Tauragė District Municipality is located in the southwest of Lithuania, Taurage County, and is home to approximately 38.000 inhabitants. The name derives from two Lithuanian words – “tauras” (auroch) that were roaming along the river, and “ragas“ (horn), so the story goes.
Tauragė is surrounded by several regional parks, such as Pagramantis, that create natural habitats for local flora and fauna and favourable terrain for renewable energy. The municipality has installed solar and wind power plants as well as photovoltaic solar modules in public buildings which make use of hydro and geothermal energy, making it a leader in sustainable energy initiatives. Earlier this summer, it was announced that it will also play host to the Baltic country’s first hybrid renewable energy park. Most recently, during European Mobility Week, they celebrated with a Car Free Day on September 22. “We are happy for the residents who replaced their car journeys with walking, bicycle or scooter travel on this day,” contributed Kasparas Bertašius, Advisor to the Mayor.
Tauragė has also been named one of the 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 Mission. Tauragė municipality has been consistently working towards implementing the goals of the European Green Deal for seven years, so the decision by the European Commission was not a result of luck, but rather the result of long and systematic work. Tauragė municipality has set an example year after year by showing how a small municipality with big ambitions can achieve great results if it stays focused. As the Mayor of Tauragė, Mr. Dovydas Kaminskas often says, “Maybe we are too small to change the world but we are big enough to show an example”.
The city is sure that being an ICLEI Member will help them achieve the 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030 Mission and that being connected to the experts, learning from other cities, and being able to share success stories and failures will be essential parts of the journey.
Learn more on their website: www.taurage.lt/
To learn more about ICLEI, our Members, and how to join: www.iclei-europe.org/our-members/