Blue Earth Summit

Sir Tim Smit KBE is the visionary co-founder and Executive Vice-Chairman of the award-winning Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. Born in 1954 in Scheveningen, Netherlands, he studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Durham University before embarking on an eclectic career that included roles as a composer, producer, and archaeologist. In 1987, Tim moved to Cornwall, where he and John Nelson restored the Lost Gardens of Heligan, transforming it into one of the UK’s most beloved gardens. In 1995, he co-founded the Eden Project, turning a disused clay pit into a global symbol of sustainability and environmental education. Since its opening in 2001, Eden has welcomed over 22 million visitors and contributed significantly to the local economy. Tim’s work demonstrates that sustainability is not just about environmental stewardship but also about innovative business practices and community engagement. He has received numerous accolades, including an Honorary CBE in 2002 and a knighthood in 2011 for his services to public engagement with science.