Let’s explore the wonders of The Eden Project. Located in Cornwall, England, the Eden Project consists of two enormous domes that were no easy feat to build. These structures, which resemble futuristic terraforming structures and are reminiscent of designs during the atomic era, may one day grace Mars or the Moon. The largest of the domes, the “Humid Tropics Biome”, stands at an enormous 55 meters tall and 110 meters wide. It is large enough to contain an entire tropical rainforest ecosystem with plants from South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Visitors can follow winding paths and witness the natural beauty of the rainforest. The smaller dome holds a Mediterranean ecosystem with plants and animals from Spain and Greece. A dome-wall surrounds the third and final biome, an outdoor botanical garden filled with a variety of plants native to England.
A Beautiful Facility with a High Price Tag
The Eden Project was an ambitious endeavor that cost over $300 million USD to build and maintain since its creation in the year 2000. The facility earns a majority of its income through guest visits, but it also stays afloat through government subsidies and tax write-offs. The current price for tickets to enter the gardens is $32 USD per person. According to reviews, visitors can spend an entire day admiring the natural splendor in the domes without realizing how quickly the time has passed. Visitors can see and interact with small animals such as exotic lizards and birds native to the environments contained within the domes. The Eden Project also offers classes for people of all ages and skill levels who wish to learn more about plant growth and environmental sustainability.
Promoting Environmental Conservation
The owners of The Eden Project are interested in making money, but they also have a strong desire to promote environmental conservation. This idea is demonstrated by the location of the project itself, which was constructed inside an abandoned clay pit that was once excavated to create fine China. By building their domes there, the designers turned an empty eyesore into a modern wonder. Each dome manages to both beautify the surrounding areas while also attracting a huge number of tourists to the region. Most estimates claim that this facility has created more than $1 billion USD in wealth for the region since its founding, much of that coming from out-of-town visitors.
Expanding The Vision
Initially planned to contain the aforementioned domes and botanical garden, owners and investors have since expanded their vision. With another structure currently under construction along the coastline of England to exemplify the natural marine life located there, and more than five other sites in the planning stage, it’s clear that there is huge potential for both business and conservation. A geothermal energy plant is also under construction near the original Eden Project, subsidized by the UK government to supply energy to the structure and the various growing neighborhoods located nearby.
Government Funding and Private Investment
The Eden Project’s success has inspired several governments around the world to create their own versions of the dome conservatory design. However, critics question the use of federal money to build relatively unimportant structures compared to larger societal issues such as education and healthcare. Private investors may fund these projects, but another issue may arise: how can these gardens compete with the more traditional zoos found around the world? The Eden Project has not been significantly affected by this problem, but the results may be different in other areas.
Conclusion
The Eden Project is a beautiful facility that almost any nature lover could find pleasure in. It promotes environmental conservation while attracting a significant amount of revenue to the region. The success of this facility has led to the expansion of its vision and the development of other sites. While there are concerns about government funding and private investment in similar projects, The Eden Project serves as a testament to the power of human creativity and the potential for sustainable growth.
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