NORDPLUS INTENSIVE CURSE

GREEN ECONOMY AS AN OPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN ANYKŠČIAI MANUCIPALITY

Justina Ratkevičiūtė Jānis Mitkovs Lena Germanese Rytis Buterlevičius

VILNUS 2018

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 2. DISCRIPTION OF ANYKŠČIAI MUNICIPALITY ...... 4 2.1. Psychogeography ...... 5 2.2. Culture of region ...... 6 2.3. Demography ...... 7 2.4. Tourism ...... 9 3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ...... 10 3.1. Green economy ...... 10 3.2. Eco-farming ...... 10 3.3. Youth migration in rural regions ...... 11 4. METHODOLOGY ...... 13 5. RESULTS AND DISCUSION ...... 14 5.1. Summary of interviews ...... 14 5.2. Analysis ...... 19 6. CONCLUSIONS ...... 21 7. REFERENCES ...... 22

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1. INTRODUCTION

NORDPLUS intensive course 2018 was held in during April 22 – May 05. Focus of the course was “Rural development in the era of green and silver economies” Nowadays preserving our natural resources and making long-term solutions for ecofriendly development is one of the priorities when it comes to planning. That’s why green economy is something that is needed to be researched because these researches offer possible solutions and new ideas for not only regional planers but also for people with interests in ecofriendly businesses and activities. Our group of four students where making case study in Anykščiai municipality. This municipality is well known in Lithuania with its beautiful nature, regional park and as attractive tourist destination. Despite growing tourism rates, the population of region is decreasing and steadily aging because of that it is important to attract new people and preserve existing population of young people in Anykščiai. People who are young usually are more interested in developing green economy and making ecofriendly living. Those are the main reasons why this study focuses on green economies in region. To better understand and narrow down research subject we proposed following research question: How can Anykščiai municipality can attract young workers by developing green economy. Report starts with the description of Anykščiai municipality that includes information about physical geography, demographical situations and cultural significance of region. Theory chapter focuses on theoretical bases of green economy. After that follows description of methods that were used: data collections, interviews and observation of objects. In the end there are main results and conclusions about them.

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2. DISCRIPTION OF ANYKŠČIAI MUNICIPALITY

Anykščiai municipality is located in north-east part of Lithuania and is one of the biggest municipality in Lithuania. It covers area of 1764,9 km2. Anykščiai municipality is situated in western part of County. Administrative centre is Anykščiai town. Anykščiai municipality borders with Kupiškis municipality in north, Utena municipality in east, Molėtai municipality in south east, Ukmergė municipality in south west and Panevėžys municipality in west. Also, European route E 262 crosses Anykščiai municipality. The road follows: Kaunas - Utena - Daugavpils - Rēzekne – Ostrov ) (Anykščių rajono savivaldybės..., 2012).

Picture 1. Location of Anykščiai municipality in Lithuania. (Source: ARVVG, 2015).

Picture 2. Elderships of Anykščiai municipality (Francademic, 2017).

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The Anykščiai municipality consists of 10 elderships: Traupio, Troškūnų, Viešintų, Andrioniškio, Anykščių, Svėdasų, Debeikių, Skiemonių, Kurklių, Kavarsko. Most of residents lives in small villages under 200 residents (ARVVG, 2015).

2.1. Psychogeography

Anykščiai region has great natural protentional especially ascetical value. Most of the territory is located on Aukštaičiai plateau in the west which is replaced by Aukštaičiai Upland in south east. The west part of municipality is situated on the periphery of Nevėžis lowland (ARVVG, 2015). There are plenty of water bodies in Anykščiai municipality that includes 786 lakes largest of them are lake (986 ha), Suosa (200 ha), Viešintos (192 ha). Within the territory of municipality flows Šventoji, Nevėžis, Anykšta, Aknysta, Jara, Juosta, Pelyša, Viešinta and Grieža rivers. Šventoji river splits area into hilly part where morainic sandy loan dominates with solid soil structure. In Anykščiai municipality there are also quartz sand-bed which has possible exploitation uses. Around 56,8% of land in area is an agricultural land (Peritus Consulting, 2012). In general, area is extensively used for agricultural needs. Soils in hilly part of region is very nonproductive and subjected to erosion (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2016).

