that enter coastal waters where such problems as eutrophication threaten the marine environment or its resources. | ||
| G. Taken steps to develop and implement environmentally sound land-use techniques and practices to reduce run-off to water courses and estuaries which would cause pollution or degradation of the marine environment. | ||
| H. Promoted the use of environmentally less harmful pesticides and fertilizers and alternative methods for pest control, and considered the prohibition of those found to be environmentally unsound. | ||
| I. Adopted new initiatives at national, subregional and regional levels for controlling the input of non-point source pollutants which require broad changes in sewage and waste management, agricultural practices, mining, construction and transportation. | ||
| J. Taken steps to control and prevent coastal erosion and siltation due to anthropogenic factors related to, inter alia, land-use and construction techniques and practices. |
TABLE V. ADDRESSING CRITICAL UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROGRAMME AREA THE GOVERNMENT IS CARRYING OUT THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
| A. Coordinating national and regional observation programmes for coastal and near-shore phenomena related to climate change and for research parameters essential for marine and coastal management in all regions. | ||
| B. Providing improved forecasts of marine conditions for the safety of inhabitants of coastal areas and for the efficiency of marine operations. | ||
| C. Adopting special measures to cope with and adapt to potential climate change and sea-level rise. | ||
| D. Participating in coastal vulnerability assessment, modelling and response strategies particularly for priority areas, such as small islands and low-lying and critical coastal areas. | ||
| E. Identifying ongoing and planned programmes of systematic observation of the marine environment, with a view to integrating activities and establishing priorities to address critical uncertainties for oceans and all seas. | ||
| F. Research to determine the marine biological effects of increased levels of ultraviolet rays due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. | ||
| G. Carrying out analysis, assessments and systematic observation of the role of oceans as a carbon sink. |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
In 1995, fresh water extraction was 4,582 million m3 (in 1991:
4,510 million m3), of which 304 million m3 (580 million
m3) came from ground water resources. Consumption: for
municipal/household purposes - 196 million m3 (369 million
m3), by industry - 49 million m3 (216 million m3), energy sector -
4,100 million m3 (3,295 million m3), fisheries - 116
million m3 (216 million m3). Water consumption decline during
recent years is related to the decline of industry, economic
restructuring, the taxation system reform (tax for water and
polluted waste water discharge has been introduced).
Consumption of water by energy sector has grown due to capacity
increase of the Hydro Accumulation Station.
With the reduction of pollution loads, water quality in rivers and
lakes has somewhat improved. Monitoring by established
criteria indicates that in 43% of investigated rivers water was
clean, in 48% the water was polluted to medium levels, in
9% it was heavily polluted. River waters are typically polluted
with organic and biogenic substances. River water
contamination with oil products was 2-3 times beyond standard
limits only below major industrial centers. Hydrobiological
parameters indicate no significant changes in water quality.
The main sources of surface and ground water pollution are
insufficient treatment of municipal and industrial waste water,
and non-point source pollution. For water quality improvement, the
priority task is municipal and industrial waste water
treatment. Of the overall waste water discharges, 61% account for
waste water to be treated. As provided in the
Lithuanian Environmental Strategy and the Action Programme adopted
in 1996, with the introduction of waste water
treatment facilities both under construction and to be started, by
the year 2000 only 2% of untreated waste water would be
discharged into water bodies. Actions for non-point source
pollution abatement are foreseen in the Action Programme.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: Located in the excessive humidity
zone, Lithuania abounds in water resources: the hydrographic
network density is 1 km/1 km2; 2.8 thousand lakes over 0.5 ha are
in the country area, total surface being 880 km2.
Annual river water flow - 26.1 km3/day.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Environmental
Protection (with 8 Regional Departments, Hydrographic
Network Service, and the Joint Research Center), the Lithuanian
Geology Service (under the Ministry of Construction and
Urban Development), the Ministry of Health and municipalities.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The Lithuanian
Environmental Strategy and the Action Programme foresees
training of administrative level specialists, primarily with the
assistance of western trainers.
3. Major Groups: The Water Suppliers Association and the
Engineering Ecology Association are active in providing
proposals to the decision-making level.
