|
  |
|
|
Up from Eden
What would you expect to find inside the gates of Eden? Plants, pleasure and knowledge of course. In this age of super technology and hyper artifice it's all too easy to forget the fundamental role played by the humble plant in our lives. Medicines, tools, clothes, heat, light, food, houses, transport, furniture, containers, utensils, rope, dye and so much have been derived from the plant kingdom. For their extraordinary efforts in reminding us of this crucial relationship this issue’s Dandelion Award is unreservedly given to the Eden Project in Cornwall. At the simplest of levels Eden is a botanical garden though even for just that it is exceptional – maintaining one of the world’s largest single collections of plants. Its distinctive giant biomes – the largest conservatories in the world – contain thousands of species from the hotter and more humid climates of the world, whilst the whole project houses more than a million plants, representing 5,000 species, with new ones being added all the time. However, to say that Eden is just a botanical garden would be a gross misrepresentation. Their mission statement clearly sets out their goal 'to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources leading to a sustainable future for all.' Since opening their doors to the public in 2001 they have worked vigorously and creatively to fulfil this mission making it a major attraction to visitors from all over the world - 7 million so far. Recognising that people learn best when relaxed the Eden team have created a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable experience. Information points and artistic installations are scattered throughout the site and there are also workshops and special events, like the recent ‘Sexy Green Car Show’, that inform people about environmental issues and the huge influence of plants in their lives. Though all this may make Eden sound very academic and worthy it is in fact almost too hip to be real. The Independent voted it the best outside live venue and this year’s ‘Eden Sessions’ line-up includes James Morrison, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen amongst others. More than just a botanical garden and green theme park, however, Eden has become a hugely influential source of knowledge for the scientific community and for companies, organisations and policy makers with an interest in sustainable development. Because of this it is fast becoming a major international centre for the advancement of science, society and sustainability and well deserves this award.
|
Contributor's Note
I have taken this intel from Sustained Magazine Issue 4. The Dandelion Award recognises the extraordinary efforts of businesses throughout the UK to improve their own and others performance on issues surrounding sustainability.
|
|
http://www.edenproject.com/
The Eden Project
No reactions yet.
Please login or sign up to rate this intel.
Please login or sign up to add a comment.
The copyright for this content entitled "Up from Eden" has been specified by the contributor as:
All Rights Reserved
This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
|
 |
|
This intel was contributed by Sustained
Sustained
|
May, 2012
2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2010
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2011
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
2012
January, February, March, April, May
|
|
Not a member yet?
Qondio is a powerful network for making it online. If you have a website to
promote, we can help.
Sign up and get in on the action.
|
|
Welcome to Qondio! Discover the awesome power this network can deliver by going to our About page. Or you could skip straight to the Sign Up form.
|
|
