Lithuania Measures Nature's Hidden Economic Value: Carbon Storage, Air Quality, and Tourism

Lithuania's State Data Agency completed its first detailed assessment of ecosystem services, putting measurable numbers on what nature provides. In 2021, the country's ecosystems sequestered over 1.7 million tonnes of carbon, while forests alone stored more than 396 million tonnes. The assessment also tracked agricultural output, pollination, timber increment, and air purification. Urban green spaces in the six largest cities were shown to reduce heat on hot days. The data is meant to support climate policy, spatial planning, and public investment decisions. The assessment comes as the European Union prepares to require ecosystem accounts from member states starting in 2026. Lithuania is also developing quarterly greenhouse gas emission accounts by economic sector. The results make clear that conserving forests, meadows, and urban greenery is not just an environmental issue but one tied to public health, agriculture, tourism, and long-term economic resilience. Over 5.5 million tourist overnight stays in 2021 were linked to visits to natural areas, with 77 percent of stays in the Klaipeda region tied to coastal ecosystems. The numbers do not dictate specific land-use decisions but provide a statistical foundation for measuring natural capital. This matters for anyone tracking how carbon markets, land policy, and climate targets interact with real economic activity. The shift from treating nature as scenery to treating it as an asset with measurable services is a practical step for integrating environmental value into national accounts.