Picture 3. Anykščiai Landscape Forests covers 29,8% of Anykščiai municipality. The biggest forests are: Šimoniai, Ramaldavos, Troškūnų forests. Impressive nature and picturesque landscapes have led to establishment of Anykščiai regional park, Pelyša geological, Baldono geomorphological, Plaštaka and Virinta hydrographic, Gykių botanic, Šventoji and Virinta ichthyological, Šventoji landscape reserve and Būdragaidžio reserves (Peritus Consulting, 2012). The second biggest boulder stone (Puntukas) and largest freshwater spring (Queens Quagmire) in Lithuania is in the Anykščiai forest reservoir. Vetygala and other layers of quartz 5 sand that are very characteristic to Anykščiai region are exposed and visible. In the biggest lake of municipality – Rubikiai – there are 16 islands. Also, there can be found endangered plants which are registered in Red Book. Protected broadleaf and mixed forest communities serves as a shelter for rare plants (Anykščių regioninis parkas, 2018).

2.2. Culture of region

20 mounds located in Anykščiai municipality symbolizes Lithuania’s golden age. Most important of them is Voruta mound, where country creator’s Mindaugas castle was located (Anykščių rajono vietos veiklos grupė, 2015). First Lithuanian cookbook was written in 19th century by L. Didžiuliene which preserved traditional Highland’s meals. In 20th century I decade exclusive alcoholic beverage - vine from berries and apples – was created. Region is famous for its literature contribution in Lithuanian history. Near Anykščiai lived eminent writer A. Baranauskas who wrote renowned poem “Anykščių šilelis”. In this land were born 70 famous artists, writers, scientists (Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė, 2012). Region is also known for its architectural monuments, unfortunately, few buildings remained in the 19th century: the estate of Baltakolonis near the dam, dating back to 1863, the bustling and old chapel of the city cemetery in Anykščiai, as well as unique churches and estates throughout the municipality’s territory (Anykščių rajono vietos veiklos grupė, 2015). In this land there are 516 cultural heritage objects. The number of them is growing: in 2005 until now there were registered 192 cultural heritage objects, undoubtedly, region’s recreational potential is growing. Mostly, cognitive tourism activities take the highest role in all tourism sector (Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė, 2012). Unique train is one of the most interest technical decision – the shortest railway in its width in Lithuania which crosses municipality landscape from lowland’s in west to highland’s in east and ends near Rubikiai lake (Anykščių rajono vietos veiklos grupė, 2015). There is a horse museum located in the Sventoji Vingis, in the Niūroniai Gardens. Reconstructed linen rooms are designed to collect tools, chariots, lines, brichkas, works of art from the corners of Lithuania, representing connections between human and horse in agriculture and war (Anykščių rajono vietos veiklos grupė, 2015). The development of cultural tradition and the natural environment results in the tradition of cycles and festivals of chamber events in the Anykščiai district in non-traditional areas, cultural, natural, historical heritage sites, along with traditional events such as the traditional

6 culture and horse sport festival "Bėk, bėk, žirgeli!" In Niūronys, the Anykščiai Town Festival, the Autumn Festival of Obolon, etc. (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2018). The new original activities in the context of the Anykščiai culture are connected by the public institutions. The festivals of different industries of creative industries, the design week, non-traditional events, exhibitions, designer’s fairs are organized by public institutions Anykščiai Arts Incubator-Arts Studies (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2018).

2.3. Demography

The population of Anykščiai municipality is decreasing every year a trend that reflects similar situation in most municipalities in Lithuania. In 2013 there were living 27 479 inhabitants and after 4 years (2017) - 24 999. The total population has decreased by 2480 inhabitants, which is 9%. The main reasons of depopulation are emigration and low fertility rate (ARVVG, 2015).

