Of late, secondary forest resources have diminished both in area and quality. Still, Lithuania can boast a fairly large number of natural and semi-natural territories which are home for such plant, animal and fungi species which have since long become extinct in developed Western European countries. Unfortunately, some are already threatened by degradation or total destruction. Biodiversity is diminishing. Protection of recreational environment.
Recreational areas account for about one third of Lithuania s area.
Lithuanian coastal zone is a mere 0.8 percent of the total recreational area, however, it is under the heaviest recreational load - 15 percent of the total visits. Protective sand dunes suffer most from intense recreation, environment is polluted, green plantations are degrading. Recreational territories abounding in lakes and forests are mostly violated by urban development, primarily near lakes. The major problem concerning recreational rivers is water pollution resulting in a loss of natural recreational attractiveness. Suburban zones, where community gardens change into dwelling areas, gradually turn into urbanised landscape changing its picturesque character, especially near water bodies.