All cool things come to an end, so also the Exchange Week in Belgium. During the 4 days Leuven (and afterwards 4 days in Ghent), people from 6 different countries got to know each other a lot better during the fun activities and the chilling moments in the pub.
During the exchange week, there was one central topic: sustainability for a brighter future. The presentations in this theme, that the participants had to make themselves, was an important part of this week.
Visiting the Belgian Soil Institute in Belgium is an excellent example of an activity in this theme. In our intensifying agricultural systems, an increase of input fertilizer is happening. Along with this you have the ecological burden that comes from the leaching of nitrate and the increase of phosphates in our soils. To study this, soil samples have to be taken and analysed at different farms. These samples, together with the consultancy of the institute, gives the opportunity to study the effects of our agricultural practices on the soil and our environment.
Another great example seen during this week is the visit to the Stella Brewery in Leuven. AB Inbev, the biggest brewery in the world, has his headquarter in Leuven and also brews the one and only ‘Stella Artois’. As you have probably heard: ‘great power comes with great responsibility’. Well, running a big brewery company is about the same thing. In our world we have to do it with less and less, as resources as water and farming land are decreasing. Running the biggest brewery on the planet, means that if they can turn the tide, and go for a more sustainable production, this will have an effect on other companies. It just takes one domino to fall, and the rest will follow.
Besides these visits, we also paid a visit to a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm as well. Here, the community shares in the profits and risks of agriculture, as otherwise the farmer takes all the risks. The members pay a fixed amount a year, and they can harvest what the 1 ha of land provides them. An interesting example of social engagement.
There was also time to taste our national non-material heritage, “Our Belgian Beers!!!”. And what better location than the Oude Markt to do this. My home, is the place where my beer is cold, and for four days the city of Leuven was home to all of us.
See you soonnnnnn…