Picture 4. Resident population at the beginning of the year in Anykščiai municipality (Source: The Lithuanian Department of Statistics)

Also, emigration to bigger cities of Lithuania and to foreign countries caused a change in age structure of Anykščiai municipality. Population decreased in all age groups. Main trend was emigration of working age people with children because of poor economic and social conditions (Peritus, 2012). Emigration stimulates economic problems, low quality of business environment and unemployment. Young population face problems related with buying or renting apartments because there is lack of buildings for accommodation (Peritus, 2012). The

7 tendency of decreasing working age population cause decrease in consuming, lack of qualified labor force and loss of growth potential (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2016).

Picture 6. Resident population by age groups in Anykščiai municipality. (Source: The Lithuanian Department of Statistics)

Ageing is another demographic problem that Anykščiai municipality faces. Index of ageing indicates fast depopulation process and that positive natural population change is not possible. Index of ageing of Anykščiai municipality is second highest in Lithuania (first place takes municipality) and twice as big than average of Lithuania (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2016).

Picture 6. Index of Ageing of Anykščiai municipality. (Source: The Lithuanian Department of Statistics)

If the tendency of depopulation and ageing will continue it is possible to forecast that in 10 years number of active working age inhabitants will continuously decrease. This situation

8 can cause economic stagnation and regression. In order to maintain existing residents and attract new ones, actions and investments that promote high quality of life in Anykščiai are necessary (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2016).

2.4. Tourism

Anykščiai district is considered an important national tourism area in the country, after the big cities of Lithuania and the most famous historical places such as Kernavė and Trakai. District 2007 on 19 July, the status of the resort area was granted. The main tourist resources in the district are natural, historical, cultural, architectural, technical monuments. From the point of view of tourism development, Anykščiai district is distinguished as a region with particularly good tourism development opportunities. There are also unique tourist infrastructure projects in the district. The summer skating ring is located on the edge of Anykščiai town in 2009 awarded the "Most Successful Tourism Projects" award. In the general plan of the territory of , Anykščiai town is distinguished as a recreational and cultural tourism center with a great recreational potential. One of the most important tasks of the city of Anykščiai is to enable the city to become a resort in the north-eastern part of Lithuania with a high standard of living and quality, a unique natural and cultural environment, offering high-quality treatment and health restoration, tourism and recreation services, which attract many visitors throughout the year. In 2012 Anykščiai was declared the Lithuanian Capital of Culture, which helped to attract additional tourism flow (Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, 2012). In period of 2015-2016 the percent of tourists increased by 11%, of whom 10,1% is Lithuanian and the others are foreigners. In addition, the percent of foreign tourists increased by 16.7% (Lietuvos statistikos departamentas, 2016). The significant role from companies which are providing accommodation services takes rural tourism. Decreasing trend shows that 2008-2010 lodging for the night decreased from 24,3 litas to 6,8 litas. It is predicted that rural tourism homestead will remain stable or will diminish slightly (Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė, 2012). Anykščiai district municipality does not have a large supply of catering services. Most of them are cafes, which can accommodate up to 50 people. There are 2 restaurants in the district and only three companies which can serve more than 100 people (Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė, 2012). There are many intensive recreational services in Anykščiai district, whose activities in most cases relate to water tourism. Unique tourist attractions include adventure parks, horse- riding, narrow railways train travel, skiing with sledges and skiing with others winter sports facilities (Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė, 2012).

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3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

3.1. Green economy

The green economy is an alternative to the economic model that exist nowadays, which causes social inequality, health issues, environmental risks and develop mass production and consumption. Those issues lead government and intergovernmental association to change their economic model for a greener that englobes the whole society. According to the United Nation environment program, the green economy is to lead the improvement of the human wellbeing and social equality while reducing environmental risks and the lack of resources. (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2011) Indeed, the Green Economy is based on 6 main sectors to improve (IE-Club, June 2013) • Sustainable energy; • Circular economy; • Green innovation and technology; • Effective energy; • Green transports and infrastructures; • Multi-functionalism. The, green economy tend to solve issues such as economical, ecological and also social, by putting the human in the center of the preoccupation. Thus, it is the link between those 3 branches in order to create incomes in an eco-friendlier and socially equitable environment. The main objective of this economy is to support green investment across different economic and social sector by using natural capital and ecosystem, in order to reduce risks due to those sectors and make them more efficient in a sustainable. (Edward B. Barbier, Jun 29, 2012) Those investments should, at the same time maintain social equality and create decent jobs. Indeed, policy maker should support public and private investments within the framework of sustainable development, by new reforms and regulations. As a result, it is a long-term policy, to face the challenges of the 21st century. (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2011).

