Nr. 111 - November 2011 Insight SEKEM‘s Journal for Culture, Economy, Society and Ecology in

Composting Demeter Products Using Compost to The Benefits of SEKEM Seasoning Editorial Improve Soils Eurythmy in SEKEM Nominated

Dear Readers, Employing Compost to Further

SEKEM reclaims large desert Sustainable Agriculture in Egypt areas by applying technologies Together with Soil & More SEKEM has revolutionized the composting industry from . in Egypt over the past years. In our series of partner portraits we explain Large quantities of compost are how the co-operation with the Dutch company works and to what ends. required to accomplish this task and they are produced directly in SEKEM’s own facilities. Exclu- sively from organic waste SEKEM produces approximately 85.000 tons of the natural fertilizer annu- ally that, by the way, also serve to avoid some 100.000 tons of CO2- equivalent greenhouse gases - TÜV certified.

To establish production facilities of this scale and in accordance with high quality requirements, SEKEM has been working together with its partner SEKEM Soil & More for several years. This com- pany, whose employees in part have many years of experience working in and with SEKEM in Egypt, advises SEKEM not only on any matters related to produc- With Soil & More SEKEM has built large-scale composting facilities in Egypt. Their products also benefit conventional producers. tion and the running of the com- post plants. It is also committed to assist countries in the devel- n times of dwindling resources, through the production and appli- oping world in the installation of I steady growth of the world’s popu- cation of mineral fertilizers that it composting facilities that bring- lation, prolonged loss of fertile farm- necessarily depends on. Thus, it signif- ing small farmers into wage and land and worsening climate change, icantly contributes to climate change. bread while they serve to protect it is essential to rethink the founda- The increasing use of synthetic ferti- the climate. How SEKEM and Soil tions of a viable and sustainable agri- lizers and pesticides also results in & More work together is explained culture. Modern intensive agriculture a dramatic deterioration of soil fer- in our feature article this month. of the industrial age is directly or indi- tility. Humanity, while still growing, Your Team of Editors rectly responsible for many of the cur- continues to loose several thousand rent global challenges. It swallows, for hectares of fertile land every day. The example, about 70% of the world‘s promotion and maintenance of healthy Find SEKEM also on the Internet at: available freshwater and contributes and fertile soil has long since become to greenhouse gas production mainly a global challenge.

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But the care and development of composting plants on an industrial Land Development and sustainable agriculture is only one of scale, one near the original SEKEM Climate Change the goals of the long-term coopera- farm grounds and one near Alexandria. tion of SEKEM and the company Soil & On these two installations covering 30 Besides its employment in deme- More International. Soil & More is an acres of surface area the two compa- ter-based agriculture, the compost international company headquartered nies produce about 85.000 tonnes of SEKEM produces is especially needed in the , which focuses on purely organically manufactured com- for the development of desert soils. the development and operation of post every year. In only the last 24 months a total of composting facilities and emission 3.000 new acres of desert land have reduction projects as well as services Sophisticated Technology been developed through irrigation centring around the issue of promot- to Save Precious Soil and the regular use of compost. ing sustainability and best practice Additionally, the compost pro- among farmers and suppliers. As part of the composting process duced by Soil & More and SEKEM also organic wastes such as straw, chicken directly contributes to climate protec- and cattle manure, crop residues and „ Much valuable biomass is tion. For example, it helps to avoid the water hyacinths are collected from the wasted in many developing methane emissions that usually result region and stacked in several layers countries thus polluting the from the conventional disposal of bio- forming a large heap of compost. For environment and contributing mass. This contribution to reducing optimum composting conditions, the to global warming. the greenhouse effect is compensated exact order in which the raw materials with tradable are stacked is particularly important.

Biomass an Untapped Treasure During the process of con- in Developing Countries trolled microbial composting CO levels and core tempera- The idea for Soil & More originally 2 ture are regularly measured. If came from the desire to support farm- necessary, the compost pile is ers desiring to learn how to improve turned and watered. In about or restore the structure and fertility of 8 weeks, the biomass is trans- their soils. As part of their work, the formed into a nutrient-rich founders quickly learned that in many compost ready to use, which developing countries priceless bio- supplies farms large and small mass is not fed back into the agricul- all over Egypt with a substitute tural cycle, but is in fact rotting or is to chemical fertilizers and many burned resulting in a significant and pesticides. negative impact on the environment. To solve this problem while providing Farmers benefit from an growers with a sustainable alterna- improved soil structure and a tive to expensive and environmentally resulting lower water consump- harmful fertilizers, Soil & More began tion, reduced dependence on with the development of a process mineral fertilizers, increased car- that converts the unused biomass in bon sequestration capacity of the nutrient-rich compost and thus closes ground as well as a greater vari- the recycling cycle. ety of microorganisms in the top- soil. Additionally, compost is also SEKEM is supported by Soil & More popular in conventional agriculture. not only in compost production but As the soils in the desert around also in the reduction of emissions and the original SEKEM farm are slightly in the preparation of their own CO2 alkaline, exhibit very low carbon and water balances. Agricultural sci- levels and suffer from salinisation entists and experts communicate their the long-term regular use of com- professional knowledge in soil sci- post can counteract these charac- ence to local workers in compost pro- teristics and lead to a lasting change duction in specialised training courses in the composition of the soil, the and continually work for the optimiza- buildup of a sustained layer of humus, tion of the production process. and thus a substantial increase in the In 2007 and 2008 SEKEM and proportion of organic substances in Green “waste” - water hyacinths here - is collected and processed into compost by SEKEM. Soil & More began to operate two ground.