4. Finance: For waste water treatment, municipal funds are
primarily used, gradually involving loans obtained by
municipalities, to be repaid by water supply and waste water
treatment services tariffs. At the industrial level, measures
for water protection are funded by industries themselves.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Lithuania and Poland
have agreed on environmental ministries level to
cooperate in monitoring transboundary water bodies in the context
of the Convention on the Protection of Transboundary
Water Courses. Lithuania and Belarus, on the level of environmental
ministries, too, have agreed on exchange of
information on the use and protection of transboundary water
bodies. In 1996, a trilateral cooperation agreement between
the three Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - among
other issues contains joint efforts in water use and water
resources protection.
| Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | 1,168 | 1,168 | 1,168 | |
| Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | 22.8 | 42.8 | 17.9 | |
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS, INCLUDING
PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS
PRODUCTS
In 1992, Lithuania acceded to the "Convention on International
Civil Aviation" done at Chicago and implements Annex 18
of this convention for the transportation of dangerous goods by air
transport. In 1995 our country acceded to the
"Convention on the International Marine Organization" and
implements the code for the transportation of dangerous goods
by sea (IMDG-Code), and to the "European Agreement Concerning the
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by
Road" (ADR) and follows the regulations of it. From the same year
the regulation on the international carriage of
dangerous goods by railway (RID) which are those of the annexes of
the "Agreement on International Railway Transport"
(COTIF) were applied in Lithuania. At present, the procedure on
carriage of goods by road and railway which is
harmonized according to EU Directive 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC, is
under preparation.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The main features of the legal
acts on chemical substances are to regulate commercial-economic
activities which are connected with production, commerce and
storage of hazardous chemical substances by issuing
licenses for this kind of activities and issuing permissions for
import, export and transit of hazardous chemical substances.
In order to reduce the use of particularly harmful chemical
substances and to change them to less hazardous, the
importance of the introduction of the new technologies, information
exchange and public education is emphasised in the
legal acts. There is no established mechanism for the management of
chemicals in Lithuania. Two very important steps to
that direction will be made after the "Law on Chemicals", drafted
by the Environmental Protection Ministry and the "Law
on the Control of Toxic Substances", prepared by the Health
Ministry, will be adopted by the Seimas. Both of them are
prepared according to the EU Directives. Requirements for the use
of pesticides are set up in the Plant Protection Act of
the Republic of Lithuania and in "The regulations on import,
transportation, storage, trade, use and treatment of chemical
and biological plant protection measures and plant growth
regulators". The Memorandum was signed between the
International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals and the
Ministry of Health. The National Register of Potentially
Toxic Chemicals is under preparation using the data base of
IRPTC/UNEP.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Health, the
Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of
Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In 1995, a
study-visit of specialists from MEP and MH to different Swedish
institutional organizations (governmental and NGOs) related to
environment, health and control of chemicals, took place.
In 1996 seminars, conducted by Swedish experts, were held in
Lithuania for agriculture specialists, covering the laws in
Sweden and EU and its application in practice. In the Ministry of
Agriculture the seminar was held in order to introduce
to our specialists the procedure for registration of pesticides in
Sweden and EU. The training of managers, inspectors and
controllers, dealing with dangerous goods, was performed according
to the PHARE programme.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: International
Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), Intergovernmental Forum
on Chemical Safety (IFCS); International Register of Potentially
Toxic Chemicals (UNEP/IRPTC); National Chemical
Inspectorate, Sweden.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was
approved by the Government (Order No. 1407 of 28 11 1996) and
passed to the Parliament for ratification in
December 1996.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
The main information on waste production is collected from
enterprises by the established order according to submitted
reports. Each year, the Ministry of Environmental Protection
receives such information from approximately 1,660
enterprises in the Republic. According to the data from 1995, 150
t tones of hazardous waste were produced, 70% of
which accumulated in industry. There is no waste incineration plant
in Lithuania. A very small part of hazardous materials
is recycled (7%), others are disposed at the territory of
facilities. Part of the hazardous waste which should be incinerated
(e.g. solid paint, varnishes waste, etc.) is disposed in the
landfills of domestic waste. There are more than 800 dumping
sites in Lithuania. The biggest part of oil products waste and
other flammable hazardous waste are incinerated in thermal
power plants. Luminescent bulbs are exported to Latvia (in 1995
export was 264 t units) and batteries are exported to
Estonia. Radioactive waste is stored in Ignalina NPP storage.
