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1 nomination from readers

• The building of the Eden Project is a symbol of what ordinary people can achieve. A symbol of regeneration; hope and optimism.

  It doesn’t purport to have all the answers. Its strength is in working with all parties and sectors, that the challenges that face us all in the 21st century have a greater chance of being solved by working together, sharing and adopting new ideas and working practices.

  One of the main aims of the Eden Project was to create a model that can act as an inspiration to commercial corporations, public bodies and the third sector; an organisation that demonstrates that there is a not necessarily any conflict between ethics and profitability.

  The social enterprise framework has given Eden important opportunities for the integration of commercial activities and educational ones in original ways.

  To this end our catering supplies are not just visitor service areas, they are the best places for exploring food education in an engaging and meaning full way. Our catering operations is also our chance to set a new benchmark for a commitment to local sourcing (currently over 70% of catering products are sourced locally). This in turn can inspire others to commit in similar ways and allows Eden to spread its influence beyond of site.

  In areas of retail, waste management and construction we promote models of best practice and share this learning with partners for the common good.

  Our public and schools education programme attract significant numbers with over 25,000 school children taking part in our schools programme and over 1 million visitors participating in our public education programme annually we are one of the most visited paid for attractions in the UK. Those visitors bring with them an, independently verified, £800 million of economic impact to the South West region.

  Nominated by Peter Stewart, 18 May 2008