MINISTRYOF ENVIRONMENTOF THE REPUBLIC

OF LITHUANIA

3

SYSTEM OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

State EnvironmentalProtectionInspection

Alytus RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Kaunas RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Klaipeda RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Marijampole RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Panevezys RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Siauliai RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Utena RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Vilnius RegionalEnvironmental

Protection Department

Fish ResourcesDepartment

Joint ResearchCentre

HydrographicalNetwork Survey

Marine ResearchCenter

Museums:Unique StonesMuseum of the

Republic,T.Ivanauskas

Zoological Museumin Kaunas

State Enterprise of Landand other ImmovableProperty Cadastre and

Register

State Enterprise�Project Expertise�

State Enterprise�Construction Production

Sertification Center�

State TerritorialPlanning Construction

Inspection

General ForestEnterprise

Lithuanian Hydrome-teorology Survey

Lithuanian Geolo-gicalSurvey

Forest and ProtectedAreas Department

Strict Nature Reserves:Cepkeliai, Kamanai, Viesvile, Zuvintas

National Parks:Aukstatija, Dzukija, Kursiu Nerija, Zemaitija

Regional Parks(28)

Forest Enterprises(43)

Forest Protection Station

Lithuanian Forest Selection and Seed Growing Center

Forest Seed Control Station

Forest Economy Center

State Forestry Institute

Magazine �Musu girios�(Our Woods)

LithuanianEnvironmental

Investment Fund

MINISTER

Collegium

Council of Advisors

Concellor to the Minister

Press Representative

Vice-Minister Vice-MinisterVice-Minister Vice-Minister

Secretary

Deputy Secretary

EnvironmentalQuality

Department

Housing andTechnical Stan-

dartisationDepartment

TerritorialPlanning

Department

Financing Division

EnvironmentalTechnologies Division

AirDivision

Chemical SubstancesDivision

Polluted Area andWaste Division

RadioactiveSubstances Division

Water Division

Housing PolicyDivision

Design RegulationDivision

Standards andSertification Division

Regulation onBuildings�

Construction Division

Construction ProcessStandartization

Division

Spatial Planning andRegional Development

Division

LandscapeDivision

Territorial PlanningData Cadaster andRegister Division

Urban Developmentand Architecture

Division Public InformationDivision

Personnel Division

General Division

Legal Division

State Enterprise�Professional

Hunting�

Aide to the Minister

NatureProtection

Department

Biological DiversityDivision

Ecosystems ProtectionDivision

Nature ResourcesDivision

Soil and Earth EntrailsDivision

EnvironmentalImpact Assessment

Division

Information Mana-gement Division

DocumentsManagement Division

Internal AuditDivision

EnvironmentalStrategy

Department

EnvironmentalStrategy andInvestments

Division

European UnionIntegration Division

Programmes andProjects Mana-gement Division

InternationalRelations andAgreements

Division

Public Institution�Technologies forContaminated Soil

Treatment�

Consultant to the Minister

Assistant to the Secretary

Vehicle Fleet

Ministry Archives

4

As many other countries Lithuania has accepted a sustainable development model. It has confirmed the acceptancesigning the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and acknowledging theimplementation of the Agenda 21.

The main goal of a Lithuanian environmental protection strategy � to ensure sustainable development of the countryand thus conserve healthy environment, biodiversity and landscape as well as optimize use of natural resources. TheMinistry of Environment implementing the tasks designated to its competence, follows such principles as integration ofenvironmental policy into overall planning of the economy and its branches, pollution prevention, �polluter-pays�principle, partnership and division of responsibility, information publicity as well as other principles. In order to ensureeffective co-ordination of economic, social and environmental goals, a National Sustainable Development Council isbeing established under the Ministry of Environment.

The public (both specialists working in different institutions and single persons) has a right to receive information onthe formation of environmental protection policy, and express their opinion, submit proposals on acute issues. In orderto promote the active participation of the public in decision making process, solve environmental protection problems,and implement principles of publicity, collectiveness and democracy and guidelines of the Convention on Access toEnvironmental Information and Public Participation in Environmental Decision-Making, right to appeal to court onenvironmental issues, an Advisory Council has been formed under the Ministry of Environment. The Council consistsfrom representatives of public and other non-governmental organisations, and persons which have extensive experienceand express willingness to work in the Council on issues designated to the competence of the Ministry such asprotection, use and restoration of natural resources, improvement of environmental quality, conservation of landscapeand biodiversity, territorial planning, regulation of housing and construction.

The public and the State authority must be partners in the field of environmental protection and others. Acting togetherwe can build a cozy and comfortable house. I believe, that future generations will have the same possibility.

Minister of Environment Danius Lygis

5

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTMinistry of Environment (MoE) carries out the state management functions designated by laws and other legal acts inthe field of environmental protection, forestry, use of natural resources, territorial planning, construction, housing andgeology and implements the national policy in the said fields.

MAIN TASKS

Ensure protection of environment according to sustainable development principles, form principles and guidelines ofthe regional management policy of the country and ensure application of the said principles.

Seek to ensure healthy and clean environment, rational use, protection and restoration of natural resources, includingforests and the underground in the Republic of Lithuania, its territorial waters, continental shelf and economic zone.

Protect landscape, ecosystems, nature values, biological diversity and gene pool characteristic to the Republic ofLithuania.

Ensure rational development of forestry and forest management.

Promote urban development, architecture and construction progress.

Develop legal system of environmental protection, territorial planning as well as construction and housing incompliance with the needs of the country and requirements of European Union.

Tasks of the Ministry of Environment within set competence is responsibility of departments and divisions of theMinistry, departments, services, inspections established under the Ministry and other institutions, state enterprisesfounded by the Ministry or subordinated to the Ministry.

6

MAIN INSTRUMENTSLegal background. Laws and other legal acts are being prepared, revised and amended. Legal regulation is related toimplementation of the Association Agreement according to which Lithuania has made a commitment to approximate itslaws and other legal acts with legal requirements of European Union.

