IN MEMORIAM
Selemonas Paltanavičius (1956–2026)
On 2 October 2026, the renowned Lithuanian naturalist, biologist, writer, photographer, and environmentalist Selemonas Paltanavičius passed away.
Selemonas Paltanavičius was born in Užbaliai, Marijampolė district, on 14 January 1956. In 1979, he graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in biology. He began his professional career at the Žuvintas State Nature Reserve, where he worked from 1979 to 1984, and subsequently spent many years working within the Lithuanian environmental protection system and at the Ministry of Environment, where he was responsible for the matters related to the protection of biodiversity.
Selemonas Paltanavičius also spent part of his professional career at Nature Research Centre, where he worked as a senior specialist. His many years’ experience as a naturalist, his in-depth knowledge of Lithuanian nature and his exceptional ability to speak about it clearly, persuasively and comprehensibly to the general public were of immense value. He contributed to NRC’s dissemination of knowledge and communication with the public and the media.
Selemonas Paltanavičius was one of the best-known advocates of nature exploration and nature conservation in Lithuania. He wrote numerous books and articles on Lithuanian nature, produced radio programmes for many years, and devoted considerable attention to nature appreciation and education for children and young people. His long-standing creative and public work was recognised with several prizes and a state honour – the Knight’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas.
Selemonas had a way of talking about nature that made it accessible to everyone. His ability to observe, explain and spark interest inspired many to take a closer look at the world around us and to feel a sense of responsibility for its preservation.
The community of Nature Research Centre extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Selemonas Paltanavičius, his loved ones, friends and all those who held him dear and who value his work and ideas.
In loving memory of Selemonas Paltanavičius