Measures for reduction of hazardous waste accumulation:
improvement of technological processes in enterprises and
introduction of low waste technologies.
The Lithuanian Government approved the Programme of Hazardous Waste
Management in Lithuania in February 1993
which envisages a centralised hazardous waste collection,
transportation and processing system with central hazardous
waste incineration, physical-chemical treatment and deposition
plant. The main elements of the waste strategy are laid out
in the Environmental Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania which
was adopted by the Government in 1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Management of hazardous waste
is under responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and
Trade.
The Waste Management Act was approved by the Government and
submitted to the Parliament. Regulations on hazardous
waste management are in preparation. At present almost all former
Soviet Union waste management acts exist in
Lithuania. After the Act of Independence of the Republic of
Lithuania the following legal documents have been adopted:
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No specific
information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: The Ministry of Industry and Trade is
constantly seeking for financial resources both in Lithuania and
foreign countries to implement the Waste Management Programme. In
1996, there were 500,000 litas (aprox.
US$120,000) allocated from the State budget for construction of
waste management facilities. A grant of US$1.33 mln. is
expected from PHARE funds.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In order to
strengthen the control and monitoring of transboundary movements
of hazardous waste, Lithuania's Government approved the Basel
Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and submitted it to
Parliament for ratification.
The special EU directives on waste will mainly be implemented
through Government Decisions under the Waste
Management Act.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
| Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
| Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
There is a secondary raw material programme adopted by the
Government in 1994.
The main elements of the waste strategy are laid out in the
Environmental Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania which was
recently approved by the Parliament (Decree No. I-1550 of 25
September 1996).
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: The main information on waste
production is collected from enterprises by established order
according to submitted reports. Each year, the Ministry of
Environmental Protection receives such information from
approximately 1,600 enterprises in the Republic. According to the
data from 1995, 1.55 mln. tones of municipal and non-hazardous
waste were produced in the enterprises of the Republic. There are
5 paper recycling enterprises, 2 glass
recycling enterprises, 3 compost grounds (2 in Vilnius and 1 in
Kaunas) in Lithuania. There are more than 800 dumping
sites in Lithuania. During 1994-1995 tons of plastic raw material,
100 tons of waste paper and 3000 tons of glass waste
was imported to Lithuania. Secondary material can be imported only
under permission of the Ministry of Environmental
Protection and after comprehensive study of expediency of secondary
material import and technical possibilities of their
recycling.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Industry and
Trade is primarily responsible for waste management.
Non-hazardous industrial and municipal waste are managed by local
authorities.
The Act on Waste Management is submitted to the Parliament for
adoption. At present almost all former Soviet Union
waste management acts are in use in Lithuania. After the
restoration of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania the
following legal documents have been adopted:
Solid municipal waste dumping site selection conditions (adopted by
the general order of the Ministries of Environmental
Protection and Health Protection from 18th of March, 1992).
According to the Act of Environmental Protection, Article 23,
import of waste to the Republic of Lithuania for storage,
treatment and dumping is prohibited.
Waste management planning and organisation will be introduced after
the Act on Waste Management will be adopted. At
present fees and claims are applied for municipal and hazardous
waste management order violations.
Measures to prevent waste generation: in 1994, selection of
secondary materials from residents was introduced using
special containers when collected material are sold for
enterprises.
Environmentally sound waste disposal is related with modernisation
of existing landfills. There are some modernisation
projects going on in Lithuania, e.g. on Kaunas landfill where a
monitoring system was already established in 1994.
Sludge is disposed in a special landfill. The technique appears to
be very expensive, therefore, it is very important to
reduce volumes of sludge by introducing best available
techniques.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: In 1996, there were 500 000 Lt. (aprox.
US$425,000) allocated from the State budget to implement the
secondary raw material programme.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Generation of industrial and municipal waste (mill.t) | 17.7 | 5.42 | 6.37 | 4.64 | |
| Municipal waste only (mill. t) | 1.52 | 1.866 | 1.67 | 1.55 | |
| Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | |||||
| Waste recycling rates (%) | 3 | ||||
| Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita) | 411 | 504 | 452 | 418 | |
| Other data | |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES
The main source of radioactive wastes is Ignalina NPP which
generates over 99% of the total amount of wastes.
