Lithuania proposes endangered European bird species on new Euro banknotes to protect their forest habitats through community donations.
A Lithuanian conservation group wants to put endangered European bird species on Europe’s new 100 euro banknote. The Ancient Woods Foundation believes featuring Lithuania’s rare capercaillie birds could help raise awareness about disappearing forests across Europe.
The European Central Bank recently launched a public contest to design new European banknotes. Lithuania’s proposal shows the exotic capercaillie performing its unique mating dance. Only a few hundred of these large forest birds remain in Lithuania today, making them as rare as the 100 euro note’s high value.
The unofficial proposal aims to highlight Europe’s most biodiverse places and encourage their protection. Human connection to nature has dropped by more than 60% over the past 200 years, according to recent research, but Lithuania is fighting this trend through creative conservation efforts.
The banknote campaign supports a larger local project called “Neįkertamas miškas,” which translates to “Untouchable Property.” This clever initiative treats mature forest areas like exclusive real estate developments, but with an important twist. The only residents allowed are wild animals, plants, and other natural life forms.
Unlike typical real estate projects that clear land for buildings, this program protects mature forests from human development. The protected areas will be left entirely alone to grow into old-growth forests over time. These ancient forests provide critical habitat for endangered European bird species like the capercaillie and many other wildlife.
Lithuania’s approach differs significantly from forest ownership models used across Europe. In Germany and Austria, private forest owners must follow strict management plans that balance economic use with conservation goals. France operates under a similar system where private landowners can harvest timber but must maintain forest cover.
Sweden and Finland allow more intensive logging on private lands but require reforestation after harvest. These Nordic countries also maintain large areas of state-owned forests with varying levels of protection. However, few European countries have embraced community-funded direct purchase models like Lithuania’s initiative.
The Ancient Woods Foundation partnered with advertising agency Synthesis CG to launch the forest protection campaign. Their goal is ambitious but achievable: raise 200,000 euros during August to purchase about 20 hectares of mature forest land. That equals roughly 50 acres of forest protection.
The campaign has already shown strong public support. As of the latest update, donors have contributed 111,000 euros toward the goal. This represents more than half the target amount, demonstrating genuine public interest in forest conservation.
This community-funded approach builds on successful conservation models from other regions. In Scotland, the John Muir Trust has purchased over 50,000 acres of wild land through public donations since 1983. Their efforts protect red deer habitat and preserve traditional Highland landscapes.
Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Services program compensates landowners for forest conservation, resulting in forest cover increasing from 24% to over 50% since the 1980s. While government-funded, this model demonstrates how financial incentives effectively protect natural habitats.
The Nature Conservancy in the United States has protected over 125 million acres through direct land purchase and conservation easements funded by private donations. Their success shows how community support can achieve large-scale conservation results when properly organized and managed.
The money raised in Lithuania will directly purchase mature forest areas that might otherwise face logging or development pressure. Once bought, these forests will receive permanent protection status. No logging, building, or other human activities will be allowed in these areas.
These protected forests provide ecosystem services worth far more than their purchase price. Mature forests store approximately 200 tons of carbon per hectare, worth roughly 4,000 euros at current carbon market prices. They also filter groundwater, prevent soil erosion, and regulate local climate conditions.
Forest tourism generates significant economic activity across Lithuania. Protected old-growth forests attract birdwatchers, nature photographers, and hiking enthusiasts who spend money on lodging, meals, and guide services. This creates sustainable income for rural communities without damaging forest ecosystems.
The capercaillie birds featured in the euro design proposal represent the stakes involved for endangered European bird species. These impressive birds need large areas of undisturbed forest to survive. Males can weigh up to 15 pounds and perform elaborate courtship displays during mating season.
Lithuania’s forests face similar pressures to those across Europe. Economic development, agricultural expansion, and logging continue to reduce forest habitat. Climate change adds additional stress to forest ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
The “Untouchable Property” campaign turns traditional conservation thinking upside down. Instead of asking people to change their behavior or support distant causes, it offers direct forest ownership and protection. Donors become forest protectors with a clear, measurable impact.
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This model could inspire similar efforts across Europe and beyond. Many countries have mature forests facing development pressure. Community-funded land purchases offer a practical way for citizens to directly protect natural areas they value.
The euro banknote proposal, while unofficial, generates media attention for forest conservation issues. Even if the European Central Bank doesn’t select the Lithuanian design, the campaign successfully raises awareness about endangered European bird species and habitats.
The timing aligns with growing European focus on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. The European Union has committed to protecting 30% of its land area by 2030. Grassroots initiatives like Lithuania’s forest campaign help achieve these ambitious conservation goals.
Success in Lithuania could demonstrate how creative campaigns combine fundraising with public education. The project shows how small countries can make meaningful contributions to continental conservation efforts through innovative approaches and strong community support.