3.2. Eco-farming

In a more globalized world when it comes to agriculture productive overtake the public health and environment preoccupations. Nowadays public opinion on those globalized and intensive agricultural trends tend to be more suspicious and the question of health and 10 environment takes priority. In that way of thinking, agricultures start to return to a more local and ecological way in order to ensure a traceable production, and ensure a healthy way to consume and eco-friendly production solutions. This eco-farming is based on 4 pillars (Reyes Tirado, June 2009): 1. Provide a healthy farming and food to all people; 2. Protect water and natural resources and habitat, protect soil from erosion and damages due to artificial fertilizer, increase natural soils fertility and reduce emission of greenhouse effect gases; 3. Adapt its strategy of farming face to the climate changes issues (multi-cultures, improve biodiversity); 4. Uses advantages of natural resources to protect (biodiversity, natural enemies of pests, soil regeneration). And respect naturals cycles. Moreover, young generation is more concerned with protection of nature and healthy production. Because they are born in a world that has already been damage. In order to not make the mistakes of older generation (mass production, abuses of fertilizers and pesticides and wrong way to use GMO), the new generation of farmers tend to produce less but with a better quality. Young farmers multiply their ideas and combine them with working sector in order to have more income (still by protecting the environment and public health). Eco-farming, in the framework of green economy can be combine with eco-tourism in order to teach how to become greener through the farm work, meat production and permaculture. In the green economy way of thinking it also permit to the farmer to bring more incomes to his business, or workforce. Multifunctionality is one of the main sector of the green economy, and this combination with ecotourism is a win-win situation, the farmer shares its knowledge with others (e.g. how to produce apple juice, discover the landscape by horse riding etc.) make tourists understanding to the nature protection and the importance of local consumption. And the tourists in return can make better promotion by speeding word of eco farm that focuses on tourism.

3.3. Youth migration in rural regions

Current trends show that with each decade there are less people who live in rural regions in post-socialist countries. Lithuania in no exception when it comes to this phenomenon. One of the biggest problems that causes depopulation is territorial distribution of workplaces. Jobs that are better paid exist in big cities also traditional activities in rural territories are decreasing therefore it leads to migration of more mobile residents (Kriaučiūnas, 2014). Young people who

11 are single with higher level of education are usually those who leave depopulated regions (Ubarevičiene, 2017). Consequences for regions that loses residents can be very devastating for municipality. Especially loosing young people, because those are the residents who ensure future of area. There are several possible directions in witch transformation of rural regions could happen. One way is that rural regions where there is an agriculture and forestry will become abandoned but recreational regions in Lithuania will be turned into summer residential settlements (Kriaučiūnas, 2014). Only in limited numbers of regions recovery of population is possible usually those are the regions that can fiend niche market such as recreation or retirement (Ubarevičiene, 2017).

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4. METHODOLOGY

Main methods to gather information for this case study were following: analyses of existing data, observation of surroundings and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis: Existing data that were used were mostly from planning documents and Lithuania census webpage. By using these data, we reflected current situation in region regarding demographics and overall information of region. When analyzing theory about green economy scientific articles and previous research where used. Observation: To familiarize with research area several visits were made to local tourism objects and farms to find out how many of these objects are part of the green economy in region. By observing these objects, we were able to see appeal and possible problems as well. Among visited objects were Anykščiai cultural incubator, Anykščiai regional park, Alpine coaster, tree top path, Rubikui lake and horse museum. In are there were also solar energy panels and wind turbines so there are ecofriendly energy resources. Interviews: To better understand existing situation in Anykščiai municipality regarding green economy semi-structured interviews were carried out. Altogether through three days 7 interviews were carried out. One interview with local contact person, two with representatives of cultural incubator and regional park, tree with young farmers and one with Anykščiai mayor. Maine focus of each interview was to understand current situation regarding ecofriendly tourism and farming, also to get general idea of pluses and minuses in living in periphery, what changes are needed to attract young workers in Anykščiai who could who could help develop green economy in region. Also important was to find out positive examples and what predictions interviewed can make about the future of green economy in municipality.