Radioactive wastes are stored in two radioactive wastes storages,
one of them was closed in 1989 awaiting an assessment
of long-term safety. The assessment terms are being negotiated with
the Swedish company SKB.
Since 1989, all radioactive wastes are taken to the storage at
Ignalina NPP. There, wastes are sorted into three groups:
solid wastes, bitumen containing concentrations and ionic resins.
In 1996, the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy signed an
agreement with the Swedish Company SKB for the assessment of
storage safety of solid wastes and bitumen containing
concentrations.
To date a storage for spent fuel is being designed. Spent fuel will
be stored in special containers to keep it for 50 years.
In recent years, legislation has been adopted for the regulation of
radioactive wastes management, among them:
Environmental Protection Law (supplemented in 1996); Decree on the
Radioactive Wastes Import, Export, Transit,
Registering, Handling, Storing and Dumping Order (1992); Decree on
Radioactive Wastes Illegal Import, Transit,
Storing, Handling and Dumping (1995); Decree on the Order of
Rendering Harmless of Illegal Radioactive Substances
and Objects Contaminated with them (1995).
At present, Licensing Rules are being developed for undertaking
activities related with the transportation, handling, etc. of
radioactive and nuclear substances or their wastes.
By the year 2000, the Radiation Safety Law will be developed as
well as the needed subordinate legislation to the existing
laws.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: Very high
STATUS REPORT: To date in Lithuania there are
the following sources of radioactive wastes: Ignalina Nuclear Power
Plant, research, hospital and industrial wastes and illegal
radioactive shipments.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Responsibility for activities
related to radioactive substances and their wastes is shared
by several institutions. The Environmental Protection Ministry
controls transportation of radioactive substances and
equipment containing radioactive substances, it is also responsible
for organising radioactive wastes management at the
national level. The Ministry of Health establishes the order for
the use of radioactive substances and other ionising
radiation sources. Transportation, handling and waste management of
nuclear and radioactive substances which are used in
nuclear energetics is organised by VATESI (State Nuclear Safety
Inspectorate).
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: According to the Lithuanian Republic
legislation, radioactive wastes management is the responsibility of
users.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: In 1996, the Energy
Ministry and the Ministry of Environmental Protection
signed agreements with the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste
Management Company for the period 1996-1997 on the
radioactive wastes management plan in Lithuania which is aimed at
long-term safety assessment of existing radioactive
wastes storages and their safe operation.
| |
| Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was signed in 1994 and ratified in 1995.
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers. From 1994 to 1996, the percentage of women in government increased from 0% to 11.1% and in Parliament from 7.1% to 17.5%. The percentage of women at the local government level was 19.4% in 1996.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. No action has been taken yet.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc. are being drawn up
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women Mechanisms are being developed.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): On 8 November 1996, the Lithuanian Program for the Advancement of Women was approved by the Government. This Program includes strategies in following areas: Protection of Women's Human Rights, Economic and Social Status of Women, Women and Environment, Women's Health and Family Planning, Women and Education, Women in Politics and Decision-making, Violence against Women, Women and Mass Media, Statistical Systems and Gender Differences. The national machinery for the advancement of women comprises: Advisor on Women and Family Issues to the Government, Commission on Women Issues and Women's NGOs.
| |
| |
| Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT. 25.a establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21.
At present there are many possibilities for dialogue between the youth and government at all levels. Unfortunately sometimes youth is not very active in the process of national activities and development.
Describe their role in the national process: 25.b reducing youth unemployment
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No further information.
Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments:
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No applicable.
| |
| Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. In 1995, a meeting was held between the Environmental Protection Ministry and NGOs where a letter of intention was signed which later served as a basis for cooperation agreements with NGOs. As a result, in 1995 the Public Relations and Education Division of the Environmental Protection Ministry started to release the Information Bulletin providing information about orders of the Ministry, decisions of the Ministry College, orders and regulations of the Government under preparation, about programmes, upcoming workshops, conferences, recent publications, etc. NGOs also have made commitments to provide information on planned or on-going projects as well as about informational issues, etc. Also there is an increasing number of common projects. Heads and specialists of the Ministry are taking active part in actions organised by NGOs. NGOs and their specialists are involved in implementation of the environmental projects as well as in drafting regulations or other legal acts.
