The Eden Project is celebrating a significant milestone. Since its opening in 2001, it has become a vital part of the South West economy, contributing £6.8 billion overall. For Cornwall alone, it has provided a net gain of £5.7 billion.
With 25 million visitors—80% from outside Cornwall—Eden has attracted around £8.4 billion in visitor spending. This impressive traffic supports about 700 jobs, including 430 directly at Eden and 260 in the surrounding community. Additionally, £630 million has been invested to strengthen local supply chains, boosting the regional economy.
Eden Project recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, establishing itself as a key growth asset in the UK. Among its achievements, it launched The Bug Lunch, a community food initiative that has engaged 120 million people across 1.5 million events. It also opened Britain’s first operational deep geothermal power plant since 1986 and has reached one million people through educational programs, with approximately 30,000 children visiting each year.
Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of Eden Project, famously noted, “Every child in the world dreams of building giant dams, fantastical castles, and underground kingdoms.” His vision transformed a former quarry into a vibrant collection of plants and science fiction design—a true “Lost World.”
Just as it marks its 25th year, Eden Project is hosting Anthropy, an event aimed at shaping a better future. This gathering will welcome 2,000 delegates for over 200 panels and workshops, featuring 600 speakers. Notable figures include Baroness Sharon White and Professor Juergen Maier, among others.
“Anthropy is not just a local event; it resonates across the nation,” says Andy Jasper, CEO of Eden Project. It’s about inspiring connections and sparking positive change. This milestone celebration is a perfect opportunity for leaders and innovators to come together and envision a brighter future for the UK.
According to a recent survey by the UK’s National Trust, nearly 70% of people believe nature-based attractions, like Eden, are crucial for community well-being and environmental awareness. This reinforces the importance of such spaces, especially as we face global challenges like climate change.
For anyone interested, you can find more about Anthropy and its agenda at the Eden Project website.
