From July 6th to 9th 2023, a group of 9 young people from Lithuania and Estonia embarked on a journey to act locally at Ignalina, a nuclear center near Visaginas, in Lithuania.  

Abandoned nuclear power plants evoke images of desolation, with Chernobyl standing as a haunting reminder of the potential consequences. Ignalina, another nuclear center located in Lithuania, shares the same landscape with a troubled history. Notably, it served also as the backdrop for the HBO TV series Chernobyl.  

Reaching out to the excluded and planting seeds of hope are part of the mission of the Greenclusive project. The participants decided to act locally at Visaginas, the youngest city in Lithuania, and is primarily known for the nearby Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, construction of which began in 1978. 

Scoping out the territory, investigating the challenges 

Ignalina’s struggles are deeply rooted, and the nearby city of Visaginas bears the burden of an aging nuclear infrastructure. Although the nuclear power plant has been closed, the burial and storage of radioactive waste remain a significant problem and has caused significant damage to Lithuania’s largest lake, Lake Drūkšiai, and its flora and fauna.  

The city faces a number of socio-environmental challenges, such as low birth rate, aging population, disabilities, substance addiction, and psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Additionally, there are challenges such as unemployment and migration. The environmental quality in the municipality is deemed inadequate due to escalating air and water pollution, an underdeveloped waste management system, reliance on diesel for heat, slow housing modernization with reliance on diesel for heat, and a high motorization rate with a dated vehicle fleet and a shortage of electric vehicles. 

In a place where abandoned buildings dot the landscape and waste mars the natural beauty, the question arises: Can ecology and inclusion find a foothold here? 

In Action: Greenclusive Youth’s Bold Initiative 

A group of 9 young people from Lithuania and Estonia embarked on a journey to Visaginas, confronting the complexities of this nuclear-tinged environment. At first, the goal was to observe what is happening in the city, what positive initiatives have been implemented or are in progress, and what problems the city is facing. 

From July 6th to 9th 2023, through the lens of the Greenclusive Project, these youngsters engaged in meaningful actions, such as getting to know the city and the nuclear center, meeting many residents, cleaning the lakeside and visiting the municipality. This collaborative spirit resonated as a testament to the potential for positive change, even in seemingly desolate places. 

The population of Visaginas is predominantly Russian (48%), followed by 20% Lithuanian, and the remainder includes Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, and other nationalities. The language barrier complicates communication among diverse communities and makes it harder to engage residents in activities together. Unfortunately, until today, the linguistic divide hinders diverse people and cultures from living in unity and harmony. 

In light of the above, the group had the opportunity to learn about the “Point” Youth Center and its activities. The center brings together young people from different language backgrounds and teaches them mutual tolerance. Those who come to the center can engage freely in various artistic activities, play, create costumes, pursue activities they enjoy, be accepted and respected—respecting each other. 

As a testament to the project’s impact, one of the participants returned to the city after some months for an annual festival. This not only symbolizes the lasting connections formed but also highlights the potential for ongoing positive change. The Greenclusive Project envisions a future where ecological sustainability and social inclusion thrive, especially in the most unexpected and excluded places.