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5. RESULTS AND DISCUSION

5.1. Summary of interviews

Monika Peldavičiūtė works as a curator of communities „Pasaulio Anykštėnų bendruomenė“and „Naujų vėjų bendruomenė“. Monika was living in and abroad and decided to participate in project „Kurk Lietuvai“. When participating in this project she had to move to rural territory and implement ideas how to improve these areas. Her aim is sustainable development. One of the most important things when developing green economy is mentality of people. To have knowledge and be aware of being eco-friendly is a something that local community and municipality workers should improve upon. For example, mostly only elderly farmers use chemical fertilizers because they are used to it and they do not have knowledge about organic ways of farming. There is a need for promoting eco-friendly ideas by organizing events, workshops and seminars to spread the knowledge. Also professional school of technology which is planned to be closed could be reorganized and offer „green study programmes“. It is important to answer the question how the municipality can grow in a sustainable way. The government of municipality as an institution need to have clear direction how to make policy eco-friendly (green policy). It means that every decision they make should be related to eco-friendly development. If government of municipality would be successful implementing green policy then Anykščiai municipality could be a good example for other municipalities. Government of Municipality as an institution could offer financial funds and reduced taxes for those who want to start eco-friendly businesses. Eco tourism is already developed but it needs further development. The potential for ecotourism is very big. There are many nature sights which need to be improved with tourism services by adding workshops, sensual activities (night tours), few days educational tours. There is a need to attract tourists by improving these services to stay at least one night or longer to make ecotourism profitable. Art Incubator sales project manager Lina Rimkienė. Highest tourist peak in Anykščiai is in summer season. 16 local people rents rooms and create different artistic works from different materials: ceramics, glass, natural cosmetics, leather, and dye. Centre is multifunctional they not only create their own material, but sells in this area and on the internet and also organize meetings. Main incomes go from municipality government financial support and from rent. Artists are mostly middle-aged and young adults who have traveled from others urban Lithuanian regions: Vilnius, Kaunas, Utena. Advantages of art incubator are that it is in

