GAIA: Not only in Belgium: A Voice for Animals to be Heard

Certainly we all have dreams. But how many of us find themselves actually in a position to not only see them come true but witness them flourishing in a way that could not have been expected? The Belgian Michel Vandenbosch (40) is one of these privileged persons! He enjoys the extraordinary experience of living his dream after a vague but persistent “little voice” urged him years ago to create an organisation in the interest of animals which, with the help of others just as dedicated as himself, grew into almost a political force in Belgium and is cooperating with many European countries: “GAIA”.

Of course, like with any idea to “kick in” a trigger has been necessary. For Michel this came in 1985 when he was confronted with the cruelty of chimpanzee smuggling. In that situation of violence and exploitation he became more familiar with these animals and was so impressed by their complexity, self-awareness and emotional and social richness that he got involved in primate protection. To do his utmost in helping that the rights of these animals were better respected was firstly just an embryonic idea but it developed rapidly into an ever increasing drive. In this context a mixture of emotions such as uncertainty, surprise and determination led to the knowledge that protecting animals would become the struggle of his life.

Although he found understanding and active assistance from his professor at the Brussels University where he was studying philosophy, his way of reacting and consequently requesting changes in our attitude towards animals did not exactly meet with the approval of his environment. But in spite of all warnings from well-meaning members of his family and friends, a journey started during which there seem to be exactly the right signs at each crossroad, the most helpful explanations at every barrier and just the necessary book or information in unclear situations: guidance “coming out of the sky”.

So the fact that the animal protection organisation Veeweyde was looking for a Public Relations Director (a title that Michel changed into “Animal Welfare Worker”) seemed like another wink by fate allowing him to professionally work for his ideals. That was the start for the Belgian public to see and listen to a determined young man telling them about things that many of them did not really want to know about. But Michel managed to get his message across and for people who listened to his numerous speeches (like I did in 1989) it became quite clear that that young man meant business!

After some years with Veeweyde, Michel felt that he had to broaden the scope of his activities. So in 1992 he created GAIA, an organisation with about 17.000 members today and a voice that is heard, and that not only in Belgium but also in countries like France, Germany, Sweden, The Netherlands and UK. In cooperation with Animaux en Peril the “Collective GAIA” was organised with the impressive number of 25.000 members and an influence that led to important improvements for animals.

Just one campaign, representing many others, will be mentioned here: It happened between July and October 2000 when under cover filming took place at the Belgian cattle markets of Anderlecht und Ciney. The result of these activities was presented to the Ministers for Agriculture and Health, European Union officials and, on 16 November 2000, shown also to the international press. The viewing of the videos led to a scandal without precedence, and that not only in Belgium but on an international level. One example: The Swedish television showed the pictures in context with the statement of the Swedish Prime Minister that he planned to go vegetarian. Also in the frame of the European Union this matter was discussed intensively and on the highest levels. But, of course, it was the Belgian people who were upset the most about these terrible reports on TV, radio and newspapers and many a hardcore meat eater was considering a change in diet.

Certainly these achievements were not presented on a silver platter but required determination, moral staying power and hard work. As can be imagined, there were moments of despair, feeling of hopelessness and even danger (when on 9 September 1998 Michel got beaten up by animal traders in front of TV-cameras and had to be hospitalised) but a mixture of compassion and realism always allowed him to fall back on his feet, created a renewed boost of energy and allowed him to continue his path.

Michel’s philosophy is to do his utmost in order to reach his goal which is justice for sentient beings. He wants to see the helpless protected against any misuse of power. A strategy guided by determination and non-violence is used in the interest of all who are vulnerable, regardless if they carry the face of a dog, a cow - or a human being.

On 10 September 2001 Michel Vandenbosch took the time for a chat with Herma Caelen, Vegi Info Belgium

H.C. Michel, I know that you have been a vegetarian for a long time already. What is your opinion about the vegetarian environment in general?

M.V. I am invited quite often to speak to students and pupils and find that the number of vegetarians among them is increasing slowly but steadily. Today they are found in all school classes and groups. The same holds true for their teachers and professors some of whom even organise vegetarian cooking lessons.

H.C. So would you say that the young people are more inclined to a diet without meat than they have been about a decade ago?

M.V. Certainly! But quite often I am contacted by youngsters stating that they would like to stop eating meat but that their parents do not allow that.

H.C. Yes, I have heard of similar problems. What do you recommend in these cases?

M.V. Well, I tell the children to take an initiative by suggesting new recipes or even proposing to prepare the dishes themselves.

H.C. So you hope that the enthusiasm of the children might rub off on the adults?

M.V. Why not? Normally the parents are just concerned and worried about the health of their offspring which is normal.

H.C. But a diet without meat is a healthy one! That is a proven fact.

M.V. Yes, of course. The rejection of a vegetarian life style is often based simply on a lack of information.

H.C. To provide that information is our aim. That is what all vegetarian organisations are here for! So you consider the overall development of a vegetarianism with optimism?

M.V. Things are definitely moving.

H.C. How do you manage to motivate young people?

M.V. Sometimes I feel like a living detector of reactions and attitudes. When I am giving my speeches I always try to get a feeling for the audience. Whereas it is important to trigger off a sentiment of empathy it is just as essential not to bombard people. So a delicate balance needs to be achieved where the respect of animals is promoted and at the same time my language remains familiar to the listeners who should not be alienated or get the impression that I am some kind of E.T.

H.C. And what about the adult population?

M.V. I see changes there, too. Quite often I am contacted by restaurant owners wanting to discuss their menus with me with regards to vegetarian alternatives. So there must be a growing interest in meatless meals generally and everywhere.

H.C. You seem very positive. Are you never disheartened?

M.V. Of course I am! Not too long ago I felt really tired after ten years of intense struggle. I needed to do something for myself for a change. So I took up playing football, spending more times with friends and generally broadening my social horizon. That helped. And then it came back, that little voice, urging me to continue my work to which it brought a new dimension and a way to deal with the personal uncertainties of that moment.

H.C. So GAIA is continuing the fight for the rights of those who cannot help themselves, the animals. But you might have made also a determined activist for human rights?

M.V. Absolutely, had things taken another direction.

H.C. And what are your views about your future role?

M.V. After all the years ups and downs, encountering catastrophic situations but also unexpected major improvements, we continue working and being realistic, flexible and pragmatic and not limiting our interests to local problems. We are aiming for a global strategy. We shall do our very best to help sentient beings to live and flourish.

H.C. One last question: Do you know the European Vegetarian Union?

M.V. I certainly do.

H.C. So nothing should stay in the way of a closer cooperation?

M.V. Of course not! I am looking forward to our next discussion.

H.C. So do I! And thanks for your time.

GAIA
90, rue des Palais,
B 1030 Brussels,

Tel. +32-2-245.29.50
Fax: +32-2-215.09.43,
Email: GAIA@advalvas.be
http://users.skynet.be/gaia/fr/gaia.html