Chapter 34 - Rodentia rules!

Friday - November 13 | 3rd day of the conference | 2,000 registrations + 2,527 online participantsVictor rushed through the busy exhibition hall to the plenary theater. His head was heavy from the slightly-too-enjoyable gala dinner the night before, but at the same time he was positively bursting with energy. So far the conference had been running perfectly and the best was yet to come.            He greeted acquaintances left, right and center. Luckily, people barely added ‘prroo’ to their greetings anymore. That joke had run its course now, he hoped.            It was the last break of the day, and, unlike Victor’s experience with other conferences, everyone stayed for the final session.            There was something special about it. Two days ago, the minister of economic affairs had offered, on his own accord, to take part in this final session: the confrontation panel about pest control. The Frisian farmers would pose critical questions about the lack of decisive action on the government’s part, and demand compensation for damages sustained. It seemed like a good idea to the minister to address these matters in person.           In the run-up to the debate, heated discussions had taken place on social media. There were rumors about the minister using the session to announce financing from the government for research into more animal-friendly methods of pest control. Victor knew this to be true. The embargoed press release had already been sent out to leading journalists. Casper had been swallowed up by it completely these past few days. Yet, somehow he had managed to invite several national and international journalists to witness this unique moment: the presentation of a scientific solution, in combination with the financing of it. It was strong proof of the power of NatSoRoPro to bring parties together, and jointly work toward a better world. ....----Written by Gerrit Heijkoop & Paula Vos Narrated by Kevin Stillwell