Economic and financial instruments. A system of economic instruments (environmental pollution tax, and tax for use ofstate natural resources, etc.) is being developed and improved. In order to implement defined tasks, the Ministry ofEnvironment develops programs from the state budget and other financial sources, participates in preparation of thepublic investment programme.

Territorial planning, design. Landscape management process and procedure is being regulated in order to defineconditions on land use priorities, environmental protection, monument protection, to form infrastructure system of land,water, forests, living areas, production, set rights of activities of legal and natural persons in the territory. General,special and detailed planning, procedures are being regulated.

Regulation of constructions. Establishes the order of investigation, construction, reconstruction, repair, commissioning,and use of buildings, regulates relations between legal and natural persons taking part in the construction process.

Environmental impact assessment. Regulates definition of process, order, and procedures on environmental impactassessment of proposed activity.

State control. Establishes an implementation order of state control on environmental protection, use of naturalresources, territorial planning and construction, performs the state control.

International co-operation. Co-operates with foreign state institutions and international organisations, organisesimplementation of international conventions and agreements, concrete projects.

Public information and education. Provides information to public on environment, prepares and publishes informativepublications, implements projects on public education, organises seminars, conferences.

Training of specialists. Implements training programmes for specialists of the system of the Ministry of Environment.

Ministry of EnvironmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 05 58, 62 11 14Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: kanceliarija@aplinkuma.ltInternet address: http://www.gamta.lt

7

UNITS OF THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DEPARTMENT

Forms the policy of atmosphere, water, soil protection, regulation of water resources, management of hazardouschemical materials, radioactive materials and waste.

Forms a strategy of cleaner production and technology implementation in Lithuanian industrial branches.

Forms and implements a strategy of safe chemical substances management, co-ordinates activities among otherinstitutions in this field. Prepares legal acts regulating management and use of hazardous chemical materials.

Prepares draft laws on environmental quality management and other legal acts as well as co-ordinates theimplementation.

Prepares long-term and special purpose national programmes of environmental quality and use of water resources, setsthe order of their implementation and controls the course of their execution.

Defines norms and procedure for reporting the emission of pollutants (and radioactive substances) into the atmosphere,defines the procedure for issuing the permits for emission of pollutants (and radioactive substances) into theenvironment.

Evaluates industrial pollution control technologies and other technologies that improve the environmental quality andgives recommendations on their efficiency, and on whether they comply with environmental protection standards andnorms.

Organises the implementation of the strategy for approximation of Lithuanian environmental legislation with EuropeanUnion environmental protection requirements.

Prepares legal acts regulating transportation of hazardous chemical materials, radioactive substances and waste andissues permits for such activity.

Organizes the implementation of international conventions and agreements in the field of environmental quality.

Co-ordinates and carries out collection and evaluation of data about environmental quality and influencing factors.

Ministry of EnvironmentEnvironmental Quality DepartmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 90 49Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: mindaugas.bilkis@nt.gamta.lt

8

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY DEPARTMENT

Forms the strategy and economic system of rational use of natural resources and management of sustainabledevelopment.

Forms the policy of integration into European Union on use of natural resources and sustainable development of theRepublic of Lithuania.

Co-ordinates the European Union environmental approximation process.

Prepares draft laws and other legal acts on the issues of economic regulation of environmental management and use ofnatural resources, methods for estimating the fines for damage caused to the environment and natural resources.

Submits proposals on the formation of a national investment programme and use of natural resources as well asorganizes the control of use of investments foreseen in the programme.

Represents the Ministry in the National Commission of Investment Projects.

Co-ordinates issues related to the establishment and use of special environmental protection funds.

Organises and co-ordinates preparation of foreign technical assistance programmes and projects, foreign banks,PHARE and other bilateral investment and technical assistance programmes and projects.

Co-operates with foreign state institutions and international organizations, prepares international co-operationagreements and organises their implementation.

Prepares procedures for accession to international conventions, organises implementation of Baltic Sea MarineEnvironmental Protection (HELCOM) Convention and other conventions.

Systemises, summarises and submits data and information to international environmental institutions.

Plans and organises the programmes of visits of international delegations, conferences and seminars.

Ministry of EnvironmentEnvironmental Strategy DepartmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 62 34 19Fax (370 2) 62 50 62E-mail: Arvydas.Dragunas@aplinkuma.lt

9

NATURE PROTECTION DEPARTMENT

Forms and implements renaturalisation policy and strategy of biodiversity, including protection of ecosystems, use,restoration and protection of natural resources and the underground, as well as restoration of damaged land.

Prepares draft of laws, decrees of the Government and other legal acts on protection of biological diversity,maintenance of stability of ecosystems, rational use, restoration and protection of wildlife and the undergroundresources.

Prepares an action plan for conservation of protected species and populations, organises preparation of regulation forhabitat protection and management.

Compiles and updates the Lithuanian Red Book, organises activities on conservation of rare and endangered fauna,flora, fungi species and communities.

Establishes an order for use and restoration of wildlife resources, limits and conditions, order of issuing permits.

Organises renaturalisation of damaged ecosystems, preparation of programmes and projects on land recultivation.

Organises use of abandoned agricultural land and free land of the State Land Fund, abandoned quarries and peat-landfor afforestation and plantation of valuable plant species.

Organises and co-ordinates applied scientific research works.

Organises the implementation of international conventions and agreements on biodiversity protection, includingprotection of ecosystems.

Within its competence manages and consults regional environmental protection departments, institutions subordinatedto the Ministry and institutions designated to its regulation sphere.

Ministry of EnvironmentNature Protection DepartmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 24 93Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: L.Budrys@aplinkuma.lt

10

HOUSING AND TECHNICAL STANDARTISATION DEPARTMENT

Prepares draft laws and other legal acts on construction and housing policy.

Prepares or organises preparation of regulations and legal acts on construction, territorial planning, and environmentalprotection.

