ᴇNᴀBʟS Platform

Earth Day at VMU Agriculture Academy

Written by: Anželika Dautartė, VMU

Community, Nature, and ᴇNᴀBʟS’ Lithuanian Living Lab in Action

On 20^th March 2025, the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA) marked the International Earth Day* with a series of meaningful and action-oriented events that highlighted the role of local communities in global environmental efforts. This year’s theme – Happy Earth – emphasised not only symbolic reflection but also real engagement, closely tied to the university’s participation in the European ᴇNᴀBʟS project, which promotes biodiversity conservation through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and living lab approaches across Europe.

* In Lithuania, International Earth Day is celebrated on 20th March, aligning with the March equinox, which marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Earth flag and a symbolic planet: Unity in action At 12:00 PM, in front of the Academy’s Central Building, the Earth Flag was raised as a symbol of gratitude, unity and shared responsibility for the planet. The community gathered to share hopeful messages and, together, created a large chalk drawing of the Earth – representing international solidarity and the global impact of local actions. Holding hands around the drawing, participants reflected on their personal responsibility and visions for a better future.

The event also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Department of Environment and Ecology, a leading academic hub in Lithuania dedicated to environmental research, sustainability education and community engagement.

Public discussion: Do we shape, or do we blame?

Later in the day, VMU AA hosted a public discussion titled “Nature-Based Solutions and a Happy Earth: The Community Path of Akademija. To Shape or to Shame?”, organised in cooperation with the Ežerėlis Cultural Centre. The event brought together researchers, students, and local residents for an open conversation about responsibility, co-creation, and sustainable change. Importantly, the discussion was closely aligned with ᴇNᴀBʟS, which encourages universities to activate Living Labs – real-world environments where communities and researchers work together to co-create and test sustainable solutions.

Community voices at the centre of the conversation

A key highlight of the evening was the strong and sincere engagement of the local community. Participants actively contributed by raising questions, sharing personal experiences and generating creative ideas.

People spoke about:

how local green spaces could become hands-on learning areas;
how nature affects children’s emotional wellbeing;
what knowledge they wish to pass on to their grandchildren;
and how seniors, families and youth could be involved in nature-based activities.

This lively exchange turned the discussion into a Living Lab in action – an inclusive, dynamic space where knowledge, trust, and collaboration became the driving force for change.

Dr. Indrė Ruškytė presented the concept of a developing arboretum, a community space for environmental education and biodiversity awareness. Dr. Jolanta Stankevičiūtė introduced the principles of forest pedagogy, emphasising learning through nature and its role in shaping environmentally responsible individuals.

These initiatives clearly illustrated what Nature-Based Solutions and Living Labs look like in practice – rooted in experience, strengthened by dialogue, and shaped by shared responsibility.

Towards a more resilient future – together

This Earth Day event at VMU AA was more than a celebration. It became a platform for future action, reinforcing the belief that every community has the potential to be a living lab – where nature, science and people come together to create a more harmonious and hopeful future.