Imagine a river that has flowed freely for thousands of years, shaping its banks, nourishing the forests and meadows along its course. This river—the Neris (Viliya)—is one of the last large, untamed rivers in this part of Europe. Its level and flow change with the seasons, swelling in spring, thinning in summer. Its banks are lined with floodplain forests, and its winding meanders create unique habitats for birds and fish. Scientists describe the Neris as unique—one of the few large, natural rivers still preserved in Europe.

Yet today, the Neris faces a grave threat. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has proposed drastic alterations: dredging, deepening, removing stones, and straightening its meanders—all to make it navigable for cargo ships and, astonishingly, for military transport. Even more bizarre, the justification includes the river’s potential use as an evacuation route to Russia in case of a military conflict. This plan not only challenges common sense but also risks irreversible environmental damage. Once again, nature is being sacrificed for the ambitions of militarization.

A Natural Treasure at Risk

Scientists at Vilnius University and environmental organizations are raising the alarm. They warn that these interventions would cause irreparable harm, violating both Lithuania’s and the European Union’s environmental commitments. Dredging and straightening a river disrupt its delicate ecological balance. It alters the character of the banks, changes the speed of the current, erases floodplains, and prevents natural meanders from forming. In essence, the river loses its living, breathing nature.

Moreover, the Neris Valley is protected under Natura 2000, an EU-wide network of conservation areas critical for biodiversity. It serves as a vital migration corridor for birds and other wildlife. Transforming it into a military transport route would devastate this fragile ecosystem, turning a vibrant, self-sustaining river into little more than a drainage canal.

The Outrage of Misused Funds

What makes this proposal particularly troubling is that funding intended for ecological preservation might be used to finance its destruction. Reports suggest that up to €20 million from the EU’s Natura 2000 program—designed to protect natural environments—could be redirected toward deepening the Neris. If true, this means that money meant for conservation would instead be used to convert a free-flowing river into a military highway.

The mayor of Vilnius has openly advocated for this, arguing that a river-based transport corridor would be harder to block or destroy during a conflict. But should rivers be seen as instruments of war? Should we trade ecological sustainability for a questionable security strategy? These are urgent questions that must be addressed.

Climate and Security: A False Dilemma

The destruction of rivers is a short-sighted response to security concerns, especially in an era of climate change. Rivers like the Neris are our natural allies. They cool the air, moisturize fields, and regulate temperatures in surrounding areas. As Europe faces increasing droughts and heatwaves, preserving these ecosystems is not just an environmental concern but a matter of human resilience. Destroying them weakens our ability to withstand the climatic challenges of the future.

Security should not come at the cost of ecological devastation. True resilience comes from preserving natural resources, not sacrificing them for speculative military strategies.

A Better Path Forward

So, what can we do? Instead of converting the Neris into a canal for military use, we must protect it as a natural treasure. Scientists propose excluding the Neris from transport infrastructure projects and limiting navigation to small, eco-friendly tourism boats. This approach is not a step backward—it is a step toward smarter, more sustainable environmental management.

A thriving Neris can support eco-tourism, scientific research, and conservation programs, creating jobs and education opportunities while maintaining its ecological integrity. Instead of a military corridor, we could develop protected natural parks, strengthen local economies, and set an example of sustainable river management for the rest of Europe.

Take Action

We must demand that the Lithuanian government and the EU reconsider these plans. No tanks, no cargo barges—only otters, herons, and free-flowing waters. By preserving the Neris in its natural state, we demonstrate that protecting the environment and ensuring security are not mutually exclusive goals. Instead, they are two sides of the same coin—both essential for a peaceful, sustainable future.

Keeping the Neris wild is not just about Lithuania—it is about setting an international example of climate justice in action. By respecting nature, we foster a culture of respect and cooperation, paving the way for genuine peace.

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