State of Grace

The River Basin Resilience Strategy

The Valueflow Strategy

The Essential Elements

Collective Visioning

Tim Smit Intro to Valley of Grace, SA

Project Planning

Explore

Tim Smit Intro to Valley of Grace, SA

Genadendal, Western, Cape South Africa

The Context

In an impassioned 2021 TEDx talk entitled

How We're Going to Solve Climate Change⁠

Sir Tim Smit⁠

made 2 observations:

04:00 - The future is about believing that you can create those circular economies, that you can create the society around you, which is localized and muscular; that is energy rich, so that everybody can afford to have it; that is food rich, so that everybody can afford to have it. What this means is nothing less than a revolution.

05:41 - I believe that within 15 years of this day (i.e. 2036), you’ll be in a position where we will have city states... where people are taking their futures into their own hands. Philosophically, the reason why this is so powerful, so, so powerful, is that it means that we can see the territory over which we want to throw a protecting arm.

⁠

New Edens⁠

- the initiative that grew out of

The Eden Project⁠

in Cornwall, UK - are a global response to the planetary emergency. These international projects demonstrate that radical transformation can become a reality through the power of determination, collaboration and imagination.

There is increasing global awareness of the need to develop planetary consciousness and build post-capitalist infrastructure: land sovereignty; food sovereignty; water, energy, medicine, and educational sovereignty. This sovereignty should be locally developed at a bioregional level, connected globally through a network of knowledge, in a way that builds resilience before the impending, cascading collapses deepen.

While small-scale bioregional regeneration projects exist, there is no functioning prototype of how to accomplish this undeniably radical transformation to planetary consciousness and post-capitalist sovereignty. In the absence of examples of how to do this, we are paralyzed into inaction.

In short, without an example, “We are entering into an abyss of unknown consequences and unfathomable magnitude, driven by systems built upon human exceptionalism, callous extraction, selfish consumption, fearful racism, perpetual violence, soaring inequalities, authoritarian hierarchies, domination of all kinds and sheer absurdity.” - Alnoor Ladha and Lynn Murphy in

Post Capitalist Philanthropy⁠

- Healing Wealth in the Time of Collapse.

The Opportunity

Location: In the small bioregion of

Genadendal⁠

(Afrikaans for Valley of Grace) just 90 minutes from Cape Town, we have all the necessary elements to develop such a prototype:

A diverse human settlement of 20,000 people with a rich cultural heritage developed around the first mission station (1797) and first teacher’s training college (1838) in South Africa, across 6 small towns and villages (small enough to test a “proper” circular economy, while being larger than an intentional community);

An experienced team with diverse backgrounds and vision-keeper (

meet Michael⁠

) all committed to systemic transformation and planetary consciousness;

A pristine, ecologically thriving 1,300ha parcel of privately-owned land which is home to a rare leopard and river frog. The site is an ideal location for future-truthing the world’s first Bioregional Sovereignty Knowledge Hub: a living laboratory consisting of:

An earthship learning centre connected with;

A real-life community of 20,000 people who have navigated the messy transition away from an

expansionist monetary system⁠

and

hydrocarbon energy⁠

and are now a global showcase of what it means to live in right relationship;

An extensive fruit forest and seed nursery that provides an abundance of nourishment for all living beings in the valley.

Methodology: A highly-refined Theory of Change—developed over more than a decade—has been converted into a wiki, with the intention of sharing lessons learned globally, right now (you’re already in the wiki - see the

Overview here⁠

Funding: A well-developed—although not yet tested in the real world—unique funding strategy based on tokenizing Land Trusts and Human Health:

⁠

The Valueflow Strategy Harnessing Land Trusts and Community Currencies to Create Healthy Valueflow out of the Old into the New⁠

⁠

The Invitation

A call has been confirmed with Sir Tim at 10:30CAT on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.

In the call, we’d like to explore a potential New Eden in the Valley of Grace along the lines described above.

Suggested Additional Attendees

Professor Eelco Dykstra, a Dutch global Risk and Resilience expert who has worked tirelessly with Unisa (a major South African university) to

launch a Centre of Excellence⁠

dedicated to Resilience Studies. The Valley of Grace is one of their case studies, which means our process is backed by academic rigor.

