A new breakthrough in understanding the state of our environment has come from Mykolas Romeris University (MRU). The Environmental Management Research Laboratory, led by Prof. Dr. Paulo Pereira, together with international partners, has developed an innovative digital tool – the EcoCondition Toolset. This easy-to-use QGIS plugin helps reveal how healthy (or stressed) our ecosystems are by combining a vast amount of environmental information into one clear picture.
Why does this matter? Because the condition of our soils, vegetation, water, and landscapes determines not only the well-being of nature, but also our food quality, climate resilience, and overall quality of life.
A tool that turns complex environmental data into clear insights
Until now, understanding ecosystem condition often required piecing together information from many different sources. The EcoCondition Toolset changes this. It automatically organises, cleans, and analyses environmental data – from satellite imagery to soil measurements – and evaluates ecosystem condition based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA), a standard used by the United Nations.
The tool examines six key aspects of ecosystem state: Physical, Chemical, Compositional, Structural, Functional, and Landscape.
In simple terms, it looks at everything from soil quality and biodiversity to vegetation health and landscape fragmentation. Instead of scattered numbers and maps, users get a single, easy-to-understand assessment of ecosystem condition.
What MRU researchers discovered in Lithuania
The MRU team applied the EcoCondition Toolset to examine the ecosystem condition of Lithuania’s agricultural areas. Using more than thirty different environmental variables, the researchers produced a detailed, nation-wide view of how healthy (or degraded) our farmlands are.
The findings were revealing. Most agricultural areas in Lithuania fall into the “average” condition category, but certain regions clearly show signs of stress – from intensive land use to soil contamination. For the first time, these patterns can be seen on one map, making it much easier to identify where restoration or better land management is needed.
This study was one of the first major real-world tests of the EcoCondition Toolset in Europe, showcasing MRU’s leadership in modern environmental analysis.
Why this matters to all of us
The health of our ecosystems affects everyone – not only scientists. With tools like the EcoCondition Toolset, decision-makers, municipalities, farmers, and communities can better understand what is happening to the land and nature around them. It becomes easier to see where nature needs help, where agricultural practices could be improved, and where ecosystems are still in good condition and worth protecting.
At a time when Europe is investing in nature restoration and climate resilience, having clear, accessible, data-based information is essential. The EcoCondition Toolset brings exactly that.
MRU’s contribution shows that Lithuania is not just following global environmental trends –it is helping shape them.
Curious to see the full research and maps? Look at this.