Events

A Zoep is an organisational governance model for cooperation between human and non-human life that represents the interests of all zoe (Greek for 'life'). On this page, you can read more about exactly how such a Zoep model works.

The Zoönomic Institute (Rotterdam) forms the root system of the Zoöp movement: it supports all Zoöps with knowledge and expertise. The Zoonomic Institute helps organisations implement the Zoep model and thus reverse their ecological burden. It is committed to the growth of the Zoöp network and also regulates the use of the Zoöp name and logo, through certification. An organisation can call itself Zoop when it includes an independent expert in its organisational structure who ensures that the interests of non-human life are heard in the choices it makes.

Together with the organisation that becomes Zoöp, the Zoönomic Foundation chooses which expert would be the best fit, depending on what the organisation needs most. This could be e.g. an ecologist, but also a lawyer or another expert. In this way, the Zoöp model anchors the voices and interests of nature in the organisation, without changing the organisation's existing goals. Otherwise, nothing actually changes in terms of structure: the organisation works in all other respects as it always does, but with a representative who looks from the interests of all life.

Rif will take a unique step in 2025: we will become Belgium's first official Zoöp. A zoop is a form of organisation that actively involves not only human but also other-than-human life in decision-making and daily practice. The Zoop model helps us shape our operation in such a way that it strengthens ecosystems and makes room for regenerative cooperation between art, building, community and the life that surrounds us.

From 2026 onwards, Rif will translate these ideas into concrete actions: we will raise awareness, strengthen the involvement of neighbourhood and visitors, soften and green our site, build microhabitats for animals and plants, make our water and material flows more sustainable, and make Rif a place where human and non-human life forms give direction together. Rif thus continues to grow into a healthy ecosystem: an arts place that not only creates, but also co-listen, co-care and co-build a future in which everything that lives counts.

This ecological perspective also takes centre stage in our artistic residencies. In Calling Songs, for instance, Johannes Westendorp and Zwerm explore ways to make music with diy electronics together with existing frog and insect choirs. Rose van de Leest prompts critical reflection on our waste policy with a giant miniature landscape of waste from the Scheldt river. Jenna Vergeynst explores the hidden sounds of the deep sea, where music and the fragility of endangered ocean life come together. Thus, musical theatre at Reef becomes a place where human and non-human life meet, influence each other and unlock new insights.

Read what the concrete Zoop plans are in 2026 in our Reef Zoonomic Annual Plan 2026

Also meet the other Zoöps here!