The arrival of the wolf in the Netherlands is a highly polarised topic. Some people who live in areas where wolves have settled are anxious and feel unheard. Sheep farmers sometimes doubt the usefulness of wolf-proof fences and others simply proclaim that the wolf does not belong in the Netherlands and must be exterminated. Emotions sometimes run so high that situations get out of hand and safety is at stake. At Wolves Across Borders 2025 we want to ensure a safe space for people to share their knowledge about wolves, their ecology and coexistence with people. Every participant must always feel safe and protected during the conference and be able to say everything that is important to the topic at hand.

 

The Wolves Across Borders conference offers a 'safe space' where polarisation has no chance and everyone has respect for each other and for each other's opinions. A code of conduct has been drawn up for this purpose.

 

A Press Moment

Despite the polarisation surrounding the wolf, the collaborating organisations also want to give the press the opportunity to attend the conference. A press moment will be organised for this purpose on the first day of the conference, Monday 2 June. Naturally, we expect all attending journalists to endorse the congress rules and contribute to the 'safe space' of the conference. Journalists can register for the press moment by sending a message to bert.desmidt@zoogdiervereniging.nl. Due to safety requirements, there is only limited space for press. We ask for your understanding. The registration is only final once a confirmation has been sent for attendance at the press moment. Journalists who cannot attend the press moment will still be provided with information by us.