27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation.
NGO inputs are rated important.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Currently there is a total of 80 NG environmental organisations of different levels (state, district, city, local). The following environmental NGOs are most actively participating in the process of implementing sustainable development:
1. Green Movement of Lithuania, 2. Lithuanian Fund for Nature, 3. Karst Region Fund"Tatula", 4. Lithuanian Fund of Nature Photography, 5. Support Center for Non-governmental Organisations(NOSA), 6. "Radiati", 7. Non-profit Political-public Movement ("Support to Fatherland"), 8. Lithuanian Association of Engineering Ecology, 9. Non-profit Organisation "Green Lithuania", 10. Lithuanian Association of Organic Biological Agriculture in Lithuania "Gaja", 11. Lithuanian Society "Žinija"("Knowledge"), 12. Lithuanian Society of Hunting and Fishing, 13. Lithuanian Society of Animal Protection, 14. Lithuanian Society of Ecologists, 15. Lithuanian Society of Theriologists, 16. Lithuanian Society of Hydrobiologists, 17. Lithuanian Society of Dendrologists, 18. Lithuanian Society of Geographers, 19. Lithuanian Society of Nature, 20. Vilnius Nature Protection Society, 21. Lithuanian Society of Biologists, 23. Ecological Education Center, 24. The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe(REC), 25. Non-profit Enterprise "Project of Healthy City in Vilnius", 26. Coalition Clean Baltic for Lithuania, 27. Lithuanian Association of Adult Education, 28. Lithuanian Society of Ornithologists, 29. International council for Studies of Drinking Water in Farmlands, 30. The Society of Oak-tree Lovers"Oak-wood", 31. Movement of Universal Ecology "Santalka", 32. Lithuanian Unit of Foresters, 33. Society for Andronment of Lithuania, 34. Ecological Education Center of iauiai", 35. Society for Sea-coast Environment.
| |
| Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES' INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF
AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
To date there are not particular local Agendas 21 in Lithuania. Only programs of activities of local governments are created according to the recommendations of Agenda 21.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
See also chapter 27.
| |
| Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
Workers are participating in the implementation of Agenda 21.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
See chapter 27.
| |
| 30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS
AND INDUSTRY. | 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output.
There are governmental policies requiring recycling and encouraging the above objectives.
30.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area:
Reducing the amount of waste and recycling of materials have become major goals. The main information on waste production is collected from enterprises by the established order according to submitted reports. Each year the Ministry of Environmental Protection receives such information from approximately 1,600 enterprises in the country. There are 5 paper recycling enterprises and 2 glass recycling enterprises in Lithuania.
Efficiency of energy consumption has been promoted by raising its price. Water and air pollution have been reduced substantially by both improvements in processing techniques as well as by cleaning emissions.
The main focus in the development of environmental taxes have been placed upon the imposition of environmental pollution fees and taxes for the use of natural resources.
Particularly successful actions in the field of promoting
ecological ways of production have been: 30.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No further comments. | ||
| Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public.
Not much has changed in this area.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
See chapter 35.
| |
| Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): According to the regulations adopted by the Government, the Ministry of Agriculture is authorized to formulate an agricultural and food industry development strategy and a scientific-technical, technological and investment policy. These functions also include the formulation and implementation of long-term sustainable agricultural development programmes. A number of NGOs, such as Lithuanian Agricultural Chamber, Farmers' Support Fund, Association of Agricultural Companies, Association of Agricultural Co-operatives, Association of Processing Industry and Service have been involved in formulation and implementation of the Agricultural Policy. As a result of the privatization policy in agriculture, the number of farmers is constantly in rise. At the same time the farmers' influence in formulation and implementation of the policy of sustainable agricultural development have been increased. The Farmers Support Fund established by the Government of Lithuania in 1992 provides assistance to new farmers and their groups in the matter of road building, construction of electricity lines, digging of artesian wells, to purchase better equipment, fertilizers of higher quality, etc.
| |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT:
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS:
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES:
In case of subsidies of environmental protection the basic
principle is to support environmental research, monitoring,
preparation of legal documents and programmes. Construction of
waste water treatment plants is also subsidized from the
national budget. EU requirements for governmental subsidies shall
be taken into account.