Prepares or organises preparation of national regulation documents on housing.

Manages the register of compulsory and optional legal acts.

Investigates problems related to the supply of dwelling places for inhabitants, housing market conditions, collectsrelevant information.

Investigates disagreements between the participants of the construction process and economic entities on theapplication of technical legal acts, regulating building construction, territorial planning and environmental protection,construction contracts and cost estimation; analyses complaints from the State institutions, legal and natural personsconcerning this issue.

In accordance with the established order organises accreditation of specialists working in the main technical fields ofconstruction, prepares legal acts on accreditation of these specialists.

Takes part in accreditation of construction business enterprises that design and construct facilities of major importance.

Co-ordinates certification of construction materials, products, manufactured articles, activities of certified constructionlaboratories, prepares legal acts on these issues.

Registers regulations of municipal councils on project co-ordination.

Prepares applications on the need and allocation of funds from the state budget to supply inhabitants with dwellingplaces, and implement the state support �Housing� programme, prepares annual reports on implementation of thisprogramme.

Within its competence co-operates with the state surveillance institutions of special construction requirements and theCouncil of Disabled.

Together with the State Nuclear Energy Safety Inspection investigates and submits proposals on approval of technicalregulation on nuclear energy facilities.

Manages, consults the State Enterprise �Project Expertise� and the Center of Certification of Construction Production,State Inspection of Territorial Planning and Construction, regional environmental protection departments and othersubordinated organizations on issues related to application of technical legal acts on construction of buildings,territorial planning and environmental protection.

Co-operates with the State Geological Survey in the field of engineering geological (geotechnical) research.

Ministry of EnvironmentHousing and Technical Standardization DepartmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 75 59Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: Z.Mackevicius@aplinkuma.lt

12

TERRITORIAL PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Organises preparation of the draft Comprehensive Plan and other territorial planning documents of the Republic ofLithuania and related scientific research.

Forms and implements the policy of the Ministry in the field of territorial planning, urban development, architecture,landscape management and protection.

Within its competence submits proposals on accession to international conventions, prepares drafts of internationalagreements in the field of territorial planning, conservation of landscape diversity, represents the Ministry in foreigncountries or international organisations.

Prepares conditions for territorial planning documents at the national and county level of the Republic of Lithuania.

Administers the national local and international territorial planning and development projects prepared by the Ministrythat cover the whole territory of Lithuania or parts of it, its existing structures, spatial systems, as well as administersspecial planning projects, prepares or participates in the preparation of models for the development of these plans.

Prepares documents of the summary of norms on territorial planning, analyses the work of municipal institutionsresponsible for the territorial planning (urban development and architecture), and manages the work.

Managing the territorial planning data bank and territorial planning register, co-ordinates implementation of this workin the county and municipal institutions. Regularly updates the information system of the territorial planningdocuments, analyses development process of the territories.

Organises the control of territorial planning, protection and use regimes for conservation of landscape, protection ofhydrographic network and landscape esthetic, recreation resources.

Ensures that the best available production techniques are used in the projects of proposed economic activity that allowthe rational use of natural and energy resources, ecologically clean production, reduction of waste generation andcompliance with the requirements of legal acts.

Within its competence manages regional environmental protection departments, agencies (inspections) of regions(cities), counties and municipal territorial planning (architecture and urban development) services, providesconsultations to these services.

Co-ordinates activities related to the Immovable Property Register and the Cadastre.

Takes part in the certification of specialists with the qualifications in architecture, civil engineering and issuance of thecertificates to the specialists.

Ministry of EnvironmentTerritorial Planning DepartmentA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 16 40Fax (370 2) 61 53 39E-mail: Gintautas.Tiskus@aplinkuma.lt

14

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Information Management Division is responsible for development of information management policy andimplementation plans as well as co-ordination of all activities related to the information management.

Participates in the EU integration process and co-ordinates the approximation of Lithuanian legislation withrequirements of European Union Directive standardizing and rationalizing reports on implementation of certainDirectives relating to the environment.

Carries out need analysis of the development of information infrastructure and information systems of the Ministry ofEnvironment and organises preparation of project proposals and specifications.

Within its competence participates in preparation and implementation of the policy of public access to environmentalinformation of the Ministry of Environment.

Within its competence submits proposals on improvement of the management of the Ministry through informationsystems and technologies.

Co-ordinates issues on integration of information into the system of the Ministry of Environment and organisespreparation of information management integration projects and specifications of integrated information managementsystem.

Ministry of EnvironmentInformation Management DivisionA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 62 17 84Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: info.valdymas@nt.gamta.lt

15

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT DIVISION

Forms and implements the policy of the Ministry of environmental impact assessment of a proposed economic activity.

Within its competence submits proposals on accession to international conventions and represents the Ministry inforeign countries and international organizations.

Within its competence co-ordinates, organises and manages environmental impact assessment of a proposed economicactivity and investigation of project proposals.

Organises and prepares draft of laws, decrees of the Government of Lithuania, orders of the Minister and other legalacts, methodological provisions and other documents of environmental impact assessment of a proposed economicactivity.

In accordance with the established order organises meetings, seminars, and conferences on environmental impactassessment of a proposed economic activity.

Participates in environmental impact assessment of a proposed economic activity in transnational context.

Ministry of EnvironmentEnvironmental Impact Assessment DivisionA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 99 75Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: Vitalis.Auglys@nt.gamta.lt

16

LEGAL DIVISION

Prepares and participates in preparation of draft laws, decrees of the Government of Lithuania, other legal acts onissues of environmental management and legal regulation, and other drafts on environmental legal regulation usingcomputerised technology and other legal information systems, systemises legal documentation basing on revisions andamendments of laws and other legal acts.

Participates in approximation of Lithuanian legal acts with the requirements of European Union and in accordance withthe established order submits information on approximation of legal acts.

Co-ordinates draft orders of the Minister, agreements, other legal documents, controls implementation of the orders ofthe Minister and other assignments of the management of the Ministry.

