Written by: Anželika Dautartė, VMU

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On 22 April 2025 – International Mother Earth Day – ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Lithuanian Living Lab, managed by partner Vytautas Magnus University, joined a symbolic and heartfelt community initiative: “Hug Kamša”.

As part of the ᴇNᴀBʟS project, VMU’s participation in this joyful gathering was a way to celebrate nature-based connections and support community-led actions. It was a moment to reconnect with the forest, express gratitude to the Earth, and strengthen the ties between people, nature, and place.

Community members, young nature explorers, and local institutions came together to quietly embrace Kamša – the forest that has long nurtured life and learning in Akademija. With open arms and open hearts, participants thanked Mother Earth for her abundance and whispered an apology for the burdens she bears.

The event brought together the VMU Faculty of Forest Sciences and Ecology, the “Gilė” school-kindergarten and “Ąžuolėlis” kindergarten, the Akademija eldership and Community Centre, and the “Green Intelligence” cluster.

This social action was part of the project “SALA – Vibrations of Time”, coordinated by the Akademija Community Centre. The project aims to strengthen community ties through sustainable interinstitutional cooperation and to highlight Akademija’s unique natural and historical identity. The initiative is funded by the Kaunas District Municipality and the Kaunas District Communities.

“Hug Kamša” was filmed and shared on social media as a living expression of what a Living Lab stands for: a place where science, education, and emotion meet – outdoors, and in harmony with the environment.

Let’s keep hugging nature – not only with our arms, but with our actions!