25 years on, Eden Project founder reflects on a changed world
As the Eden Project in Cornwall marks its 25th anniversary, co-founder Sir Tim Smit offers a measured optimism about the planet’s trajectory. He argues that, despite ongoing environmental challenges, the world has moved in a direction where people are more aware of the natural world and more willing to act on behalf of biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable living.
The Eden Project, born out of a determination to reconnect people with nature and to show how ecosystems can thrive with human stewardship, has evolved from a bold horticultural experiment into a global hub for environmental education and cultural exchange. Smit’s reflections come at a time of renewed public interest in climate action, plant conservation, and sustainable tourism — all themes that have gained prominence since the project’s inception in the late 1990s.
Why Smit believes we’re in a better place
Smit points to several indicators of progress. Public awareness of biodiversity loss has grown, with conservation programs expanding and schools integrating ecological literacy into curricula. He notes that communities, cities, and businesses increasingly recognize that protecting nature isn’t a luxury but a necessity for long-term resilience. The Eden Project, he suggests, helped catalyze that shift by making complex environmental science accessible through immersive experiences with plants, climate data, and sustainable technologies.
“The world has become more attuned to the natural world,” Smit said in interviews tied to the anniversary. “People are asking bigger questions about how we live, how we travel, and how we feed ourselves. That awareness is the seed from which real, practical change grows.”
Education as a driver of change
A central pillar of Eden’s influence has been education. The project’s exhibitions, workshops, and outdoor gardens have trained generations to observe ecosystems, understand carbon cycles, and recognize the interdependence of species. In recent years, the Eden Project has broadened its scope to include climate science literacy, mental health benefits of nature, and community-led sustainability projects. These efforts reflect a broader societal shift toward action-oriented knowledge rather than passive awareness.
Tourism with a purpose
For a site that draws visitors from around the world, Eden has also helped redefine what responsible tourism looks like. Visitors are encouraged to consider the environmental footprint of their journeys and to participate in local conservation efforts. This model aligns with a growing trend toward regenerative travel, where tourism contributes to ecological restoration and host communities’ well-being rather than simply providing a spectacle for guests.
Even as the 25th anniversary invites reflection on what has changed, Smit is quick to acknowledge ongoing challenges. Climate extremes, habitat fragmentation, and resource pressures remain acute in many regions. He argues that awareness must translate into policy, investment, and everyday decisions at both individual and organizational levels. The Eden Project’s role, in his view, is not just to celebrate progress but to sustain momentum by offering practical, scalable ideas for living more lightly on the planet.
What the anniversary means for the next 25 years
The conversation around Eden’s future is rooted in collaboration. Smit envisions continued partnerships with schools, researchers, artists, and community groups to develop exhibits that translate science into everyday action. Digital engagement, outreach programs, and international collaborations could amplify the Eden model beyond Cornwall, spreading the message that people can be connected to nature while building resilient economies and healthier communities.
For visitors and locals alike, the Eden Project’s anniversary serves as a reminder that protecting nature and improving human well-being are not competing aims but complementary goals. The project’s story — one of experimentation, learning, and citizen empowerment — offers a hopeful blueprint for navigating the environmental challenges ahead.
