When we say that Vilnius is open to everyone, we mean not just people, but all the life around us – flora and fauna. Every decision – even a small one – can contribute to the flourishing of biodiversity in the city. This is also good for us as urban inhabitants, as different species of plants and animals help to regulate the microclimate, improve air quality, contribute to the fight against climate change and increase ecological stability. This leads to a better quality of life.

The urban green wave

More than 100,000 trees, 10 million shrubs and 300,000 winders – this is ambitious goal of Vilnius to create a green wave. The initiative is aimed at creating a more welcoming, sustainable and healthy environment for the capital’s residents, visitors and the biodiversity around us. To achieve this goal, the capital is donating thousands of shrub seedlings for residents to plant in their yards and organising voluntary community planting events. Not only streets, but also fences and roofs of public spaces are planted. Together with this project, the green wave of the city will flood the streets of Vilnius with fragrant vegetation, refreshing shade, chirping birds and fluttering butterflies.

Sustainable grassland mowing

A unique initiative, changing the old tradition of meadow maintenance, has been launched in Vilnius since 2022. Instead of continuous regular mowing works, the concept of unmown meadows has been chosen to be implemented in a part of the capital. Imagine a meadow where the grass grows freely and naturally and nature takes care of its own beauty. A seemingly simple solution has become a significant tool in the fight against climate change and environmental pollution. Meadows maintained in this way reduce air pollution, are extremely beneficial for the urban ecosystem and provide a haven for a wide range of plant and animal species. Unmown meadows in Vilnius act as natural air filters, reducing soil erosion and retaining excess water when it rains.

Home of biodiversity

The best conditions are created to make small animals feel at home in Vilnius. In the parks, the trees are left to become home to insects and fungi, and as many as 5,000 different organisms that feed on the wood find new homes there. In addition, floating islands planted with water-loving plants are installed in various ponds in Vilnius. These help birds to nest safely. Hedgehogs and other small inhabitants of the parks are provided with stacks of branches as habitats. Branches form fences for protected natural heritage sites and old trees.

In addition, a detailed environmental analysis is carried out on the newly designed urban buildings and their territories, and rules for the maintenance of the vegetation of the area, as well as for the planting of various plants – flowers, trees, bird nesting boxes and insect hotels – are drawn up.

Bees on rooftops

Bees, which probably are the most important urban insects, pollinate plants. They keep vegetation alive and provide food for people. Due to climate change, air pollution and shrinking green spaces, these organisms, which are vital to our ecosystems, are rapidly disappearing. Yet we can do our part to save them. One of the most effective ways to do this is to set up hives where bees can safely bring their honey.

Vilnius City Administration has built two hives on the roof of the building, which can produce up to 30 kilograms of honey per year. The heights and rooftops are a natural habitat for bees, so they feel comfortable here, and in return they give flowers and sweet honey to the city.

Community gardens and orchards

Community gardens are another unique way to nurture urban biodiversity. Across Vilnius and the region, residents are encouraged to come together to set up community gardens in the yards of multi-apartment buildings and schools. These gardens can turn into whole gardens that grow flowers and provide homes for different species of plants and animals. Urban gardening has already been successfully developed by residents of Antakalnis and Pilaitė micro-districts.

Newly built schools are creating kitchen gardens to encourage schoolchildren to learn about the benefits of gardening from a young age. Vilnius City has prepared a guide if you decide to implement such an initiative in your community.

What can you do?

There are many ways you can contribute to protecting biodiversity and creating urban green spaces. Plant flowers, trees or shrubs in your yard or take part in community actions. If you can, install beehives for bees or nesting boxes for birds in your home or garden. You can also enrich the environment with unmown grassland, which helps to combat climate change and preserve ecosystems. If you are interested in gardening, get involved in community garden initiatives.