The Eden Project was opened in March 2001. For it to get this far seems an impressive feat. Two construction companies, Sir Alfred and Robert McAlpine, worked for 18 months without being paid, something that, understandably, had never happened in either company's history. Not only that, but they then gave the project a loan that was to be repaid only if the project was successful.
Located in a 15 hectare, 60 m deep china-clay pit, Eden was, in 2000/01, intended to be a living theatre for the public and academics alike. The overall goal was, and still is, to study plants, their ecosystems and their relationship with man to encourage sustainable living. The two 'conservatories' or biomes are the largest in the world. But building these structures was only one of the many obstacles that had to be overcome for the project to become a success. The site chosen for the project was hardly fertile agricultural ground, the landscape was a barren, sterile waste ground with numerous steep gradients. It was, effectively a crater.
The fact that the china-clay pit, which once shaped the economy and landscape of Cornwall, has become 'the eighth wonder of the world' and a major contributor to the local economy, demonstrates that development need not be the environmentally damaging practice it is so often thought to be.
The project's approach to construction and operation was one of the contributing factors to it being awarded the Peter Parker award in 2001.
Eden's initial waste plan has evolved from one of 'Zero Waste' to a more sustainable 'waste-neutral' ambition, which considers the whole lifecycle of the waste.
The Eden Project has become many things to many people: a charity, an education centre, an art studio, concert venue, a science institute and general environmental and horticultural Mecca, making it more than just a 'Green theme park'. Almost a living organism itself, Eden is constantly evolving, making no two visits the same.
The Eden Project demonstrates another evolution in environmental awareness. Not only is it providing a leisure experience, but it is also trying to educate customers in environmental issues.