Nature for People, People for nature
A total of 406 nature professionals from across Europe took part in the Conference, engaging in inspiring discussions about nature restoration, the interconnection between people and nature, and our shared responsibility to protect ecosystems for future generations. The Conference programme explored nature restoration from three different, but often connected, perspectives: social, economic and practice, to answer the following guiding question: How can Protected Areas restore nature at scale and sustain biodiversity?
As beautifully expressed during the event: “Nature restoration begins in the human heart.”
Opening Show
In 2025, Lithuania celebrates the 150th anniversary of its iconic artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. To mark this milestone, conference guests were welcomed by a captivating musical and visual performance by legendary saxophonist Petras Vyšniauskas and internationally acclaimed pianist Aleksandra Žvirblytė.
Welcoming Speeches
The Conference opened with inspiring words from Ramūnas Dilba, Aira Paliukėnaitė, Dr. Agnė Jasinavičiūtė-Trakimienė, and Michael Hošek, who set the tone for the days ahead. Their messages highlighted the power of collaboration and the shared responsibility to protect and restore nature – reminding everyone that lasting change begins when we work together for our planet’s future.
Inspirational Talks
Margaux Pierrel explored the Shifting Baseline Syndrome, highlighting how the loss of expertise, familiarity, and historical data changes our perception of nature. She encouraged awareness of this shift and offered ways to reconnect through memory, knowledge, and direct experience. Her key message: “Fight SBS by being aware of it.”
Patrick McConigley shared insights from Glenveagh National Park, where efforts focus on restoring native woodlands and addressing issues like overgrazing and invasive species. He emphasized long-term, intergenerational learning and creative engagement with youth. His reminder: “Seeds are the trees of the future.”
Tiina Hakkarainen presented Finland’s Nature Day, a nationwide celebration of community, identity, and wellbeing. She showed how nature is deeply woven into Finnish culture, art, and everyday life. The day’s symbol – the blueberry pie – sweetly embodies the bond between people and nature.
Mini excursions
During the first day of the Conference, participants already had the opportunity to explore the surrounding through four mini excursions!
Wednesday Plenary Sessions
The morning of 8 October was dedicated to the plenary session, where speakers set the stage for workshops and conference discussions.
Declaration of Commitment
During the plenary session, there was also time to look beyond the border of Europe to Latin America. The EUROPARC Federation and RedParques signed a declaration to further explore opportunities for cooperation. RedParques is a regional network of technical cooperation among the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, aimed at strengthening Protected Areas, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Learn more here.
Workshops
Day 2 of the Conference featured 15 thematic workshops focused on restoration for nature, people, and communities. Sessions highlighted landscape-scale restoration, youth engagement, building trust with local communities, creative communication, and innovative financing. A central message emerged: effective restoration starts with connection—between people and nature, communities and landscapes, and ideas across borders. Workshops emphasized moving from awareness to experience through art, storytelling, volunteering, and shared action, reinforcing that restoration begins within us and extends to the landscapes and communities we protect.
EUROPARC Marketplace
Conference delegates also had the chance to showcase their work and projects at the EUROPARC Marketplace. Participants set up stalls to share insights, highlight their Parks, and connect with peers, turning the space into a vibrant hub of ideas and inspiration.
Field Trips Day
406 participants from 37 countries embarked on ten inspiring field trips across Lithuania’s protected areas – from vast wetlands and ancient forests to historic landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Each journey revealed the vibrant connection between nature, culture, and communities, showcasing local restoration efforts, sustainable tourism, and creative partnerships.
It was a day of exploration, exchange, and inspiration – discovering how Lithuania’s nature and people grow together in harmony.
Lithuanian Cultural Evening
By the scenic Nemunas River in Birštonas, participants were warmly welcomed by Mayor Nijolė Dirginčienė to an evening of Lithuanian flavours, music, and dance. Traditional food, crafts, and joyful folk rhythms created a festive atmosphere – a true celebration of nature, culture and the people that safeguard this heritage.
Friday Plenary Session
Expert Highlights – EUROPARC 2025
Michael Hošek
Highlighted the importance of Protected Area Management Effectiveness (PAME), including new online tools for data collection, pilot site opportunities under the LIFE PAME-Europe project, and the Green List as a reference standard. He also stressed the Nature Restoration Regulation, with national restoration plans due by September 2026, urging all stakeholders to join early and actively shape the process.
Takeaway:
Combining effective management, innovative designations, and cutting-edge data creates new opportunities to protect and restore nature across Europe
Inspiration & Innovation Session
Share Your Work. Exchange Ideas. Grow Together.
During the Inspiration & Innovation Session, Delegates had the opportunity to take the stage. They had 10 minutes to present their work, followed by 10 minutes of discussion with peers.
INNOVATION 1
Innovative financing and community-driven models for resilient ecosystems: Explored new financing mechanisms such as biodiversity credits and PES schemes, combined with local community engagement, to scale up ecosystem restoration and resilience.
INNOVATION 2
Nature for All: Paths to Health and Connection: Showcased inclusive initiatives improving public access to nature, supporting health, well-being, and environmental education for diverse and vulnerable groups.
INNOVATION 3
Technical Pathways to Strengthen Protected Area Networks: Highlighted cross-border cooperation, advanced monitoring, remote sensing for invasive species, and habitat quality assessment to enhance protected area effectiveness.
INNOVATION 4
Building Capacities & Collaborative Solutions: Focused on empowering local communities, developing new parks, promoting strict forest protection, and integrating Nature’s voice into decision-making for sustainable conservation.
EUROPARCLand
The Closing Session brought all voices together. Through a lively role-playing game moderated by Tim Duckmanton (Lake District National Park) and Myrthe Fonck (PWN and EUROPARC Council member), delegates were asked to take on different perspectives and work together to ensure the best outcomes for nature and people.
GALA & Award Ceremony
The evening crowned the Conference with a Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony.
We are incredibly proud to award three new Transboundary Protected Areas:
Two scholarships for Young Professionals:
The takeaway message
1. People and Nature – Mutual Dependence.
Human well-being depends on a healthy environment. Nature restoration must include ecological, social, and cultural aspects, strengthening education, emotional connection, and community involvement.
2. From Policy to Action.
Effective restoration requires cross-sector collaboration among communities, businesses, scientists, and youth. Environmental recovery should become a shared social effort.
“Survival is only possible through cooperation.” – A. Jasinavičiūtė-Trakimienė
3. Connecting through Experience and Stories.
To counter nature loss indifference, emotional ties with nature must be renewed through art, storytelling, and direct experience.
“In nature we love what we understand.” – M. Čepulis
4. Innovation and Technology for Nature.
New approaches – from nature credits to satellite data, AI, and “nature guardians” – show that conservation is entering a technology-supported phase.
5. Inclusion and Accessibility for All.
Nature should be open and accessible to everyone, fostering solidarity and shared responsibility for its future.
“Our green spaces are safe spaces – for everyone.” – H. Bridgeman
Acknowledgements
The Conference was organized by the EUROPARC Federation and the State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the LIFE Programme and the European Commission.
Thanks to our conference friends:
Birštonas Municipality, Birštonas Cultural Center, Lithuania Travel, Lithuanian State Forest Enterprise, Lithuanian Zoological Garden, Birštonas Tourism Information Center, Birštonas Mineral Water, Hnit-Baltic
With the support of:
Thank you for bringing 'Nature for People, People for Nature' to life.