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The transformation of barren desert into fertile farmland soils in a purely natural way, without application of chemical fertilizers, clearly demonstrated the potential that lies in the use of compost in developing countries. emission permits. Thus, each year in improving food security, and the main- and SEKEM that is directly targeting accordance with the climate policies tenance of the countryside. The pro- corporate clients. Together they are issued by the United Nations, about duction of compost by SEKEM and Soil working to produce better sustaina- & More makes an important contribu- bility indicators in the areas of water, tion to this development - not only on energy, animal and plant environment its own premises, but also with con- etc. The development of indicators is ventional agricultural producers in the crucial in allowing private sector com- country. panies to understand the impact, benefits, and the costs of their com- 100.000 tons of greenhouse gases are Quantifying Sustainability mitment. Such metrics are an impor- avoided. This amount is certified by tant prerequisite for the long-term ’s respected technical sur- Besides the construction of com- success of the environmental protec- veillance service TÜV-Nord which also posting facilities, the transfer of tion measures of private-sector actors. credits the equivalent of this figure in knowledge is a particular concern of the form of officially tradeable carbon SEKEM and Soil & More. The improve- Future Prospects emission certificates. ment of agricultural labour practices and the provision of best practice For Soil & More, it is of great impor- Why? methods to small-holder farmers in tance to have found a reliable part- developing countries and emerging ner in SEKEM who is following the Composting in sustainable agri- markets is therefore also the aim of same holistic goals. The example of culture with its many positive effects the two organisations’ North-South the SEKEM Initiative is a particularly on agricultural soils has an excellent partnership for development. In the enlightening one when looking at potential to meet many great chal- fields of soil fertility, biomass, car- the positive consequences regional lenges of our time. SEKEM is a prime bon and water management, the part- action can have on the global level, example of how this can be achieved ners offer advisory services to other and how economic activity can be successfully. Done properly and Egyptian stakeholders and they also directly linked to social progress. In the future, both partners plan to also applied in the long term, compost assist in the creation of CO2 and water does not only promise better food balances. export the knowledge of Soil & More supply and a more gentle approach to and SEKEM to beneficiaries outside of using scarce resources like water. It To make sustainability more meas- the initiative. urable is another core goal of the also offers countless farmers in dis- Miriam Bogatzki cooperation between Soil & More advantaged rural areas a more secure Miriam Bogatzki is responsible for Press and livelihood. What was previously dis- Public Relations at Soil & More. carded as waste is now converted into You can visit SEKEM yourself: a valuable raw material, which contrib- www.SEKEM-reisen.de More information: utes to creating dependable income, www.aventerra.de ! http://www.soilandmore.nl

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The Benefits of Eurythmy in SEKEM Eurythmy is an integral part of the artistic work at SEKEM. But its use exceeds the usual forms of its application. In Egypt, social eurythmy has proven itself even in the business context.

of social eurythmy allowing the prac- ticing individual to directly experience social relationships and their own cre- ativity in dealing with them not on an intellectual, but a direct, physical level. In a way, such practice serves to relate to each other the universe and the soul, of which the aforementioned lyrical piece speaks, by connecting the I and the world through art.

Eurythmy is a pedagogical design element in SEKEM in almost all social environments and for all applica- tions, from kindergarten to school, to apprenticeship, to life and work in teacher training.

