1.What is the vision and mission of your organisation?
Vilnius University was founded in 1579. The mission of Vilnius University is to create, accumulate and disseminate knowledge by ensuring continuity of authentic university culture, where old traditions and new ideas enrich each other. Freedom of thought and diversity of opinions are the main values of the University community.
It also seeks to assume the leading position among other Lithuanian institutions in all research areas that are essential to the very nature of a comprehensive university. The University seeks that the quality of all forms of studies conforms to the modern culture and technologies and pertains to the needs of the state and society. Part of our vision and mission is also to significantly expand non-consecutive, distance and other flexible study forms and methods and become the center of continuous professional improvement and lifelong learning.
2.Why did you decide to become a GWP Partner?
Some departments of Vilnius University (Department of Hydrology and Climatology, Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology) are involved in activities related to water resources management. The GWP is a platform, which allows experts from different countries to work together on local, regional and global problems.
3.What have you found to be the benefits of being a GWP Partner?
GWP provides the opportunity to exchange ideas with other GWP partners, to work on the certain water management related topics and together achieve more than separately. By participating in the GWP activities, we also improve our qualification and thus transmit the newly acquired knowledge to students.
4.What is the one challenge facing the management of water resources in your area of expertise?
We live in a humid climate with abundant surface and ground water resources. Thus, it is likely, that for now and in the near future the main challenge in our region will be water quality. The reduction of diffusive pollution is the most difficult task. There are no universal solutions for managing the diffusive pollution. Usually, the most obvious solutions are ineffective or difficult to implement.
5.Are there any special projects or initiatives that you would like more widely known?
Vilnius University has a great interest in many water management topics. We are particularly interested in:
- Climate change impact on water resources and adaptation to climate change;
- Risk management of floods and droughts;
- Water retention in the catchment;
- Water quality.