AGAIN(ST) NATURE
Anno 2020. Nature is on fire, from Australia to the Ardennes. Forests are felled, no more insects on the windshield, concrete everywhere, a million species are in danger of extinction. A virus turns the world upside down. The exploitation of nature is threatening our existence. Vulnerable groups here and in the South are facing even harder times.
How much longer do we saw off the very branch that supports us? Or do we change course?
Ecopolis 2020 puts the finger on the pulse and looks ahead. What are the post-corona challenges? How do we feel part of nature again? How do we restore the balance? How does this support a vigorous climate and nature policy? Which transitions are necessary ― urban, agricultural, etc. ― for a society that respects people and nature? And gives everyone prospect of a good life.
Ecopolis will be corona-proof. The main event will take place at Kaaitheater in Brussels (limited capacity). Difficult times led to new ideas. We now work with 2 satellite venues: Labiomista in Genk and TransLab K at CC ‘t Schaliken in Herentals. You will also be able to follow the event at home via livestream.
Speakers include Jan Rotmans | Warda El-Kaddouri | Yousra Benfquih Hendrik Schoukens | Tom Bauler | Hans Van Dyck |Anuna De Wever | Eva Meijer | Myriam Dumortier | Olivier De Schutter | Koen Vanmechelen | Ine Renson | Lisa Tostado | Els Vervloesem | Dirk Holemans | Christine Van Acker | Paul Demets | Louis De Jaeger | Ignace Schops | Glenn Deliège | Lara Klaassen
Program LABIOMISTA - Studio Koen Vanmechelen 12:15: Doors open
12:30 - 14:00 Livestream Ecopolis Meet the Animal
For centuries we have been intrigued by animals and have used them in our stories. Who does not know Reynard the Fox? Only recently have we learned how small the differences between humans and animals are. What does an understanding relationship with animals with recognition of their own abilities mean?
A conversation that explores new paths with: Eva Meijer (writer, philosopher and artist), Hans Van Dyck (professor Behavioral Biology), Hendrik Schoukens (environmental lawyer), Lisa Tostado (Heinrich Böllstiftung, which recently released the Insect Atlas).
14:00 LABIOMISTA, introduction by artist Koen Vanmechelen
14:30 Conversation ‘Are we necessary?’ The position of the human animal.
What is the position of the human animal on this planet. Are we predators or are we the prey?
A debate by Koen Vanmechelen (artist), Ignace Schops (ecologist), Lara Klaassen (director Centrum voor Natuur en Milieu Educatie) and Glenn Deliège (environment philosopher). Moderator; investigative journalist Peter Dupont
16:00 free access to the park