Several hundred people gathered near the city center, close to the city hall, creating a scene marked by loud drums and chanting. Participants held posters bearing slogans such as “Don’t touch the trees,” “Shame,” “Leave nature alone,” and “No green, but a capital of cutting.” Other signs included “Salt + ax = Benkunsko green Vilnius.”
The protest was organized by the environmental and climate movements, “Fridays for Future Lithuania” and “Extinction Rebellion Lithuania.” According to the organizers, the areas of Žirmūnai and Vingis Park are designated as public natural recreational spaces. This designation is supported by the special plan for the protection and adaptation of water bodies of Vilnius city, which was approved in 2015.
This plan specifies that these areas are intended for recreation, education, and active leisure within a natural setting. Despite this designation, the demonstrators noted that intensive infrastructure development is currently planned for these locations. Specifically, plans include the construction of rowing boats within the parks.
The gathering served as a protest against what the activists perceive as a threat to the natural character and public use of these green spaces in Vilnius.
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