LinkedIn⁠

⁠

Shelagh Gastrow, who provides advisory services to the Philanthropy Sector and is a Board Member of the

Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation⁠

LinkedIn⁠

⁠

The Valley of Grace Project Team, consisting of academics, legal experts, ex-corporate leaders, communicators, networkers, biodynamic farmers and precinct developers. This team has collectively been developing relationships and trust with the community over two or more decades.

AI-generated Future-truth Images of the BioSov Learning Centre

With thanks to

Midjourney⁠

⁠

michael.haupt_Sleek_modern_and_cozy_earthship_learning_centre_w_a4677813-0d7f-4fa5-9a1c-417fc0ae045d.png

⁠

Future-truth Press Release

Disclaimer: This fictional newspaper article does not depict real events. It is intended to be humorous and light-hearted. The content does not reflect real events or the actual views of Sir Tim Smit or any other individuals or initiatives mentioned.

Tim Smit Shakes the Eden Project Foundations and Finds a New Eden in Genadendal

The Genadendal Gazette

June 15, 2028

In a surprising turn of events, visionary entrepreneur Sir Tim Smit has announced his departure from the Cornwall Eden Project, leaving behind the world-famous horticultural haven that captured global attention for over two decades. Smit, known for his audacity and determination, revealed that he had come to a realization: the Cornwall Eden Project, though visually stunning and an ecological miracle, was ultimately ineffective in driving the systemic change needed to address pressing global challenges. Instead, he has launched the Genadendal Eden Project in South Africa, a project he believes embodies the essence of true transformation and sustainable impact.

Speaking at a press conference held amidst the lush landscapes of Genadendal, Sir Tim Smit passionately explained his shift in focus. "The Cornwall Eden Project was a beautiful experiment, showcasing what could be achieved within the confines of a single quarry. But I came to realize that it was merely a band-aid solution, addressing symptoms rather than tackling the root causes of our social and ecological polycrisis," Smit proclaimed, his voice resolute.

Smit, having turned his New Eden approach upside down, now wholeheartedly supports the Genadendal Eden Project, which he believes holds the key to realizing genuine and lasting change. "Genadendal already possesses the foundations of a sustainable paradise. Its abundant land, preserved by generations, offers a fertile canvas upon which we can cultivate true bioregional sovereignty," Smit explained, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “There is no need for another physical dome structure - the surrounding sovereign community is the structure that visitors will want to come and experience for themselves.”

The Genadendal Eden Project, located in the Western Cape of South Africa, embraces a paradigm shift from traditional environmental initiatives. Instead of merely creating a beautiful showcase, the project aims to demonstrate how a pristine environment can support and nourish an entire community while preserving endangered species and nurturing ecological balance. Smit emphasized that the project's success would rely on empowering the community and creating a self-sustaining model that challenges conventional notions of development.

With a mischievous smile, Smit shared his vision for the future. "The Genadendal Eden Project will be more than just a tourist attraction; it will become a living laboratory for sustainable innovation and a hub for community empowerment. By showcasing how a local ecosystem can provide abundantly for all its residents, we will challenge the status quo and inspire the world to reimagine our relationship with the environment and with each other."

The shift in Sir Tim Smit's focus has already sparked global interest and inspired new narratives of hope. Philanthropists, scientists, and environmentalists from around the world are eagerly joining forces to support the Genadendal Eden Project. The project has attracted diverse expertise and financial backing, all driven by the shared belief that this audacious endeavor has the potential to redefine our understanding of sustainable development.

As Sir Tim Smit bids farewell to the Cornwall Eden Project, the world awaits the unfolding of the Genadendal Eden Project, where his renewed dedication to systemic change promises to create a true paradise on Earth—a place where human prosperity and ecological balance coexist harmoniously.

—ends

The Context

The Opportunity

The Invitation

Suggested Additional Attendees

AI-generated Future-truth Images of the BioSov Learning Centre

Future-truth Press Release

Tim Smit Shakes the Eden Project Foundations and Finds a New Eden in Genadendal

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