State of the World 2011 Launch

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Text by Alexandra Hayles

On February 25th, the European Environment Agency (EEA) hosted the launch of State of the World 2011: Innovations that Nourish the Planet and Official opening of Worldwatch’s new European office in Copenhagen.

Nourishing the Planet co-Project Director, Danielle Nierenberg, and Worldwatch President, Christopher Flavin were both on hand to present at the event, which also marked the official opening of the Worldwatch Institute’s new European office. Additional speakers included Elsebeth Krogh, Chairwoman, MS – ActionAid Denmark; Hans Herren, President of the Millennium Institute and contributing author to State of the World 2011; and Jacqueline McGlade, Director of the EEA.

Setting the scene for the afternoon event were the ‘trees’ that welcomed participants with a mighty hug at the entrance to the EEA building in Kongens Nytorv. The hugs were largely successful in breaking the ice and warming participants to the event.

The afternoon was orchestrated to the tune of ‘sustainable development’ and that included music with the same words and topic composed by Benjamin Koppel, (sax) Maria Carmen Koppel (vocals), Anders Koppel (keyboard) and Henrik Dur Thomsen (cello). Furthermore, in keeping with the ethos of the afternoon, Hahnemann Kitchen served innovative food that nourishes the planet. That meant nordic organic food that provided nourishing sustenance as well as tantalising morsels to eager participants. A feast for the senses with food produced by means of management practices that add fertility to the soil - in other words, that increases the capital of the planet.

The senses were tickled and the report on ‘Innovations that Nourish the Planet’ was eloquently introduced. Noted was the choice of words for the title of the book which emphasizes ‘nourishing’ rather than ‘feeding’. Implicit in the word ‘nourishing’ is a change in the way individuals organise themselves and manage their resources to the benefit of households, the economy and natural environments.

The speeches were insightful and well-structured leading to a panel debate and questions from the audience which pointed to the distorting effects of the common agricultural policy and the importance of a bottom-up approach to agriculture. Emphasizing the need to ask people what they need rather than telling them. In addition, helping individuals exchange experiences using ICT - information and communications technology - was seen as one of the key elements to empowering people and helping the process to nourishing the planet. The event proceeded with a feel of familiarity and Worldwatch Europe is now in place WATCHING from above like a bird and seeing the whole landscape beyond the blade of grass.