14 clear, healthy environment full of natural components. Centre problems are shortage of work, some problems with catering and accommodations because there are much more requirements to work in this place than there is opportunity to ensure working conditions in the center, particularly there is no space. Anykščiai Regional Park senior specialist Rolandas Lančickas Tourism is developed in all seasons, but especially in summer May – September. Number of visitors depends on weather conditions and media’s impact. Financial support from country’s government is lowered as a consequence; Regional Park has to develop activities which could provide profit. One of them is hiking organizing and it’s implementing for tourists. Especially, it is useful in winter when number of visitor’s is decreasing. Hiking is one of the most expanding tourism attractions. Although number of people in hiking events must be limited because the rate of accidents and risk of plans to collapse is increasing depending on travelling people. In Anykščiai Regional Park works only specialists. Ecologists must be responsible for cognitive tourism, research and monitoring, education, and have to promote nature’s cognition for all social groups and have to administrate internet pages. Work places are restricted. Only sporadic environment protection violations (especially littering) take places in all Anykščiai Regional Park. Farmer Nr. 1, Kotryna Meidė. Farm name: “Meidūkis”. Young family - farmers who has 2 ha of land and in 1,8 ha are planting asparagus and are planning to develop ecological farming and planning to sell their product to the local habitants. They both are students and only her husband works. Main reason why they decided to move from Utena to Anykščiai municipality was that they don’t have their own property and space for their child raising. They are growing asparagus because it is healthy vegetable which has many useful substances. Main advantages of living in rural is that environment is clean, living area is wide and more opportunities for self – development. However, disadvantages are lack of services especially medical, schools and kindergarten will be closed in near future. Considerable distances – 2 km next to their house is the closest shop. European Union financially supports their activities. They don’t get any support from municipality because they aren’t concerned about their perspective. They are planning to set up cafeteria in outside warehouse. In the future they are going to buy adjacent plot and grow specific production - Japanese mushrooms. Farmer Nr. 2, Juozas Kvėdaras. Farm name: “Juozo ūkis”. He’s native, born in Anykščiai, but he was living and working in Vilnius for 10 years, but due to crisis in he lost his job and couldn’t find another so he moved in Anykščiai municipality. First, he started to grow spouts and later he started to grow only berries and vegetables in 10 ha area. Land is divided into two main parts one is in the Kunigiškiai village and other is Jurzdiko village. Now he is 15 also growing hemp and production is ecological, though he doesn’t have ecological farm certificate. He makes oil and tea from hemp and going to make hemp fiber. Farming is more expensive because he’s not using pesticides. All production is sold to local cafeterias and he does individual deals on the internet. Main advantages of having farm is calm environment he has his own property, no rush in rural environment, community that united recently created more events and entertainments. Some disadvantages are in winter when there is shortage of activities and he is processing his own production. He also receives European Union financial support for minor farms. Future plans involve expanding hemp and berries cultivation area and to cease cultivation of vegetables after 3 years when EU financial support ends and also, he is thinking about developing educational tourism in his farm. He offered some suggestions to farmers who are beginners is to always have a plan, stick to it, have one direction and move on it. The directions in which policy could help in this municipality are: 1. Small farms usually don’t get help from municipality government when they have to fix drainage system failures; 2. Fuel restriction. Farmer Nr. 3, Povilas Patumsis. He is native habitant from Anykščiai town who lived in Kaunas. He is pursuing permaculture and doesn’t use pesticides; he had to invite professionals to get some advices in vegetables cultivation and also, he is selling production to SPA cafeteria. Main advantages to be eco – farmer: very beautiful nature, he has his own property, people are different (mentality) than in city. However there also lots of work, reconciliation with serious decisions because government interfere with his plans: changed his strategy - hard to achieve your own dreams. His recommendations to young farmers: to have plan or to have labor force. Plans for future: wants to make a pond at the lowest point (relief) in his land and to create homestead where people could stay and enjoy cognitive eco - tourism. Recommendation to government: land price reduction because where are lot of empty, not useful spaces, permaculture designer would be. Mayor Kęstutis Tubis. About young farmers: good conditions to start eco – farming. Farmers gets financial support who has land in hilly areas. The highest areas of Natura 2000 (25 000 ha) is in Anykščiai municipality. Forests take the biggest part of municipality’s territory and forest owners was financed to implement forest preservation. 40 000-euro financial support to small and medium farmers, in this year 25 000-euro financial support to new eco – farmers. Plan to hold young people: to maintain the high-services quality level of educational institutions, to develop beautiful civilized environment, social infrastructure, services 16 assurance. 15,4 % of all municipality ‘s income is spent to workers who specializes in cultural activities. Anykščiai Cultural Centre was first between in Lithuania. All types of services are warranted even between old and young people. Municipality government released education quality regional map. Municipality Government financially encourages people to buy real estate. Migration balance is positive. Municipalities Association signed up agreement for regional development – system will be useful to peripheries, rural areas. 2019 September 1st municipality government become a part of Anykščiai college shareholders, reorganization plan will be made in February - March. They didn’t let global business to come into municipality - local business support policy. Agricultural Advisory Service gives support to farmers – better knowledge about EU support, individual consultation. Municipality government future plans: to rebuild 13 century Voruta castle with all possible infrastructure, tries to recreate authentic environment. Unemployment rate is higher because there are people who work unofficially. Planning to continue Tree Top Tower (Lajų Takas) into other side of Šventoji river. 100 % of Anykščiai energy needs is satisfied by burning biofuel. TIC – Tourism Information Centre, Kristina Beinoraitė Problems: needs of full infrastructure connection into one system, lack of publicity of tracks and objects, scarcity of employees in May – October months, furthermore there is deficiency of personnel work knowledge. Language barrier between native people and foreigners. There are growing rates of interest in healthy and active lifestyle; the number of inventory rent is expanding. The biggest social groups who are visiting Anykščiai are young families and median adults 25-40 years old. The best time for school students to travel in Anykščiai municipality is in May and in October. Social infrastructure for disabled and old people is expanding, although not as fast as it could be. The best type of tourism for the elderly is cognitive. There is also information about Anykščiai regional park and Anykščiai municipality in 3 foreign languages: russian, latvian, english. One of the most visited tourist destination is Rubikiai lake where are build lots of tourism farmsteads and events which takes place on water surface. Narrow width train helps to improve lake’s recreational potential. Justina Gurklytė is the young business woman who owns canoe renting business „Baidarės Anykščiuose“. She is originally from Andrioniškis, a small town in Anykščiai district municipality, but now she studies in Vilnius. She works in her business in summer. 17