The financial fund established by the Government to support the
karst region programme for the development of
ecological agriculture and to stimulate environmentally sound
agriculture production is being implemented.
There are no major subsidies both in the transport and in the
energy sectors to improve environmental issues.
The new Governmental policy towards EU integration foresees the
possibility to review Governmental subsidies including
the elimination of environmentally unfriendly subsidies.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The Lithuanian Environmental
Strategy is aimed at preconditioning the country's sustainable
development to allow the preservation of a clean and healthy
natural environment, biological and landscape diversity and
optimal nature use. In attaining environmental strategy goals,
economic instruments are necessary to encourage pollution
minimisation and prevention, waste minimisation and preservation of
natural resources. Economic instruments encompass
taxes on state natural resources; pollution charges; user charges;
tax waivers; tax differentiation; subsidies, loans and
funds. Implementation of environmental protection measures will be
very much dependent upon the availability of
financial resources. The majority of environmental investments are
allocated from State Budget. Another sources are loans
and subsidies from foreign countries and international donor
organisations, municipal funds and companies own resources.
The current system of granting subsidies to municipal institutions
does not encourage environmental projects'
implementation, therefore, it is necessary to develop a more
effective mechanism for granting funds. Efforts should be
made to change the currently existing system when all tax payers
via State Budget cover costs of users/polluters to a
system when users/polluters directly cover the losses incurred by
their activities' impact upon the environment. It would
be consistent with the "polluter pays" principle. In order to
provide incentives for waste and pollution minimisation and to
accumulate additional funds, the Environmental Investment Fund was
established. It is aimed at providing additional funds
to cover economically feasible cost for resource saving or
industrial pollution minimisation on projects. After project
implementation, revenues would be used to repay loans to the
environmental investment fund thus revolving and
increasing it.
The main environmental financing sources and revenues from the environmental taxes
Resources, allocated to environmental protection | |
| 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |
| Municipalities' environmental protection funds (56 municipalities) | 3.495 | 13.043 | 17.500 |
| State environmental protection fund | - | - | 1.248 |
| State Budget resources | 36.25 | 95.925 | 100.58 |
| Total | 39.745 | 108.968 | 119.328 |
| Investments of foreign capital (thous. US$) | 30792 (grants) | 61779.2 (loans) |
| Sources of revenue | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 |
| Taxes on state natural resources | 9.363 | 18.198 | 18.878 |
| Pollution charges | 7.673 | 19.685 | 32.405 |
Expenditure for environment protection
| Expenditure for environment protection measures | 1993 | 1994 |
| Current expenses | 96285.8 | 158023.2 |
| Water resource protection | 71016.4 | 118991.6 |
| Free air protection | 19876.6 | 31697.3 |
| Land protection from pollution with industrial waste | 5013.4 | 4979.9 |
| Land recultivation | 379.4 | 2354.3 |
| Reserves, national parks and preserves maintenance expenses | 3886.0 | 6909.0 |
| Bioengineering measures designed to preserve flora and fauna | 113.8 | 202.6 |
| Expenditure for overhaul repairs of basic environment protection fixed productive assets | 10164.3 | 14014.1 |
| Capital investments in environment protection | 594081 | 1202331 |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION AND
CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to chapter
34.
In transfer of experience and technology cooperation between
business in Western Countries and Lithuania, some
initiatives have already been taken. They cover both, process and
product technologies for the prevention of pollution and
also "end of pipe" technologies for treatment of pollution after it
has been generated. Introducing environmental auditing
is probably the most prime example of recent practical and cost
effective initiatives.
In 1995, the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Lithuania
issued the normative document "The Order on
Environmental Labelling of Products" (No 81 of 15 May 1995) on the
basis of EEC Regulation No 880/92 (23/05/1992)
on a Community eco-labelling award scheme. By this environmental
measure the Ministry of Environmental Protection
attempts to:
stimulate designing, production, marketing and use of products with
less impact to the environment during the whole life-cycle, and
provide information about the environmental impact of products to
users;
create favourable circumstances to products made in Lithuania in
the EU market and other countries, as well as to limit
hazardous products, beverages and pharmaceutical preparates,
medicines.