Kindergarten

Eurythmy-based games of move- SEKEM Eurythmy Ensemble is dedicated not only to artistic, but also the educational and socially formative aspects of eurythmy. ment, rhythmic plays in the circle of children, the stimulation of the imag- ination through stories and fairy tales, lyrical quote from In SEKEM, the socially and individually poems and songs open up the small stands at the ideational centre formative function of the art stands in A child‘s world of learning and prepare of the well-known daily and weekly the foreground. This is because con- it for the intellectual formation of the circles that regularly bring together fidence in self-responsible action and later school years. For life is move- all staff at SEKEM. It is spoken by all sensitivity to others and the social ment, especially in childhood. Those co-workers and expresses a central sphere may well be experienced and who become flexible, or “moveable” concern of SEKEM that also plays a enriched through the specific art of both inwardly and outwardly, will find seminal role in the diversity of artistic movement eurythmy provides. themselves well-prepared for a busy work within the initiative: Eurythmy contributes to the har- life in adulthood. Just as the child tire- To admire beauty / heed the truth / monisation of ones perception of the lessly plays with joy and enthusiasm, worship the noble / decide the good self and the outside world and has a so it may later work as an adult. / it leadeth man / to his goals in life healing effect on the mental, emo- / achieving the right through his tional and physical constitution of School actions / to peace through his emo- the individual. Eurythmy captures an tions / to the light through his mind entire person’s abilities for movement, From first to last grade eurythmy / and teaches him trust / in the path inside (mental) and outside (physi- helps to bring the spiritual in a harmo- that is divine / in everything there cal): his will through targeted, focused nious relationship with the physical is / the universe - the depths of the motions, his emotions through new growth of the adolescent. Dentition soul. and profound experiences of ones and puberty are not only physiologi- own spiritual dimension, and his mind cally challenging phases in any child’s The short piece serves as a leitmotif through a repeated exercise of crea- development. Eurythmy helps dealing also for the eurythmy ensemble’s con- tive thought. The soul and the world with them through artistic work that cerns in personality and community- are brought into a healthy relationship promotes emotional development and building through the art of eurythmy. to each other through the application contributes to a closer union of the

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soul and the body. Eurythmy has been at machines or work fatigue harden Professional Eurythmy Training accompanying the curriculum of the the body and make relaxation at reg- SEKEM School in many ways for years ular intervals a necessity. Work on a „Learning by doing - doing while and is adapted to fit the needs of each computer can paralyse both in a lit- learning“ has always been a guid- child’s individual age. eral and a metaphorical sense; phys- ing pedagogical principle at SEKEM. ical refreshment as well as mentally All eurythmy students in SEKEM are Apprenticeship stimulating movement is then a wel- not „only“ students, but, depend- come and balancing diversion. Beyond ing on their skill level, also eurythmy The process of artistic work teachers in all areas in which clearly sets out a particular eurythmy is applied. They are path for the practicing individ- confronted with the reality of ual: from the decision to keep teaching from the beginning. to a schedule of practice and The skills learned and the expe- persist in following it to the rience gathered in their own achievement of artistic mastery study can be directly applied and completion of a work piece. and turns into a „mirror“ of Training in eurythmy serves to one‘s own authentic engage- assist this process and thereby ment with the basic elements of enables the apprentice to bet- art. The close proximity of work, ter respond to the needs of his education and community life in or her future professional life. SEKEM has many times proven It encompasses (self-imposed) helpful in this. discipline, an independently In SEKEM eurythmy is also applied in the workplace. designed process of work, and, The SEKEM Idea in the Arts at its end, the product, which SEKEM strives to integrate earth, must satisfy the customer. individual training, joint exercises can man and the environment in a sus- help promote team spirit and refine It is furthermore important that the tainable fashion. Eurythmy is contrib- social awareness. Practicing sophis- trainees do come in contact with an uting to this vision by preparing the ticated motion tasks encourage the artistic activity in the first place. Most emotional and physical basis for the individual to better understand com- students come to SEKEM from state integral development of individuals plicated procedures of individual and schools and have been accustomed to and the social groups within which social development. Mentally hygienic curricula that provide for only limited they live and work. Just as the farmer exercises help every co-worker to exposure to artistic activities. cultivates the natural world, For them the artistic process of eurythmy fosters the mental creative self-realisation turns and physical constitution of into a crucial and formative ele- man in a living environment. It ment for an individual’s person- also strengthens the individu- ality. It is amazing to witness al’s abilities to contribute to cul- how these young people visibly tural development outside of grow over time in their personal SEKEM at a later date, a capacity artistic capacities. The charac- that - especially in these times teristic forces of religious rev- of social upheaval - seems to be erence so prevalent in Egypt as of particular importance. they remain deeply rooted in the social fabric provide a very Here SEKEM is convinced that good basis eurythmy training. eu­ryth­my can make a signifi- cant contribution. It cultivates Eurythmy is of crucial importance in early childhood education. Eurythmy in Work Life the inner equilibrium of the individual as well as of the com- In daily work life eurythmy munity, because it promotes a has a variety of tasks, depending on cope better with his workload, to over- psychologically and spiritually sensi- the precise work area to which it is come fatigue in the workplace, and to tive attitude of man to the world. And it applied. For example, eurythmy can promote a greater quality of life. positively influences the atmosphere skilfully compensate for one-sided of the place where it is cultivated. movements (e.g. in a factory) through Martina Dinkel, Christoph Graf greater awareness of one’s physical Christoph Graf and Martina Dinkel are in charge composure. Monotonous movements of the activities of SEKEM’s eurythmy ensemble.

