ANTHROPY25: Andy Jasper - Why We Need Regeneration Instead Of Sustainability

Continuing our Anthropy special series from the Eden Project, we speak with Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project itself. Andy shares his philosophy that sustainability should follow regeneration - that we need to boost and accelerate natural systems before we can sustain them. With a career spanning the RHS, National Trust, and now Eden Project, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge about how large-scale environmental projects can transform landscapes and communities. He discusses Eden's global expansion with projects in China, Costa Rica, and across the UK, and shares his perspective on the importance of confidence and optimism as key skills for business leaders navigating the sustainability transition.

🎯 Key Takeaways

1. Regeneration before sustainability

• Andy challenges the term "sustainability" itself, arguing we shouldn't just sustain everything at its current level
• First regenerate natural systems and accelerate restoration, then sustain them
• The Eden Project itself exemplifies this approach - transforming barren clay pits into thriving ecosystems

2. Global Eden Projects are expanding the model worldwide

• Eden Project China opening June 2025
• 65,000-hectare restoration project in Costa Rica transforming slash-and-burn farming to sustainable cacao production
• New UK Eden Project sites planned for Morecambe and Dundee with unique local connections

3. Confidence and optimism are essential business skills

• Having confidence to make decisions with incomplete information (80% is enough)
• Optimism allows better framing and solving of problems
• Willingness to embrace failure as part of the innovation process

4. Nature has no waste - and neither should we

• Everything in nature is repurposed as part of a system
• Human systems create unnecessary byproducts and waste
• Circular economy principles should be applied to all new projects

⚡ Quick Wins & Actionable Steps

1. Focus on soil health in your garden or community

2. Involve diverse perspectives in decision-making

3. Try circular economy practices in your next project

❓ Got a question?

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🎙️ About Our Guest

Andy Jasper is the CEO of the Eden Project, a role he took up six months prior to this interview. With a background as Director of Gardens and Parklands for the National Trust and Director of the Investment Program for the Royal Horticultural Society, Andy has had what he describes as "one of the best careers in the world, working in gardens, traveling around the world, and helping make botanic gardens more beautiful and greener places." He previously worked at Eden as Head of Research and Evaluation, giving him deep insight into the organisation's operations and impact.

👫 Credits

• Hosts: Will Richardson, Charlie Luxton
• Production: Soundquake
• Exec-Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner
• Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

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