By Marija Žukovska, LRT.lt.

One of Lithuania’s most treasured natural and cultural landscapes is facing mounting environmental pressure as rising tourism, lakeside development, illegal dumping and unauthorised tree cutting increasingly threaten the fragile ecosystems of the Trakai region, environmental officials say.

Known for its medieval island castle, dozens of lakes and extensive forests, Trakai has long been one of Lithuania’s most visited destinations. But conservation experts warn that growing numbers of visitors and expanding residential development are testing the area’s ecological limits.

“The condition of the lakes is becoming an increasing concern,” said Tadeuš Ablačinski, director of Lithuania’s Forest Control Department. “Intensive recreation, urbanisation of shorelines, wastewater management problems and growing water traffic are having a direct impact on water quality and the stability of ecosystems.”

Tourism boom strains fragile ecosystems

Each summer, visitor numbers far exceed what the region’s infrastructure was designed to accommodate, bringing heavier traffic, larger volumes of waste, increased noise and greater pressure on sensitive natural habitats.

Environmental specialists say the lakes surrounding Trakai are particularly vulnerable ecosystems, where even gradual changes can produce long-term ecological damage.

Read more: LRT.LT