„We are committed to improving the Neris not only through active public education, but also by taking concrete action. This is a long-term and highly important initiative for us, driven not only by environmental responsibility but also by our natural connection to the city’s rivers. And the first results of the campaign already show that the effort is truly worthwhile. As we develop a number of real estate projects near major rivers, we will continue to prioritise the well-being of river ecosystems,“ says Akvilė Liaudanskienė, Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Darnu Group, which initiated the project.
Metal and tyres: the classics of river waste
The riverbed cleanup was planned to begin in early June, but weather conditions altered the plans.
„Even though we made the first dives in early summer, intense rainfall and high water levels resulted in almost zero water clarity, greatly complicating the work. So we intensified the work in September, when the water receded and cleared,“ says Kęstutis Skrupskelis, a member of the Lithuanian Society of Hydrobiology and a consultant on river initiatives at Darnu Group.
During the first few months alone, more than 2 tonnes of man-made waste were removed from the Neris riverbed. This includes both small and large pieces of waste.
„In total, more than two tonnes of anthropogenic waste were removed during the first stage. We estimate that 1,218 kg of various metal products, 1,020 kg (89 items) of car tyres, 106 kg of glass, 80 kg of plastic, and 41 kg of other waste – including textiles – were collected. Metals dominate by weight, but in terms of quantity, tyres and glass containers are not far behind. Among the finds were three electric bicycles, two electric scooters, a door or camera bars, and four mobile phones,“ lists Skrupskelis.
Riverbed waste: poison that lasts centuries
The expert notes that while past water quality tests showed the Neris to be relatively clean, man-made debris that has accumulated over the years still has a negative effect, and most of the dredged-up objects would remain toxic for a very long time.
„Most of this waste could stay underwater for hundreds of years, gradually releasing metal oxides, microplastics, and other harmful substances, harming the river’s flora and fauna. By removing such waste, we are not only eliminating a potential or existing source of pollution, but also restoring the natural state of the river’s habitat,“ explains the expert.
The waste dredged from the river is carefully examined, sorted, and recycled. While diving, the specialists also observed the Neris River’s living ecosystem daily, including fish, crayfish, and the protected habitat of the mole cricket. Yet, as Skrupskelis points out, the worrying sights far outnumber the pleasant ones.
„Based on our previous experience, we predicted and were prepared for a much worse pollution situation in this part of the city. However, seeing the riverbed with your own eyes and removing all kinds of waste from the water raises serious concerns about the responsibility and attitude we all have toward nature in the city,“ he says.
Work will continue
During the river cleanup, small pieces of waste were transported in bags, while larger ones were loaded onto the support vessel accompanying the divers. A team of five experienced divers navigated the river downstream through narrow stretches, 2 to 3 meters wide. In shallow sections of the river, divers used surface diving equipment, while in deeper areas, the cleanup involved not only compressed air tanks but also additional lighting for low-visibility water.
The Neris riverbed cleanup will continue this year. From mid-June onwards, another 7–km stretch of the river, from Verkiai to the White Bridge, is scheduled to be cleaned, starting when the work will not interfere with fish spawning or bird nesting along the riverbanks.
The Neris cleanup project is not the first environmental initiative launched by Darnu Group. Earlier, the Vilnelė River was also cleaned. During the initiative, participants collected 10 tonnes of waste over three years.
„Rivers are not just part of the urban landscape or an important recreational resource, they are an integral part of the city’s identity and the responsibility of the entire community. We want this project to serve as a reminder to every citizen of Vilnius to appreciate the treasures around us and to act responsibly toward the city’s rich natural environment,“ emphasizes the Director of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Darnu Group.
So far, the Darnu Group has contributed more than EUR 100,000 to the capital's rivers.