The Lithuanian Geographical Society (in Lithuanian Lietuvos geografų draugija) (LGD – official
abbreviation used to identify the organization in the Lithuanian community) is a voluntary, independent
scientific association that brings together geographers and other individuals and institutions interested
in advancing geographical science and education. Since its establishment in 1934, the Society has been
open to members aged 18 and over who support its mission and objectives. As of 2025, LGD had 170
registered members.
Historical Background
Lithuania was among the last countries in Europe to establish a national geographical society. The
initiative to found such an organization was proposed in 1930 by Professor Kazys Pakštas. The Statute
of the Lithuanian Geographical Society was officially registered on January 9, 1934, and the founding
assembly took place on January 26 of the same year. Professor Pakštas became the first president of the
Society.
From its early years, the Society attracted not only scientists and educators, but also military officers
and legal professionals, reflecting a broad public interest in geography and national exploration. Its
initial objectives included supporting geographical research, promoting geographic literacy, improving
the training of geography teachers, and contributing to the educational landscape of Lithuanian schools.
The Society had the legal capacity to organize expeditions, lectures, exhibitions, and congresses, to
publish books and journals, and to establish libraries and academic institutions. It also maintained
active international contacts, disseminating information about Lithuania and keeping pace with global
scholarly developments.
The Society’s activities were interrupted during World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation.
However, Lithuanian geographers abroad—especially in the United States—remained active in
promoting the restoration of Lithuanian independence and preserving national identity through
academic and cultural initiatives.
In Soviet Lithuania, the Lithuanian SSR Geographical Society was established in 1955 as a branch of
the USSR Geographical Society, with academician Kazimieras Bieliukas as its first president. Despite
political constraints, it continued the traditions of geographic scholarship, community building, and
scientific outreach. From 1967, it was led by Professor Alfonsas Basalykas.
Restoration and Post-Independence Contributions
On April 26, 1989, the Lithuanian Geographical Society was officially re-established during an
extraordinary congress, declaring continuity with the original 1934 organization. Professor Stasys
Vaitekūnas was elected president. Subsequent presidents included Algirdas Stanaitis, Ričardas
Baubinas, Dovilė Krupickaitė, Genovaitė Kynė, and Vytaras Radzevičius. As of 2025, the Society is
led by Danielius Jurčiukonis (board information).
Following Lithuania’s regained independence in 1990, the Society and its members played an
important role in shaping the future of the state. Geographers contributed to the development of new
legislation, territorial and administrative planning, border delimitation, regional development, protected
areas management, port expansion, urban development, and policy-making at various levels. One
notable achievement was the rapid establishment of a national network of protected areas in 1992,
including national and regional parks—an effort coordinated entirely by geographers.
Contemporary Activities
Today, the LGD continues to engage in a wide range of scientific and public initiatives. It conducts
applied environmental research, drafts legal and planning documents, and organizes academic
seminars, scientific excursions, memorial events, and the National Congresses of Lithuanian
Geographers. Since 2000, members have traveled extensively throughout Lithuania and neighboring
countries.
A special tradition within the Society is its series of geographical expeditions called "Brydės"—a term
coined by Dr. Genovaitė Kynė and inspired by poet Kazys Bradūnas. These expeditions trace
Lithuanian cultural and migratory footprints abroad. Examples include: Belize (2015), Baltoskandia
and the Baltic Sea region (2016), Around the World (2018), Alaska, USA (2022), Canada (2023). The
goal is to connect with Lithuanian diaspora communities, document migration histories, and explore
identity preservation abroad.
The Society oversees two peer-reviewed academic publications:
- Geografinis metraštis (Annales Geographicae, The Geographical Yearbook): https://lgd.lt/geografijos-metrastis/
- Geografija ir edukacija (Geography and Education): https://lgd.lt/geografija-ir-edukacija/
In 2021, the Society published a four-language Explanatory Dictionary of Geographical Terms. The
dictionary was awarded by the State Commission of the Lithuanian Language for its significant
contribution to scientific terminology and public linguistic education.
Since 2001, LGD has been the main sponsor of the National Geography Competition named after Prof.
Česlovas Kudaba, which attracts more than 700 pupils annually.
Additionally, since 1986, it has co-organized an informal geography school “School for Young
Geographers” for high school students.
Since 2019, LGD has coordinated the Geographical Night in Lithuania – part of a global platform
promoting geography through public events. This initiative is supported by the International
Geographical Union (IGU) and UNESCO. More details: https://lgd.lt/veiklos/geografijos-naktis/
LGD joined EUROGEO in 2011 and became a member of EUGEO in 2013. It is also a member of the
International Geographical Union (IGU).
All current activities, publications, and updates from the Society can be followed at: https://lgd.lt/apie/
Text based on a publication by G. Godienė and G. Kynė on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the
LGD DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5200/GM.2023.5
Contact:
Lithuanian Geographical Society
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Website: https://lgd.lt
In evidence
GeoNight 2023 (April 14th)
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President: Professor |
Secretary-General:
Professor |
other EC Members:
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Professor |
Professor |
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Professor |
Professor |
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Treasurer:
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Past President:
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