The new organizational structure to organize eco-labelling in
Lithuania was established in the beginning of 1996 by the
Ministry of Environmental Protection.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS:
| Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
UNEP agencies such as the Industry and Environmental Office (UNEP IE) in Paris and UNEP IETC in Japan, international institutions such as HELCOM and UN ECE and other organizations as USA EPA and Danish EPA on the basis of bilateral agreements are helping to exchange experiences, building up technology, assessment capacities and developing existing national information networks.
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management systems. National reaction to environmental management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and others. Please note efforts made at the national level to promote their adoption and the creation of certification infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to local industry. In the end of 1995, the Technical Committee for Standardization No 36 "Environmental Protection" was established. The efforts of this Committee is focused on the adoption and implementation of ISO Standards in several areas, including environmental management systems (ISO 14001,14004), environmental auditing (ISO 14010-14012), environmental labelling (ISO 14020,14021 and 14024), environmental performance evaluation (ISO 14031) and environmental life cycle assessment (ISO 14040-14043). In December of 1996, the Lithuanian national standard "Environmental Management System. Terms and Definitions" prepared on the basis of the British Standard BS 7750: 1992 "Specification for Environmental Management System" was adopted.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial resources and other transfer strategies.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has developed a National Environmental Strategy (NES) for Lithuania with PHARE support. One of the main principles of the NES is the Use of Best Available Technology Not Entailing Excessive Costs (BATNEEC). For the implementation of NES the Environmental Investment Fund was created. Other projects to transfer of EST's are:
1. Danish project: "Implementation of Demonstration
Projects in Cleaner Technology in the Lithuanian Galvanic
Industry"; |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The State research programs are funded by the Ministry of Education
and Science of the Republic of Lithuania and by
some other ministries for sectoral research programmes and
stimulation of sustainable development. Very important are
activities according to the Lithuanian Environmental Strategy, and
the Lithuanian National Programme for Implementation
of FCCC. Examination of environmental research carried out by state
funded universities and research institutes to
identify areas not covered by existing programmes and those which
partly overlap, awarding of state funds to universities
and research institutions for environmental research on the basis
of open competitive tendering and submission of project
proposals is also important and necessary. Worthy of attention are
two programmes to promote sustainable development,
i.e. "Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant and the Environment" and
"Ecological Sustainability of Regional Development in a
Historical Perspective: Lithuanian Case Studies"; they are being
implemented at present.
In Lithuania environmental and sustainable development research is
being carried out mainly in Kaunas University of
Technology, Vilnius Technical University, Vilnius University and
State research institutes such as Institute of Botany,
Institute of Ecology, Institute of Physics, etc.
Lithuanian priorities of national policy for R&D are the
following:
internationally recognized research in various
fields of science carried out by world well known Lithuanian
scientists
and groups of scientists under their supervision,
research involved in international research
programs,
applied research vitally important for the
Lithuanian society and the development of economy which is carried
out
within the frame work of the State economy and development
programs,
research necessary to keep the high level of the
main fields of science and to foster the culture of science,
fundamental and applied research in the field of
Lithuanian language, culture, history and nature.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| 1993 | 1995 | ||
| Total R&D staff | 14,230 | 13,632 | |
| Total R&D expenses (thous. US$) | 11,680.4 | 28,729.6 | |
| Total (% of the GDP) | 0,43 | 0,48 |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
Increasing Environmental Education and Public Awareness: The
projects helping to integrate environmental education
into the schools at different levels as well as the organisation of
environmental education for adults mostly are
implemented by the common efforts of the Ministry of Environmental
Protection, the Ministry of Education and Science
and other concerned ministries, public organisations and
municipalities. Taking into account that the tasks of sustainable
development can be solved only by well-trained and high-qualified
specialists, the higher schools of Lithuania have begun
to prepare the specialists of environmental protection,
environmental research, applied ecology and other. The Lithuanian
Committee on Public Environmental Education, Awareness and Training
is established at the Environmental Protection
Ministry, the members of which represent different ministries,
public organisations, research institutions, municipalities
etc. The draft of conception on environmental education of
Lithuanian public is under preparation. The ad hoc Working
Group is working according to Agenda 21.