Within its competence examines letters and claims from the state institutions, legal and natural persons, draft of legalacts, submits comments and suggestions.

Within its competence solves issues on environmental management and legal regulation.

Supervises computerised legal information system and data compiled in the system.

Submits recommendations, conclusions and prepares publications on legal issues.

In accordance with the established order organises and carries out control of legal performance of institutionssubordinated to the Ministry and designated to the regulation sphere of the Ministry, participates in general and otherinspections, analyses and summarises performance of legal departments of institutions and organisations subordinatedto the Ministry, submits proposals on improvement of legal performance.

In accordance with the established order represents the Ministry in courts, other countries and foreign institutions,participates in seminars, conferences and other meetings.

In accordance with the established order organises training on legal issues for the Ministry staff.

Ministry of EnvironmentLegal DivisionA.Jak�to 4/9LT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 88 91Fax (370 2) 22 08 47E-mail: juridinis.skyrius@nt.gamta.lt

17

PUBLIC INFORMATION DIVISION

Coordinates implementation of the Public Environmental Education Strategy of the Republic of Lithuania.

In accordance with the established order accumulates and distributes environmental information to the departments,divisions and other institutions subordinated to the Ministry and designated to the regulation sphere of the Ministry.

Within its competence prepares and submits information about the policy of the Ministry, draft of laws and legal actsunder preparation, programmes and projects under implementation to other ministries, different state and localauthority institutions, public and other organizations.

In accordance with a publication programme approved by the Minister prepares and publishes publications, collectionsof environmental legal acts, posters, leaflets, reports, and chronicles.

In accordance with the established procedure provides methodical assistance, submits proposals to the state, local andpublic authority institutions, legal and natural persons on improvement of public environmental education andinformation activities.

Ministry of EnvironmentPublic Information DivisionLT � 2694 VilniusTel. (370 2) 61 61 48Fax (370 2) 61 61 48E-mail: leidybos.biuras@nt.gamta.lt

18

INSTITUTIONS SUBORDINATED TO THE MINISTRY ANDDESIGNATED TO THE REGULATION SPHERE OF THE MINISTRY

REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENTS

The state control of environmental protection is carried out by 8 Regional Environmental ProtectionDepartments: Alytus, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Marijampolė, Panevė�ys, �iauliai, Utena, Vilnius. EachDepartment administrates subordinated Environmental Protection Agencies of the cities and regions aswell as controls their performance.

Ensure healthy and clean environment, rational use of natural resources in the region.

Protect landscape, ecosystems, natural objects and biodiversity characteristic to the region.

Control economic entities and natural persons if they comply with the requirements of environmental protection anduse of natural resources.

Carry out enforcement of pollution emission norms, state laboratory control of pollution of environmental components,and control the quality of analysis of pollution emission into environment and its components performed by economicentities.

Within the competence carry out, co-ordinate and control environmental monitoring in the region.

In accordance with the established order issue permits for use of natural resources, organise enforcement ofenvironmental requirements defined in the permits.

19

Issue special conditions for preparation of territorial planning documents and design of objects.

In accordance with the established order co-ordinate projects on territorial planning, as well as enterprises and otherentities having impact on state of environment and natural resources, and constructions in the region.

Take part in general commissioning of economic and other facilities, assess if they comply with environmentalrequirements.

Control the accuracy of calculation of tax payment of legal and natural persons on environmental pollution and appliessanctions defined in the laws.

Analyse state of the environment in the region, enforce requirements to improve the environment and submit proposalson regulation of use of natural resources and improvement of environmental protection measures.

Monitor use of allocations from environmental protection funds of local municipal authorities.

Take part in preparation of regional environmental protection programmes, within their competence control theimplementation.

Following the assignment of the Minister control the implementation of international environmental protectionagreements in the region.

Cooperate with the public on implementation of environmental protection goals, inform the public about changes in thestatus of the environment, and take part in environmental education activities.

20

FOREST AND PROTECTED AREAS DEPARTMENT UNDER THEMINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTForms the policy of forest and protected areas management and controls the implementation, carries out the statemanagement functions of forestry and protected areas.

Ensures sustainable forest management, restoration, protection and rational use of forest resources, increases economicefficiency of forestry.

Develops a strategy of the state management of Lithuanian forests, multi-purpose and rational use of forest resources,forest development programmes, taking into account the welfare of Lithuania and the citizens, solves issues on increaseof forest productivity.

Forms a strategy of protected areas, prepares draft of legal acts on protected areas, organises preparation of protectedareas planning documents.

Forms a system of protected areas and co-ordinates management of protected areas, manages the Protected AreasRegister.

Controls and co-ordinates scientific, nature protection, culture heritage protection and management, architecture-urbandevelopment, publication-information activities of administrations of national and regional parks and administrations ofstrict nature reserves.

Organises forest selection, genetics, seed growing, forest reproduction, forest protection, timber preparation andprocessing, standartisation, metrological works, and civil protection, hunting management, forestland draining,construction of forest roads and forest economic facilities.

Forms and implements the forest policy of management of private forests.

Forest and Protected Areas Departmentunder the Ministry of EnvironmentA.Juozapavičiaus 9LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 72 58 68Fax (370 2) 72 20 29E-mail: forest@is.lt

21

INSTITUTIONS DESIGNATED TO THE REGULATION SPHERE OFTHE FOREST AND PROTECTEAD AREAS DEPARTMENT

ADMINISTRATIONS OF STRICT NATURE RESERVES

Čepkeliai, Kamanos, Vie�vilė, �uvintas

Responsible for the stability and natural development of ecosystems in the strict nature reserve, fauna and floracharacteristic to the strict nature reserves.

Investigate and monitor the territory of strict nature reserves, collect information on the state of natural environmentalcomponents and changes.

