ID code 110090837
VAT code LT100002936910
Kalvarijų str. 8-17
LT-09309 Vilnius
Lithuania
Our office is near the Green bridge. After crossing the bridge, on the left side you should turn into the the second arc.
At the back of the yard you will see a house marked with number 8, go to the left side of the house until you see the entrance marked with green sign of our organization.
Director
Chief Executive Officer
Biodiversity Conservation Expert
+370 5 213 8155
zymantas.morkvenas@bef.lt
LT|EN|RU|PL
Žymantas has been working in the field of nature protection since 1997. As he is a co-founder of NGO Baltic Environmetal Forum, he has been working here from the beggining. Žymantas holds a bachelor degree in biology and master‘s degree in public administration. He also has a long-term working experience in the sector of environmental issues. Žymantas is a head of Baltic Environmental Forum‘s office in Vilnius. While running and developing the orgaisation he enjoys the opportinity to work with enthusiastic people sensitive to environmental problems.
Still being a kid Žymantas had his most favorite tree where he climbed to sit silently and listen to the nature. He believed that the longer he stays in silence the greater is a chance that larger and rarer birds will appear for him. This listening to the rhythm of nature is an individual experience of nature that helps to reveal the secrets of surroundings and also assists in finding yourself. Additionally, it also shapes a different attitude to the current processes in society. Being occupied with thoughts about the economic development, concurrence we see the nature as an object to be controlled or even conquered. Žymantas believes that this way is not the right one and is always seeking for some good examples and tries to uphold the concept that people can get along with nature.
Financial Manager
Head of Administration
Chief Operating Officer
+370 5 255 9147
rita.jonkuviene@bef.lt
LT|EN|RU
Rita joined BEF Lithuania in 2006. Previously she worked as a chief accountant and art manager in an open-air museum “Europos parkas”. Rita has background in management and business administration, aswell as tax administration.
At BEF Lithuania she responsible for general finances, cash flow and other financial analysis. Rita is also taking care of organization’s projects’ finances: planning, controll and organization of financial reporting.
Environmental Communication Expert (nature conservation topic)
Human resources manager
LT|EN|RU|ES
Rita works in Baltic Environmental Forum since 2013. She coordinates activities related to communication and nature tourism (ecotourism), supervises volunteers and is responsible for the development of initiative Gamtoje.org. Before, Rita worked at the National Blood Center – organized donation actions, campaigned them, conducted educational activities and coordinated volunteers in all Lithuania. So far, she actively promotes non-remunerated blood donation. Rita grew up, later worked and volunteered in Žemaitija national park, so, she is well aware of protected areas’ system. A lot of knowledge about sustainable tourism and it’s development she has gained during her internship in United Nations World Tourism Organization. Rita has master degree in public relations (and information and communication bachelor’s degree), a lot of enthusiasm, persistence and Samogitian gunpowder. Currently she is studying master of public relations.
Rita says: “Nature is not a beautiful exterior or background in which our (self-) portraits seem more attractive. Nature can not be desired or refused. We are in the nature inseperably, and nature is in us. This is an indivisible whole.”
Jurgita joined the team September 2017, she is responsable for managing project finances – planning, supervision, controlling and organizing financial reports. Previously she worked as a project financial manager in Central Project Management Agency. Jurgita has the bachelor of economics and master of law, she has experience in administration, law, finance control fields.
Jurgita thinks about nature in the words of A.Einstein: “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Justas joined Baltic Environmental Forum in the end of year 2013. His main tasks are mostly related to sustainable rural development and agri-environmental issues. He coordinates the initiative “Report when nature is being hurt” and management of Dvarčionys meadow. After completing his Bachelor studies in geography and Master’s degree in social geography and spatial planning at Vilnius University Justas is interested in GIS (geographic information system) application in environmental protection, also, in the interaction between rural development, agriculture and environmental. The other not less interesting field for him is observing reflections of human activities and time in the landscape, which can be seen by comparing and analyzing historical maps.
Justas says: “For being able to see the beauty of the nature I have firstly thank to my parents. Now, time spent in the nature, traveling and exploration has become the way of my life. Every trip to the nature becomes a bewildering experience that you want to share. Maybe that is the reason why I have no questions when talking about nature protection and conservation, neither that you have to pick up your own trash after camping.”
Gintras joined Baltic Environmental Forum in 2017.
