Veterinarians Without Borders Belgium is pleased to invite you to its annual symposium on 13 October 2026 at Chalet Robinson (Ter Kameren Forest, Brussels).
This year’s event will have a special theme: it coincides with the arrival of the Belgian Herders’ March. From 28 September to 13 October, Belgian shepherds Toon and Johan Schouteden will lead a flock of 350 sheep from the Belgian-Dutch border to Brussels. In doing so, they aim to raise awareness of the importance of rangelands, pastoralism and extensive livestock farming.
At our invitation, Loupa Pius, a herder from Karamoja (Uganda), will also be joining us. He will draw parallels between the Belgian story and the reality faced by herders worldwide.
We would love to welcome you to celebrate this with us.
Practical information
When: Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 6.00 pm–10.00 pm
Where: Chalet Robinson, Steigerweg, 1 – 1000 Brussels – Belgium
Free event – on the day – open to everyone
Registration is compulsory
I’m taking part----------
We present:
A look back at the Herders' March*, as told by the shepherds who undertook the walk with their sheep.
A panel of experts, livestock keepers and shepherds who will explore in greater depth the challenges surrounding the recognition of their importance to our natural environment.
Eric Boschman’s one-man show – “Ça va saigner”, a satirical comedy about our eating habits.
A cosy get-together with snacks, drinks and music.
*Before our symposium, you can wave goodbye to the sheep in the Ter Kameren Woods before they set off on their return journey to Limburg.
Programme for the evening:
- 17.30 | Welcome
- 18.00–18.15 | Introductory remarks
- Joen van Mierlo – Managing Director of DZG
- Guy Hendrickx – Chair of the Board of Directors
- 6.15–6.45 pm | A look back at the Shepherds’ Walk by Patrick Worms, with Loupa Pius (Ugandan pastoralist), Yuna Himschoot (Belgian shepherdess) & Johan Schouteden (Belgian shepherd)
- 18.45–20.00 | Panel discussion moderated by Patrick Worms with:
- Loupa Pius – pastoralist from Karamoja (Uganda)
- Stéphane Delogne – Belgian agroecological livestock farmer and landscape manager
- Priscilla Claeys – expert on human rights and policy relating to pastoralist communities
- Anthony Denayer – representative of the VSF programme for global citizenship education
- 8.00–8.15 pm | Break
- 20.15–21.30 | One-man show – Eric Boschman: “Ça va saigner” (including a tasting of local produce)
- 21.30 | A cosy get-together: food, drinks & music
An event as part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026The Herders' March is the European leg of an international initiative that highlights the vital links between herders, agriculture, nature and society.
At Veterinarians Without Borders Belgium, we work alongside pastoralist communities every day and recognise that their knowledge is essential for the future of us all. This way of life and livestock keeping must be preserved, as it protects rangelands and biodiversity, reduces the risk of wildfires, contributes to the fight against climate change and supports sustainable food systems.
Please keep the evening of 13 October 2026 free, as we look forward to welcoming you.Please feel free to share the event with family, friends, colleagues and anyone else who might be interested.
When
13 October 2026
Event Region
Attachments
Category
Meeting
Contacts
Anthony Denayer