ADMINISTRATIONS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PARKS

Auk�taitija, Dzūkija, Kur�ių nerija, �emaitija national parks and following 28 regional park administrations: Anyk�čiai,Asveja, Auk�tadvaris, Bir�ai, Dieveni�kės (historical), Dubysa, Gra�utė, Kauno marios, Krekenava, Kurtuvėnai,Labanoras, Meteliai, Nemuno delta, Nemuno kilpos, Neris, Pajūrys, Panemunės, Pagramantis, Rambynas, Salantos,Sartai, Sirvėta, Tytuvėnai, Varniai, Veisiejai, Venta, Vi�tytis, �agarė.

Responsible for nature and culture heritage values, stability of natural ecosystems, landscape and biological diversity.

Restore destroyed and damaged natural, cultural complexes and objects.

Carry out scientific research and collect information in the field of nature protection, culture values protection, naturalresources, etc.

Create conditions to develop cognitive tourism, seasonal recreation activities.

Cherish cultural traditions, handicrafts, and businesses, promote nature protection, and take care of material andspiritual culture heritage.

22

FOREST ENTERPRISES

There are 43 forest enterprises.

Reproduce, manage and protect the state forests.

Take care of forest productivity, protection power and biological diversity.

Organise use of forest resources basing on sustainable and multi-purpose forest management principle.

FOREST PROTECTION STATION

Forms a system of preventive and destructive measures of Lithuanian forests protection from pests,diseases, weeds and system of measures for fire prevention and other violations.

Performs forecasting activities on sanitary state of forests and controls measures of forest protection not dependingupon the form of ownership.

LITHUANIAN FOREST SELECTION AND SEED GROWING CENTER

Forms the national forest gene pool, creates seed growing base, selects seed orchard areas, and carries out appliedscientific research works.

FOREST SEED CONTROL STATION

Carries out control of application of forest seed growing regulations, provisions and standards in forest entities (forestenterprises, state parks, private forest and forest entities, seed extraction plants, nurseries, seed plots and seed stores).

FOREST ECONOMY CENTRE

Improves and develops economic basis of Lithuanian forestry, collects and analyses data on timber market, investigatestimber market situation, provides consultations on business and management issues.

STATE FORESTRY INSTITUTE

Carries out an inventory of Lithuanian forests, prepares forest management projects, performs land reform activities inforest enterprises and state parks, manages state forests registration and cadastre, estimates and forecasts the use offorest resources.

THE EDITORS OF MAGAZINE �MŪSŲ GIRIOS�

Collects, processes information and publishes informative, problematic, scientific and other material about Lithuanianforests, forestry and forest industry, and activities of forest specialists in the magazine �Mūsų girios�.

23

FISH RESOURCES DEPARTMENTPrepares programmes on research, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of fish resources and organises, co-ordinates and controls the implementation.

Prepares fishing rules, other legal acts regulating conservation and restoration of fish resources, carries out enforcementand gives proposals on improvement of requirements.

Represents the Ministry in issues related to Conventions on conservation and use of fish resources, gives proposals onfishing regulation and conservation of fish resources in the areas of Conventions, cooperates with foreign countries,organises and co-ordinates implementation of international commitments in the field of fish resources conservation, useand restoration.

Submits proposals to the Ministry of Environment on fishing limits or other fishing restrictions, within its competenceprepares and approves such restrictions.

Provides conclusions if projects on proposed economic activity, construction and reconstruction of facilities as well asother documentation comply with requirements on fish conservation.

Regulates and organises licensing and permitting of non-commercial fishing in water bodies of the State Fund.

Ministry of EnvironmentFish Resource DepartmentA.Juozapavičiaus 9LT � 2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 72 85 43Fax (370 2) 72 32 73E-mail: ZID_sekretoriatas@nt.gamta.lt

24

JOINT RESEARCH CENTERJoint Research Center comprises of the Center of Environmental Research, Center of Information Technologies, Center ofTechnical Development, Radiological laboratory, Plateliai laboratory, integrated monitoring stations.

Organises, coordinates and carries out state environmental monitoring.

Co-ordinates monitoring of the state of environment, control of pollution sources, biodiversity, other scientific andenvironmental quality research in strict nature reserves and national parks, performed by subordinated institutions orinstitutions designated to the regulation sphere of the Ministry, summarises these results, prepares conclusions and proposals.

Carries out investigation, analysis of existing and newly introduced technologies (potential pollution sources and treatmentfacilities) and submits conclusions on their effectiveness.

In accordance with the Sate Monitoring Programme carries out analysis of specific, hardly identified polluting substances invarious components of natural environment using complex physical, chemical, hydrobiological and bacteriological methodsof research. Carries out the state analytical control of emissions into the atmosphere.

Organises and together with other responsible state institutions urgently analyses major and emergency cases ofenvironmental pollution, conditions and consequences of emergency ecological situations.

Manages the state control and control of pollution sources of economic entities, preparation of instructions for environmentallaboratory control, conditions and consequences of emergency ecological situations.

Approves, unifies and implements new environmental research methods.

Defines qualification requirements and issues permits to laboratories capable in performing analysis of environment and itspollution sources, controls the quality of the work.

Organises, co-ordinates and together with scientific and educational institutions carries out applied and scientific research onthe use of natural resources, impact of emissions to the environment, analysis of the state of environment, effectiveness of newtechnologies, environmental protection measures and methods.

Accumulates statistical data on the state of natural environment.

Creates, implements and develops applied computerised information technologies and telecommunication networks for thesystem of the Ministry of Environment.

Accumulates and summarises natural environmental monitoring and analysis data on pollution, protection of the environmentin Lithuania, prepares reports, publications, statistical information, in accordance with the established order submits thisinformation to the Ministry of Environment, public, mass media. Implements and develops modern analytical environmentalresearch technologies in laboratories within the system of the Ministry of Environment.

Organises and carries out metrological testing of analytical environmental research and emission equipment.

Develops a system of environmental labelling of products.