SEKEM Insight | November 2011 | Page 5 Impressions

Impressions from SEKEM

n 17 November 2011 the “dove of peace” that, in the 150th year of the birthday of Rudolf Steiner, is being awarded to pioneers of peace building and conflict resolution worldwide, was passed to Dr. O . The artist Richard Hillinger has devoted one of his bronze doves to the project. Since the 10th December 2008, the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 30 more doves “fly” as messengers of peace through the world. The project is being documented at www.richard-hill- inger.de and is being supported by 30 German museums, the German Bundestag and the Federal Chancellery. The initiative’s intention also includes the creation of a “GLOBAL ICON”, an “evocative image database”, the varied interconnections of which shall mirror the dynamics of cultural syncretism and encourage real-life interventions. „7 billion people are living in this world. I wish for all of them to have their own dove of peace”, said Dr. Abouleish at the handover.

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Lebensbaum Promotes Tajine Arabica Nominated for WFC Annual Meeting Climate Protection Demeter Product of the Year with Helmy Abouleish

Organic pioneer Lebensbaum in The collaboration product of SEKEM On 4 to 6 November the World November 2011 became the first “god- and the German organic food producer Future Council’s (WFC) council mem- father” to a peat bog in the Diepholz Lebensbaum, the spice blend Tajine bers from around the world came area (Northern Germany). With this Arabica, has recently been nominated together for the fifth Annual General new form of sponsorship the pro- for the award “Demeter Product of the Meeting in Hamburg. Helmy Abouleish ducer of organic coffee, tea and spices Year”. participated for SEKEM. In topic-spe- has begun supporting a very special, cific workshops council members, Tajine Arabica is the first Demeter- local climate and environmental pro- consultants and staff discussed the quality seasoning offering not only a tection project. The bog is located in work priorities for the coming year and high level of holistically motivated pro- close proximity to the corporate facil- approved the work program for 2012. duction quality, but also an authentic ities and forms part of a group of 14 Arabian cooking experience. The prod- other moors in a 24.000 hectare area, uct came to market in 2011 and also of which about 7.300 acres have been represents the successful global coop- rehabilitated. eration of the two Demeter partners.

Even the packaging - an attractive, round metal box - reflects the holis- tic quality of this versatile product, which is also offered at a very afford- able price. Dr. Michael Otto, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Otto GmbH & Co KG and the World Future Council Honorary Council Member, said: „In the councils of the World Future Council I meet fascinating people who are committed to the success of their The restoration of many more peat vision of a more sustainable future. I bog areas is an important contribution am pleased that the Council meeting to climate protection as drained bogs will again be held in Hamburg, a city give off large amounts of carbon diox- quickly becoming the gateway to a ide into the environment. In the case brighter future of the world.” of the Diepholz moors this amounts to 900.000 tonnes a year. The revival of Source: WFC the lowland bog is very time-consum- The seasoning, the recipe of which is ing and money-intensive. Lebensbaum based on traditional Arabic cuisine, is has committed itself to support this easy to handle and delivers an authen- work over the next three years with tic flavour. No artificial flavourings, a total amount of 70.000 euros. no flavour enhancers, and no other Masthead: „However, we do not only wish to con- additives are used in the blend. With The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to tribute money here. We are also com- cumin, onion, garlic, coriander and thank all contributors to this issue. mitted to support this project under black cumin Tajine Arabica contains a Editor: Bijan Kafi our auspices and in the long term thus mix of typical oriental spices that have Contact: bringing an innovative concept of envi- been grown in Egypt for a long time on SEKEM-Insight c/o SEKEM Holding ronmental protection to fruition,“ says a large scale and are still being used in P.O.Box 2834, El Horreya, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt Walter Ulrich, founder and CEO of the local cuisine. The carefully blended [email protected] Lebensbaum. formulation provides dishes with a Pictures: typically Middle Eastern taste experi- Pages 1,2,3: Soil & More; 4,5: SEKEM; 6: Anne Mordhorst; 7: WFC Source: Lebensbaum ence without covering the unique char- No republication without written acter of other ingredients. consent by the publisher. More information: Source: Lebensbaum ! http://www.lebensbaum.de

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