There is a big plus for local people to start business as they relate to territory and can get financial or material support from their relatives. Justinas’ father started canoe renting at first than transmitted property of business to her. To be a newcomer and start business in rural territory without any funds is not easy. Young business people are not always aware if they can get some funds from municipality and procedure of it. The most important things are to advertise it well and provide qualitative services. Rural tourism is a perspective because there is growing demand especially from city dwellers who wants to spend their free time in calm natural rural area. The water tourism business is profitable in Anykščiai district municipality but it only possible in summer time. There are many possibilities to expand small business-like canoe renting. Justina plans to build a rural tourism homestead, sauna on the bank of the river and also to rent (SUP) stand up paddleboarding. Young business people brings innovations in tourism sector.

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5.2. Analysis

Table 1.

Positive and negative aspects of living in rural region

Positives Negatives Beautiful landscape Harder life as a farmer Friendly environment Restrictions to development (EU and reginal laws) Ecological concern/leading to eco-tourism Not enough jobs for qualified workers Comparatively cheap land Complicated start for new people who do not have a plan Opportunities to open café and other Closing technical school businesses Space for farming Some of the services are far away Space for creativity/innovation Depopulation Empty space for rehabilitation Tourism create businesses

When it comes to the minuses, the problems of schools which are closed in Lithuania, doesn’t set apart the municipality of Anykščiai. Schools are or closed or in difficulties. Nevertheless, in this idea of being a leader in the eco-policy, the municipality can take the opportunities to attract young student by re-established the professional college, and propose ecological and biological studies. In addition, when it comes to farmers, they all said that it is a hard job to live as farmer (few incomes, no strict working time etc.). Moreover, laws (from EU, country and municipalities) curb farmers to implant or change their business, if they want a natural way to produce, because of too strict sanitary laws and permissions to have. Furthermore, it is even more tough for farmers, that they have to prepare a precise plan of goals they want to reach, and how they will do that, before they start a business. New worker can’t come and implant a farming production if he doesn’t have a precise plan. Furthermore, even if this will of being a more sustainable municipality is present, by improving its green economy, the lack of qualify job opportunities remains. Anykščiai could create jobs offer by hiring specialists, ecologists, permaculture designers, to improve the greener way of thinking of the municipality and set, slowly, in the mind of the habitants a greener way of life. 19

Also, the increasing flow of tourism, could be an environmental threat. Thus, the municipality have to adapt its policies, for an eco-friendly one, in order to avoid this threat. Anykščiai have a lot of eco-tourism infrastructure, nevertheless there is a need of further development of those infrastructure, in order to propose activities to hold tourists for a longer period in the municipality. When comes to the pluses of the livelihood in the Municipality of Anykščiai, all the person interviewed told us how friendly environment and beautiful landscapes were pleasant to live every day. It seems that the environment of the municipality is a good point to attract young families (to rise child for example). Moreover, the young generation, is more sensitive to eco concern. Anykščiai put forward this will to become a greener municipality in order to attract young generation. Furthermore, young farmer doesn’t hesitate to come and start a business here, on the one hand thanks to this eco-friendly environment and on the other hand because the price of the land is cheap, thus young generation can afford lands and start a business. Also, the growing tourism gives opportunities to open cafés and restaurants in the municipality. As we have seen, with the case of Povilas and its sprouts, collaboration between farmers and restaurants are a good way to improve a circular and local economy and provide a health and food security to consumers. This will by the municipality to become a leader in ecotourism can show the way to the young worker to star more collaboration businesses with local furnishers. The municipality is also a good place for innovation and creativity. The art incubator of the municipality lodge several artists who rent a room and create freely. What artists said, is that the municipality is a good place for creativity and inspiration, because close to the nature. Furthermore, this art incubator has been created in an old building, that has been renovated. Here again the problem of depopulation (huge in Lithuania), empty and abandoned place has been contouring to create a space of innovation. This kind of space is a good opportunity for the municipality to attract young artists and use their empty spaces (instead of built new one)