In accordance with the set order co-operates with Lithuanian and foreign institutions in the field of natural environmentalresearch, preparing and implementing national and international programmes and projects.

Ministry of EnvironmentJoint Research CenterA.Juozapavičiaus 9,LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 72 32 02Fax (370 2) 72 32 02E-mail: Antanas.Didziapetris@nt.gamta.lt

25

PUBLIC INSTITUTION �TECHNOLOGIES FOR CONTAMINATED SOILTREATMENT�

A founder � Joint Research Center.

Develops and improves contaminated ground, soil and water treatment technologies.

Cleans up sites, reinforced concrete and other construction materials contaminated with oil products.

Produces biopreparations for clean up of sites contaminated with oil products.

Consults on issues related to contaminated sites, wastewater treatment, and emergency response during accidents.

Joint Research CenterPublic Institution �Technologies for Contaminated Soil Treatment�Antakalnio 42LT-2055 VilniusE-mail: gvt@takas.lt

MARINE RESEARCH CENTERPerforms activities in all economic zone of Lithuania, as well as economic zones of Poland, Sweden and Latviafollowing Helsinki Commission international monitoring programme of Baltic Sea.

Carries out ecological monitoring of Nemunas delta and Kur�ių Lagoon.

Co-ordinates and carries out the National monitoring programme in Baltic Sea.

Carries out the HELCOM Baltic Sea Programme.

Analyses an impact of ground dumping in the sea.

Analyses an impact of special harbour dredging and hydrotechnical constructions to the environment.

Carries out investigations of emergency situations (fish killing, oil spills).

Carries out hydrological monitoring on the coastline.

Ministry of EnvironmentMarine Research CenterTaikos av. 26LT-5802 KlaipėdaTel. (370 6) 41 04 50Fax (370 6) 41 04 60E-mail: CMR@klaipeda.omnitel.net

26

STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INSPECTIONOrganises, co-ordinates and controls activities of the state environmental protection control institutions and inspectorsin the field of enforcement of environmental protection.

Organises and performs operative, applied and complex check-up on the activities of the state environmental protectioncontrol institutions and inspectors, analyses problems and submits conclusions and proposals on improvements of suchactivity to the Ministry of Environment.

Carries out control of the state, use, restoration and protection of forests.

Organises accumulation of information and reports on results of activities of the state environmental protection control,systemises and analyses these results, submits information to the Ministry.

Analyses co-operation of the state environmental protection institutions and inspectors with the county, municipal andother authority institutions on the state environmental protection control issues and submits proposals on improvementof this activity.

Co-operates with other state authority institutions and organisations of foreign countries in the field of the stateenvironmental protection control.

Ministry of EnvironmentState Environmental Protection InspectionsA.Juozapavičiaus 9,Tel. (370 2) 73 29 94Fax (370 2) 72 27 66E-mail: Vaai@nt.gamta.lt

STATE TERRITORIAL PLANNING CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONUNDER THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTControls the fulfilment of the procedures of the documentation on preparation, co-ordination and public debate on thecomprehensive planning of Lithuania as well as national level of special territorial planning, verifies the decisions ofthese documents in accordance with the requirements of the summary of territorial planning norms.

Checks up on activities of the county state construction supervision services and their units in the cities and regions,provides them with methodological assistance, prepares training studies for employees of these units.

Accumulates, systemises and analyses results of activities of the Construction Supervision Service, prepares draft oflegal acts on design of buildings, improvement of construction and maintenance issues.

Carries out procedures of evaluating qualification of Lithuanian and foreign design, construction and consultingenterprises, submits proposals to the Minister of Environment on issuing and abolishment of qualification certificates ofenterprises.

Manages the register of certificated design, construction and consultation enterprises, informs the public oncertification results.

State Territorial Planning Construction Inspectorateunder the Ministry of EnvironmentA.Juozapavičiaus 9,Tel. (370 2) 72 27 48Fax (370 2) 72 36 20E-mail: vtpsi@nt.gamta.lt

28

LITHUANIAN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNDER THE MINISTRY OFENVIRONMENTOrganises and carries out the state geological exploration of the underground of onshore and offshore of the territory ofthe Republic of Lithuania, providing necessary data on the structure, state, geological processes and resources.

Within its competence regulates use, protection and exploration of the underground.

Accumulates and stores information on the underground, necessary to the State and manages it as the State property.

Submits information on the underground, suggestions, expert conclusions on the use and protection of the undergroundto the state institutions and the public.

Creates and develops a system of geological information, implements modern information processing technologies(GIS), manages the State Register of Mineral Resources and Drilled Wells of the Underground, manages the Fund ofGeology, replenishes (completes) publications on geological subjects to the specialized library and submits informationto its users, organises publication of systematic studies on geological issues, prepares legal acts on the informationmanagement.

Carries out engineering geological mapping, inventory of pollution sources, modern geological processes, protectedobjects and other ecological-geological investigations, prepares data necessary for territorial planning, performs projectexpertise and supervision of engineering geological investigations.

Carries out geological exploration and mapping of Prequaternary (rocks basement and sedimentary thickness),geodynamic monitoring, geological and oil shells modelling using geophysical (seismic, magnetometric, gravimetric,electrical tomography) and other investigation methods, carries out the state regulation of works related with oil.

Carries out mapping of the underground water resources, hydrodynamic and hydrochemical analysis, monitoring,modelling, underground water protection (project expertise, preparation of legal documents) and other activities.

Carries out geological mapping (stratigraphy, lithology, geomorphology) of Quaternary derivative, geochemicalmapping and evaluation of the environment using enciphering of aerial photographs, palynological and geochemicalinvestigations of the environment.

Organises and carries out mapping, exploration and forecast of mineral resources, issues licences and executes theircontrol, prepares summaries of mineral resources, manages the inventory of resources, regulates the use of resources.

