On the International Anti-Corruption Day, which aims to raise awareness of the problems caused by corruption and to promote the fight against this phenomenon, the Department of Environmental Protection honoured principled environmentalists who strictly adhere to the zero-gift policy and do not tolerate corruption.

This year, the Internal Investigations Division informed law enforcement authorities about four cases of corruption-related offences, and one colleague was offered a bribe twice. Three of the four cases where environmental officials reported attempts to bribe were confirmed. The persons who attempted to bribe the officials have been found guilty of criminal offences.

„Fighting corruption starts with the everyday – even small, seemingly insignificant actions can leave us vulnerable. We need to be vigilant, principled and consistent to preserve transparency and trust," says Giedrius Kadziauskas, Director of the Department of Environmental Protection.  

Director of the Department of Environmental Protection G. Kadziauskas thanked Paulinas Vilaišis, Chief Specialist of the Biržai Environmental Protection Division, Edgars Skrebes, Head of the Vilnius Environmental Protection Division, Mindaugas Salis, Chief Specialist of the Klaipėda Life Protection Division, and former Chief Specialist of the Biržai Environmental Protection Division and now Director of the Biržai District Municipal Fire Service Giedrius Mociūnas. 

In order to address the risks of corruption in the field of environmental protection, the Environmental Protection Department continuously implements corruption prevention measures: zero gifts policy, informing employees and the public about corruption-related criminal offences, applying the principle of rotation, etc., consulting and training for employees. Internal monitoring of staff (e.g. public and private declarations) and anti-corruption assessment of legislation are also carried out.

The Department has established information channels for both the public and the Department's staff to report possible cases of corruption in the institution.

Environmental officials invite the public to take an active part in the fight against corruption and to report immediately any possible misconduct or illegal actions related to the Department of Environmental Protection.