Žymantas Morkvėnas – Living alongside nature

Throughout all his experiences, Žymantas has learned that humans can best protect nature by living in harmony with it, rather than exploiting it.

“I don’t believe in protecting nature from people,” he says. “I believe in protecting it with people. We are part of nature, not separate from it.”

A life rooted in nature

Žymantas’ love for nature began in his childhood. He remembers sitting under a centuries-old oak tree, waiting for birds to appear. “I thought of nature like a wise old friend. If you were still and patient, it would slowly show you its secrets.”

That early curiosity grew into a lifelong mission. Today, he lives on a 20-hectare wetland farm he calls ‘856 Orchids’. He views the farm as both a home and a place of learning. Inhabited by rare birds and wild beavers, the farm shows how nature and humans can peacefully coexist. “The beavers are my teachers,” he laughs. “We negotiate over water levels – they want it wetter; I need it drier for the cows. But we figure it out.”

Leading the Baltic Environmental Forum

Žymantas has led the Baltic Environmental Forum Lithuania for over two decades. This forum originally emerged as a space to discuss the various environmental policies Lithuania needed to implement to join the European Union. Since then, the organisation has grown into a passionate, project-driven non-governmental organisation. It now works on everything from wetland restoration and biodiversity-friendly farming to climate change solutions.

The organisation has a simple guiding principle – do what you love. “We only take on projects we truly care about,” he explains. “That way, our work stays meaningful and full of energy.”

Today, the team includes experts from different backgrounds – agriculture, science, communication and even art. Together, they run hands-on conservation projects, write environmental strategies and help cities like Vilnius become greener and more inhabitable.

Saving the aquatic warbler

One of the forum’s proudest projects is helping to save the aquatic warbler, one of Europe’s rarest songbirds. Its population has dropped by 95% in the last 70 years.

“We work directly with farmers to delay mowing during the birds’ nesting season,” he says. “At first, people thought farmers wouldn’t care unless they got paid. But when we shared stories about the bird – its long migration from Africa, how the male’s body is two-thirds testicles, how chicks can hibernate during bad weather – they connected. They said, of course, we’ll help, just look at her smiling eyes.”

This emotional connection is key to his approach. “Facts are important, but stories move people. That’s how change begins.”

Combining nature, culture and fun

Žymantas believes that protecting nature shouldn’t feel like a dark and lifeless cause. “We need more poets in conservation,” he says. “We need to feel nature, not just study it.”

That’s why the forum runs creative awareness campaigns, including festivals where children meet mythological forest creatures and learn about biodiversity in a fun and magical way. Žymantas leans into Lithuania’s history as the last pagan country in Europe and utilises the country’s mythology and cultural heritage.

One of his favourite roles? Dressing up as the ‘King of Elves’.

They’ve even helped organise a visit from the Dalai Lama, connecting spiritual messages with environmental ones. “It’s about finding new ways to inspire people,” he says.

Helping Vilnius go green

As Vilnius is currently the European Green Capital 2025, Žymantas has been helping shape the city’s green vision. He believes that cities have a special role to play in protecting nature.

“Cities are where most people live. If we can make nature part of everyday urban life, we raise awareness and create real change,” he says. Vilnius strives to preserve wildflower fields, plant more trees and design green spaces that also support biodiversity.

Žymantas keeps an eye on the political relevance of cities. “If you really think about who is electing politicians, it’s mostly people in cities,” he says. “So, if they have the possibility to get connected to nature in these spaces, they can learn to appreciate nature and find comfort in nature. They will demand nature from the politicians, as well.”

Why awareness matters

For Žymantas, one of the most important tools in conservation is public awareness, which he acknowledges can be a challenge.

“Changing people’s minds takes time,” he admits. “And sometimes it means asking hard questions. Are we ready to give up strawberries in February if they’re destroying bird habitats? Can we accept ticks in tall grass if it means more butterflies? Are we willing to pay a bit more for public transport if it’s better for the planet?”

Still, he believes that awareness is the starting point of everything. “When people understand, they care, and when they care, they act.”

A simple message

In the end, Žymantas’ message is clear and hopeful; nature is not something separate from us. It’s our home, our teacher and our partner. And protecting it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, he believes it can bring joy to our lives.

“We don’t need to go back to living in caves,” he says. “We do need to slow down, listen and make choices that respect the world we’re part of. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it.”