Lithuanian Geological Surveyunder the Ministry of EnvironmentS. Konarskio 35LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 33 28 89Fax (370 2) 33 61 56E-mail: lgt@lgt.lt

30

LITHUANIAN HYDROMETEOROLOGY SURVEY UNDER THE MINISTRYOF ENVIRONMENT

Organises and carries out regular hydrometeorological observations that provide necessary knowledge about theweather and climate in Lithuania, surface water, agrometeorological resources, other hydrometeorological conditions,forecasts their changes.

Co-ordinates and carries out quantitative monitoring of the weather and surface waters of the State environmentalmonitoring.

Accumulates and stores information necessary to the state on surface waters and climate resources, manages theircadastres.

Manages the data bank of hydrometeorological observations.

Prepares and approves methods of hydrometeorological observations that are obligatory to national and legal personsperforming hydrometeorological observations in Lithuania.

Issues permits on the establishment of hydrometeorological stations to national and foreign legal and natural persons inthe territory of Lithuania, carries out inspection and control of hydrometeorological observations.

Takes part solving issues on regulation and rational use of water bodies.

In accordance with the established order submits hydrometeorological information on water bodies, climate, weatherregimes and their impact on the environment and the state economy to the state and local authority institutions and thepublic.

Works out and, in accordance with the established order, declares meteorological, agrometeorological, hydrologicaland marine hydrometeorological forecasts, as well as warnings on dangerous and natural phenomenon and suddenchanges of the weather.

Organises and ensures operative collection, processing, analysis and transfer of hydrometeorological observation data(in accordance with the international agreements to foreign countries as well).

Submits meteorological information to airports as well as during the flights of civil aviation aircrafts.

Prepares and implements the national and international programmes, carries out scientific methodical research, co-operates with national and foreign institutions, organises seminars and meetings on hydrometeorological issues.

Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Serviceunder the Ministry of EnvironmentRudnios 6LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 75 11 94Fax (370 2) 72 41 60E-mail: LHMT@meteo.lt

32

HYDROGRAPHICAL NETWORK SURVEY

Takes part in preparation of the state cadastres of rivers, lakes and ponds, carries out their management.

Carries out the state control of requirements set up in the rules on use and maintenance of water bodies and other legalacts, issues permits for the change of water levels in ponds and lakes with dams.

Carries out the state control of potentially dangerous hydrotechnical facilities.

Controls clean up works of the inland water roads, dredging and regulation of riverbed, monitors their impact on theenvironment.

Co-ordinates the design documentation of construction, reconstruction and repair of hydrotechnical and other facilitiesin water bodies, issues special conditions for design of small hydroelectrical power plants.

Carries out the dispatch management of water systems of �uvintas lake and �e�upė river and maintenance ofhydrotechnical facilities of the system.

Ministry of EnvironmentHydrographical Network SurveyLiepu 15LT-4316 Garliava, Kaunas regionTel. (370 7) 55 10 25Fax (370 7) 55 10 25E-mail: HTT@takas.lt

33

GENERAL FOREST ENTERPRISE UNDER THE MINISTRY OFENVIRONMENT

General Forest Enterprise under the Ministry of Environment is a state forest management institution that organisesforest restoration, maintenance, protection and use of forest resources.

General Forest Enterpriseunder the Ministry of EnvironmentA. Juozapavičiaus 9LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 73 40 21Fax (370 2) 73 40 04E-mail: genuredija@takas.lt

34

STATE ENTERPRISE OF LAND AND OTHER IMMOVABLE PROPERTYCADASTRE AND REGISTER

A founder � Ministries of Environment and Agriculture.The Enterprise has 12 subdivisions located in the center of each county, Ukmergė and Ma�eikiai, as well as 53 inhabitantservice offices in the regional centers and major cities of the country.

Manages the register of immovable property.

Carries out legal registration of immovable property.

Manages the cadastre of immovable property.

Organises and carries out technical inventory of facilities.

Organises and carries out analysis of immovable property market.

In accordance with the established order organises and carries out the evaluation of tax payment on immovable property.

In accordance with the established order provides the state and local authority institutions, legal and natural persons with dataon immovable property register and cadastre, market analysis, geographical data and maps of cadastre and register, other typeof data.

In accordance with the established order submits data on immovable property to institutions of hypothec, registers hypothecdata on immovable property.

Designs, implements, develops and manages the information system of immovable property and the central data bank ofImmovable Property Register, accumulates and analyses data on research of immovable property market and other datarelated with setting the value of immovable property.

Defines the content and structure of immovable property cadastre, register and market research data.

Defines the structure of immovable property cadastre, register and evaluation geographical data, content of maps.

Prepares and published maps of immovable property cadastre, register and evaluation.

In accordance with the established order prepares statistical data on immovable property cadastre, register and evaluation andmakes announcements of the data.

Accumulates archives of immovable property cadastre, register evaluation and technical inventory data and documents andsubmits extracts of archives data and copies of documents to the users.

Manages the State Register of Lithuanian Administration Units and Dwelling Territories.

Manages the Register of Special Conditions on the Use of Land and Forest.

Prepares investment projects on the development of immovable property information systems and infrastructure development.

Following requests of legal and natural persons carries out design works of land plots and facilities.

Following requests of legal and natural persons designs (or on the basis of the agreement takes part in the design of)information systems, carries out the expertise of other information systems, provides consultations and other services in thisfield.

Prepares draft of laws, decrees of the Government of Lithuania, other legal acts on immovable property cadastre, register,evaluation and other activities of the enterprise.

Prepares standards, methods, instructions and other documents regulating performance of the enterprise.

35

Prepares qualified requirements to the managers of immovable property cadastre and register, carries out theircertification, issues certificates of their qualification and controls their performance.

Provides consultations and other services on the registration of immovable property and rights to the property,immovable property cadastre and evaluation, technical inventory of facilities and other objects, etc.

Organises courses, seminars and other meetings on the immovable property cadastre, register and evaluation,development of the immovable property information system, development of maps of immovable property cadastre,register and evaluation and other fields of activities of the enterprise.

