The area of first-group forests in the Punia Forest Nature Reserve has been increased by one and a half times—from 2,924 hectares to 4,679 hectares—the Ministry of Environment announced.
The decision was approved by Environment Minister Kastytis Žuromskas, implementing changes to the forest group classifications in Alytus County in line with the government-approved planning scheme for the Nemunas Loops Regional Park.
The minister stressed the importance of forest reserves for nature: these are places where natural processes allow old-growth forests to develop, strengthening biodiversity, protecting sensitive species, and making forests more resilient to droughts, storms, and pests.
He noted that the total area of forest reserves in Lithuania will be expanded by 1,755 hectares to 29,841 hectares, which accounts for 1.35% of the total forest land area. According to the minister, this is a long-term investment in Lithuanian forests that benefits society through cleaner air and water and greater climate resilience.
Western taiga, broad-leaved and mixed forests, and other habitats of European Community importance are found and protected in the Punia Forest, as well as species rare in Europe, including the hermit beetle, Mannerheim’s oxyporus, and the western barbastelle.