Irena joined the BEF team in 2020. Her main responsibilities are the administration of projects and procurement activities, she actively contributes to the organizing events, and takes care of our office like her home. Irena was graduated in Tourism and Hotel Management, afterwards she gained professional experience working in various enterprises and organizations in the field of hotels and administration both in Lithuania and abroad.
Aquatic Warbler Conservation Project Action Coordinator in Nemunas Delta
+370 662 20046
LT|RU
Ieva joined Baltic Environmental Forum team in 2021, obtained a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and a master’s degree in biodiversity from Vilnius University. Prior to that, she was a professional basketball player for eight years and worked as a biologist at the Nature Research Center. Ieva works with various environmental projects. Areas of interest and research include the influence of invasive species, hydrology and fish ecology.
– Biodiversity protection
– Species biology and ecology
Ieva says: “Every form of life is perfect, irreplaceable, and necessary for the coexistence of life. Nature has been and will be for many years after our existence, but the reckless use of nature can irreversibly change it, which is unfortunately already happening. In order to preserve what we have now, we must each become a conscious resident and contribute to the preservation of nature through our actions.”
Gabija joined the team in 2022. Before she was working as a project manager in a governmental organisation “Invest Lithuania” and also multiple environmental projects in Spain. Gabija acquired a Bachelor degree in Geography in Vilnius university, Lithuania and a Master’s degree in Conservation, Restoration and Management of Biodiversity in University of Granada, Spain.
Gabija says: “We are currently living in times, when relying only on environmental conservation, we are not able to preserve functioning and healthy ecosystems, habitats and species. Therefore it is crucial to work not only on conservation, but also on restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. Often damaged ecosystems cannot be restored to their initial state due to lack of information, land use, social, economical, and other reasons, so we should look for compromises which would allow us to have sustainably managed natural and semi natural ecosystems with the support of local communities.”
Clarisse says: “Passionate about nature for several years, I wanted to give meaning to my studies by volunteering for the environment; during my research, I came across the Baltic Environmental Forum Lithuania. I directly liked their way of doing things, and I became interested in their programme on the Aquatic Warbler conservation. I didn’t know this bird at all (which is very rare in France), but I really liked its particular song. The motivation of the team, the many actions carried out, and all the learning around this programme reinforces me in my idea; I hope I can also be useful and contribute to the preservation of the Aquatic Warbler!”
Karolis says: “For as long as I can remember myself, I have had an intimate relation with the surrounding nature. My most vivid memory from childhood, for instance, is a sheep licking me in my dad’s farm. It was a very precious moment, which up this day invites me to cherish nature and study the complex world we live in. Out of all natural sciences, it is ecology which fascinates me the most. By noticing population dynamics, interspecific interactions—how a subtle change can cause severe outcomes—I can fully appreciate my part in this harmonic world.
I have decided that joining an organisation which focuses on environmental issues would be highly beneficial. BEF initiatives related to educating everyone about the nature truly fascinated me. To my mind, raising environmental awareness in the society is a keystone for solving principal problems in this field.”
Vaida started working in Baltic environmental forum in 2013 and her main responsibility here is project administration. She have finished Management and business administration and also Social work studies. At the moment Vaidas is studying Educology. She has experience in administration, organization, consultation and education areas. One of her interest field is organization’s culture and values.
Vaida says: “Traveling and hiking in the nature is one of my favorite activities during the weekends and holidays. I find spiritual peace while being in the nature. From my point of view, living in harmony with yourself and nature is a key aspect of a daily life.”
Office and Project Administrator
+370 5 2138155
kamile.breimelyte@bef.lt
LT|EN|DE
Kamilė joined BEF at the start of 2017. Her main responsibility here is project administration in different projects. She contributes to the technical activities while planning and organizing projects. Kamilė is also responsible for the ensuring the effectiveness of the office team work. She has finished Archival science studies. After completing her Master studies in communication for sustainable development Kamilė got a Master degree of Communication science.
Kamilė thinks about nature in the words of H. Zinn: “We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world”.
Egle works in Baltic Environmental Forum since 2016. She coordinates activities related to communication of chemical and agroecological projects. Before, Egle worked in fields of journalism, public relations and communication, also worked under individual activity certificate. Egle actively promotes animal welfare initiatives. She has communication and information bachelor’s degree, and a wind weather-beaten free spirit from Klaipėda.
Egle says: “If you want to change the world, start from yourself. There are no insignificant changes. Even the smallest thing can have a severe impact on living harmoniously with nature and the environment, that surrounds us every day.”