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6. CONCLUSIONS

In this study case we were looking for answer to the question “How the municipality could attract young workers by developing green economy?” What were the opportunities for young workers through the frame of eco-farming and eco-tourism. In many cases, we have seen that young habitants who did their studies in bigger cities came back in Anykščiai in order to start their own business. Due to the fact that new generation is more concern with sustainability, businesses they start is automatically oriented in a greener way. Anykščiai municipality is full of resources in order to become a leading green economy in Lithuania. The municipality is also full of young workers who want to improve this economy and way of life (tourism, farming, innovation etc.). Thanks to those opportunities and resources, the municipality can improve its sustainable policy in order to attract more young actives with fresh ideas. Despite those problems of emigration, and difficulties face to the regulation. There are still opportunities to extract and create with those issues. Municipality has little to offer when it comes to jobs for qualified workers this is one of the main reasons why young people decides to leave the Anykščiai and never return to municipality. Nevertheless, to look further, a question remains. In this second more aging municipality of Lithuania, how to integrate this aging population, in a shifting of economy and way to life?

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7. REFERENCES

Anykščių rajono savivaldybė (2018). Anykščių rajono kultūros srities bendra apžvalga. https://www.anyksciai.lt/veiklos-sritys/kultura/anyksciu-rajono-kulturos-srities-bendra- apzvalga/141 Anykščių rajono savivaldybė (2012). Investicijų skatinimo, viešojo ir privataus sektorių partnerystės poreikio Anykčių rajone galimybių studija. Vilnius, p. 29 – 31. https://www.anyksciai.lt/data/public/uploads/2018/01/investiciju-skatinimo-su-privaciu- sektoriumi-galimybiu-studija.pdf Anykščių rajono vietos veiklos grupė (2015). Vietos plėtros strategija, Anykščių rajono kaimo vietovių 2014-2020 m. plėtros strategija. Anykščiai, p. 6. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9k5MTeWIL03S0xXYjB2MmJMaVU/view IE-Club, Juin à Aout 2013. pour-une-croissance-innovante-de-notre-green- economy.https://fr.slideshare.net/IE-Club/pour-une-croissance-innovante-de-notre-green- economy https://www.anyksciai.lt/data/public/uploads/2017/12/aiskinamasis-rastas.pdf Kriaučiūnas, E., Pociūte-Sereikiene, G., Ubarevičiene, R. 2014. Peripheralisation trends in rural territories: the case of Lithuania. Studies in Agricultural Economics 116, 122-130 Lietuvos statistikos departamentas (2016). Trumpa Lietuvos turizmo apžvalga 2016 m. Palubinskas V., Salapėtienė (2012). Anykščių rajono turizmo ir rekreacijos specialusis planas. Anykščių rajono savivaldybės administracija. Reyes Tirado.Greenpeace Research Laboratories Technical Note.June 2009.Defining Ecological Farming https://www.greenpeace.org/archive- international/Global/international/publications/agriculture/2011/Defining-Ecological- Farming-2009.pdf Ubarevičiene, R., Maarten Van Ham, 2017. Population decline in Lithuania: who lives in declining regions and who leaves? Regional Studies, Regional Science. 4:1, 57-79. United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP]. (2011). Green Economy Report. Retrieved 28 May, 2012 from http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy/Portals/88/documents/ger/ger_final_dec_2011/Green%2 0EconomyReport_Final_Dec2011.pdf

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