Organises and carries out production research works and orders and takes part in scientific research works onimmovable property.

Sate Enterprise of Land and OtherImmovable Property Cadastre and RegisterV.Kudirkos 18LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 68 82 01Fax (370 2) 68 83 11E-mail: slce@kada.lt

36

STATE ENTERPRISE �PROJECT EXPERTISE�A founder � Ministry of Environment.

Carries out project expertise of facilities under the construction, reconstruction or repair.

Carries out technical expertise of facilities; evaluates technical state, reasons for the emergency state, quality of constructionworks of facilities, performs tests and calculations.

Evaluates immovable property.

Sets limits for private investment in the repair of rented apartments and buildings.

Evaluates the cost of construction and repair works.

State Enterprise �Project Expertise�A.Vienuolio 6LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 22 18 87Fax (370 2) 22 29 12E-mail: office@proex.lt

STATE ENTERPRISE �CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTION CERTIFICATIONCENTER�

A founder � Ministry of Environment.

Carries out certification of construction products.

Carries out obligatory certification of construction products.

Certifies specialists working in the main branches of construction and territorial planning, manages the register of certifiedspecialists.

State Enterprise �Construction ProductionCertification Center�Linkmenų 28LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 72 80 77Fax (370 2) 72 80 75E-mail: info@spsc.lt

STATE ENTERPRISE �PROFESSIONAL HUNTING�

A founder � Ministry of Environment.

Organizes hunting, capture and breeding of birds and animals.

Organizes hunting for hunters of the Republic of Lithuania and foreign countries.

Takes care of wholesale and export of the game.

Provides services to the clubs of hunters.

Takes care of cynology issues.

Sate Enterprise �Professional hunting�T.�evčenkos 12LT-2009 VilniusTel. (370 2) 33 75 82

Fax (370 2) 33 10 37E-mail: profijagdt@post.omnitel.net

37

PUBLIC INSTITUTION LITHUANIAN ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENTFUND

A founder � the Ministry of Environment.

Offers soft loans, loan guarantees and grants to cover loan interest to Lithuanian enterprises, institutions, organizationsand other institutions for implementation of environmental investment projects.

Offers grants for environmental activities and projects.

Supports the implementation of environmental protection measures that ensure rational use of natural resources.

Supports projects on environmental education, training and public participation in the decision making process.

Prepares investment project proposals and evaluations.

Participates in activities of international investment funds.

Signs agreements and takes commitments from Lithuanian, foreign and international financial institutions.

Invests the capital and manages acquired shares.

Public InstitutionLithuanian Environmental Investment FundLuki�kių 5-201,LT-2600 VilniusTel. (370 2) 25 09 66Fax (370 2) 22 45 35E-mail: leif@omnitel.net

38

TADAS IVANAUSKAS ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM IN KAUNAS

Ventės Ragas Ornitological Station and Juodkrantė environmental research laboratory are subordinated to the museum.

The museum is an institution of environmental education, scientific research and promotion of ecologicalunderstanding that has the following functions:

Introduces museum values and collections to the public, organises permanent and temporary exhibition, publishesresults of scientific research, catalogues of museum values, prepares publications promoting the museum.

Conserves, restores and collects museum values, adds the values to the existing collections or forms the newcollections.

Organises expeditions and trips with a purpose of fund raising and expositions.

Organises exhibitions, education and research activities in all Lithuania, cooperates with educational institutions, anddevelops programmes for education of school children.

Ministry of EnvironmentT.Ivanauskas Zoological Museum in KaunasLaisvės av. 106,LT-3000 KaunasTel. (370 7) 20 03 02Fax (370 7) 22 96 75E-mail: muzzoo@takas.lt

UNIQUE STONE MUSEUM OF THE REPUBLIC

The main task of the museum is to collect and expose unique stones, introduce variety and origin of pebbles, promoteideas of their protection.

Ministry of EnvironmentUnique Stone Museum of the RepublicSalantų 2,LT-5694 MosėdisTel. (370 16) 76 291Fax (370 16) 76 352

39

CONTENTS

Ministry of Environment ����������������������5Departments of the Ministry of Environment ���������������7Institutions subordinated or designated to the regulation sphere ofthe Ministry of Environment ���������������������.18

DepartmentsRegional Environmental Protection Departments �������������..18Forest and Protected Areas Department under the Ministry of Environment ���20Institutions designated to the regulation sphere of the Forest andProtected Areas Department ���������������������...21Fish Resources Department ����������������������..23

CentersJoint Research Center ������������������������..24Public Institution �Technologies for Contaminated Soil Treatment��������25Marine Research Center �����������������������..25

InspectionsState Environmental Protection Inspection ����������������.26State Territorial Planning Construction Inspectorate under the Ministry ofEnvironment����������������������������.26

SurveysLithuanian Geological Survey under the Ministry of Environment������....28Lithuanian Hydrometeorology Survey under the Ministry of Environment �.��.30Lithuanian Hydrographical Network Survey under the Ministry of Environment �...32

Forest EnterprisesGeneral Forest Enterprise under the Ministry of Environment .....�������..33

State EnterprisesState Enterprise of Land and Other Immovable Property Cadastre and Register �...34State Enterprise �Project Expertise��������������������.36State Enterprise �Construction Production Certification Center�.�������...36State Enterprise �Professional Hunting������������������..36

Public InstitutionsLithuanian Environmental Investment Fund ���������������..37

MuseumsTadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum in Kaunas �������������.38Unique Stone Museum of the Republic �����������������.38

40

Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania�Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania�Published by: Public Information DivisionEdition copies. Order No.Printed by: AB �Spindulys�Gedimino 10, LT-3000 Kaunas

© Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania© Artist A.Varanka© Photos taken by S.Paltanavičius, A.Balbierius, S.Kirvela, A.Znuta, V.Gintautas, G.Mačiulis, V.�ulys, V.Mikulėnas© Translated by V.Maceikaitė