Role of Major Groups: (see above). There are several
scientific centres of particular interest to environment and
development, for instance the "Pollution Prevention Centre" at
Kaunas University of Technology, the "Environmental Study
Centre" at Vilnius University, the "Environmental Protection
Engineering Centre" at Vilnius Gedimino Technology
University.
Finance: Every year the Seimas approves the State budget,
allocations for research and higher education are envisaged. The
Government upon recommendation of the Ministry of Education and
Science and the Council of Science allocates funds
directly to research and higher education institutions and research
and higher education infrastructure. Funds from the state
budget are allocated for the preparation and implementation of
public programmes.
NATIONAL PRIORITY: High
STATUS REPORT: Higher education in Lithuania is
regulated by the Law on Research and Higher Education of the
Republic of Lithuania adopted in 1991. Most important decisions are
taken by the Seimas or the Government in
coordination with the Science Council of Lithuania. The Science
Council is a self-governing institution of science and
education, an expert in the organisation and financing of science
and education. On 14 October 1993 the Government of
the Republic of Lithuania approved "The Qualifying Regulations of
Higher Education" and "The Regulations for the
Establishment and Assessment of Institutions of Higher Education"
which state qualitative requirements for the study
curricula and institutions of higher education. The legal
foundation of the system of education is going to be improved (it
is planned to adopt new laws on vocational training, specialised
training, adult education, higher education etc.). The
activities within the framework of research and technological
development is guided by the Seimas, the Parliamentary
Committee of Science and Culture, the Parliamentary Committee of
Agriculture and the Parliamentary Committee of
Economy. The Confederation of Industrialists and the Lithuanian
Chamber of Trade, Industry and Crafts provide
consultations on the issues of research and technological
development. The Ministry of Education and Science jointly with
the United Nations Development Programme and the Lithuanian Joint
Stock Innovation Bank have established the
Lithuanian Innovation Centre. Several state higher education
institutions, ministries and the Labour Exchange, in view of
the demand on the part of employers and employees, have established
re-training courses.
| STATISTICAL DATA/INDICATORS |
| 1980 | 1990 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | |
| Adult literacy rate (%) Male | 99.8* | 99.7** | - | - | - |
| Adult literacy rate (%) Female | 99.8* | 99.8** | - | - | - |
| % of GNP spent on education | - | 4.8 | - | - | 5.7 |
| Females per 100 males in secondary school | - | 201 | - | - | 155 |
| Women per 100 men in the labour force | - | - | 110 | 100 | 101 |
| Number of studying young people as composed to
certain age groups: from 7 to 10 age from 11 to 15 age from 16 to 18 age Total: from 7 to 24 age |
|
|
93.5 89.1 72.0 64.0 |
94.1 89.1 73.5 64.9 |
94.9 90.8 76.2 66.9 |
** data of 1989 general census of the population
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any changes
in technical cooperation.
Lithuania is one of the countries in transition with plenty of
problems after 50 years of the Sovjet occupation including
difficulties in capacity-building. Although there is a rather good
training and education system in Lithuania, the donor-countries,
particularly the neighbour countries (Denmark, Sweden, Finland) are
providing important assistance in the
capacity-building in various sectors and institutions. Ministries
and other institutions have now local area PC networks and
connection to Internet. Training courses, seminars and workshops
are organized according to bilateral international
cooperation agreements.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
| Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
Lithuania is not able to provide grant funds for sustainable development.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
| Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21:
Lithuania is not able to provide any not already covered international legal instruments/conventions relevant to Agenda 21.
|
| 2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
| 3. | Combating poverty | |||||
| 4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
| 5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
| 6. | Human health | |||||
| 7. | Human settlements | |||||
| 8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
| 9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
| 10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
| 11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
| 12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
| 13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
| 14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
| 15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
| 16. | Biotechnology | |||||
| 17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
| 18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
| 19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
| 20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
| 21. | Solid wastes | |||||
| 22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
| 24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
| 25. | Children and youth | |||||
| 26. | Indigenous people | |||||
| 27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
| 28. | Local authorities | |||||
| 29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
| 30. | Business and industry | |||||
| 31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
| 32. | Farmers | |||||
| 33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
| 34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
| 35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
| 36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
| 37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
| 38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
| 39. | International legal instruments | |||||
| 40. | Information for decision-making | |||||
No information.
|
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997