Excursion: Het Nieuwe Instituut / Zoöp

Klaas Kuitenbrouwer, Senior Researcher at Het Nieuwe Instituut and founder of the Zoonomic Institute, welcomed us and introduced the Zoöp Project. This innovative initiative explores sustainable practices by incorporating ecological perspectives into organizational frameworks. The Zoöp Project aims to enhance the symbiosis between human activities and natural ecosystems, promoting a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship. A key element of the project is the concept of the “Speaker of the Living,” a role dedicated to representing the interests of non-human life forms in organizational decision-making processes. By reimagining how institutions can function in harmony with nature, the Zoöp Project offers a groundbreaking model for sustainable development and ecological balance.
Following the introduction, students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the possibility and extent of adopting nature’s perspective. They explored whether it is more beneficial to allow nature to manage itself or to interact with it thoughtfully. This enriching dialogue led to a visit to the current exhibition at Het Nieuwe Instituut, where the group analyzed the Zoöp interventions on site.