From 20 to 22 October 2026, the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (LCSS), Institute of Economics and Rural Development, hosted the third international meeting and study visit of the Erasmus+ project REVIVE in Lithuania. Researchers and project partners from Greenland, Finland, Italy, Spain and Bulgaria participated in the event. The three-day study visit programme was developed and organised by the research team of the Institute of Economics and Rural Development, dr. Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė, PhD students Genovaitė Beniulienė and Jonas Pupius.
The REVIVE project explores how population decline affects rural areas, local communities and ecosystem services, while examining the opportunities offered by entrepreneurship and innovation to address these challenges. The Lithuanian study visit covered areas with diverse demographic and socioeconomic conditions, from remote border settlements experiencing long-term population decline to rural communities near the capital city. The aim was not only to explore the challenges of rural depopulation but also to examine good practices demonstrating how local initiatives, entrepreneurship, innovation and cooperation can contribute to strengthening rural vitality.
On the first day, participants visited Švenčionys and Ignalina districts in north-eastern Lithuania. In Švenčionėliai, the group was introduced to the Forest Harbor (Miško uostas) community and its initiatives, which create new opportunities for local activities, cooperation and community engagement. The programme continued with visits to Adutiškis and Didžiasalis, two border settlements where population decline, demographic ageing and access to public services are particularly pressing challenges. Meetings with representatives of local communities and Didžiasalis School provided insights into everyday challenges and local efforts to maintain community life and the viability of these settlements. The day concluded with a visit to Paliesius Manor, where restored cultural heritage has been transformed into a centre for cultural activities, concerts, hospitality and tourism services, contributing to the economic and cultural vitality of the surrounding rural area.
The second day focused on rural entrepreneurship, farm diversification and educational innovation in Molėtai and Vilnius districts. At Šironija Farm, participants learned about the transformation of a family farm from dairy farming to crop production, industrial hemp processing, educational services and other complementary activities. This case demonstrated how traditional agricultural activities, combined with innovation and new business models, can generate additional economic value in rural areas. At Melkio School, the group explored an alternative educational model based on nature-oriented learning, community participation and strong relationships between children, teachers and families. The school attracts pupils from surrounding villages, towns and cities, and has encouraged some families to settle in the area. This example illustrates how innovative educational services can contribute to rural attractiveness and community development. The programme also included a visit to Provansalis Manor, where participants explored rural tourism, small-scale farming, viticulture and opportunities for developing services based on local resources and experiences.
On the third day, the study visit continued in Kazlų Rūda Municipality. During the meeting with municipal representatives, participants discussed local approaches to addressing demographic challenges, including measures supporting families, improving educational quality, encouraging community initiatives and strengthening connections with the Lithuanian diaspora. The group also visited Kardokai Nature School, which offers an alternative educational approach based on close contact with nature, experiential learning, and active participation of families and the local community. This case demonstrated how a school can function not only as an educational institution but also as an important centre for community development and rural revitalisation.
Throughout the study visit, participants discussed the different demographic development trends observed across Lithuanian rural areas, the main drivers of depopulation and potential responses to these challenges. Particular attention was given to the differences between peripheral rural territories experiencing long-term population decline and areas that are able to attract new residents through favourable geographical conditions, accessible services or innovative local initiatives. The cases demonstrated that there is no single model for rural revitalisation applicable to all territories. However, they highlighted several common factors contributing to rural vitality, including local entrepreneurship, community engagement, cooperation, the innovative use of local resources and the development of new economic and social activities.
The knowledge and insights gained during the study visit will contribute to the REVIVE project's case study analysis, comparative assessment of good practices and evaluation of their transferability to other European regions. The experience will also support the development of educational materials and practical recommendations within the project. Such international exchanges provide valuable opportunities to connect scientific knowledge with practical experience, strengthen cooperation among project partners and identify innovative approaches to addressing rural depopulation and enhancing the long-term vitality of rural communities.
The Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, Institute of Economics and Rural Development, sincerely thanks all local communities, entrepreneurs, school representatives, manor owners, and Kazlų Rūda Municipality for their cooperation, hospitality, and willingness to share their valuable experiences.
More information: Dr Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė, zivile.gedminaite@lcss.lt