The change of natural landscape in Lithuania

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to carry out an analysis of the natural landscape of the Republic of Lithuania in 2004–2019. During the preparation of the article, the following scientific methods were used: literature analysis, determination and evaluation of the current situation, grouping method, comparison method, graphical method, analytical and statistical analysis methods, logical analysis. The article analyzes the change of the area of natural (natural, subnatural) landscape components (natural forests, wetlands, water bodies) during the period between the years 2004 and 2019. The analysis showed that the two components of the natural landscape of the Republic of Lithuania during 2004–2019 increased: the forest area (132,849.03 ha or 6.15%) and water bodies (3,668.49 ha or 1.38%). Unfortunately, the area of wetlands has decreased by 50,990.20 ha (35.05%). During the analyzed period, the natural landscape of Lithuania increased by 85527.97 ha or 3.39%. At present, it is particularly important to care for and restore valuable landscape complexes to fulfill their ecosystem functions. One of the most important challenges is to reconcile urbanization and nature conservation so as not to reduce significant areas of the country’s natural landscape.