The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognized SEKEM as one of its 2024 Champions of the Earth in the “Entrepreneurial Vision” category. As the only laureate from Africa and the Middle East to make this year’s list, SEKEM is proud to have earned this prestigious designation for its innovative work in combating land degradation and drought through biodynamic agriculture.

Founded by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish in 1977, SEKEM turned a barren Egyptian desert into a hub of sustainable development. By integrating biodynamic farming with social and cultural initiatives, SEKEM has grown into a network of companies, NGOs, and educational institutions. The organization also owns and operates a medical center that caters to the local community. In partnership with the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA), SEKEM is working to support 40,000 farmers during their transition to organic and biodynamic farming practices by the end of 2025, while adopting its ‘ Economy of Love’ (EoL) certification standard, which champions biodiversity, eco-friendly production, and fair livelihoods for farmers.

SEKEM’s pioneering (EoL) model addresses pressing global issues like desertification and climate change by restoring soil health, optimizing water use, and empowering communities. EoL’s holistic approach underscores the role biodynamic agriculture plays in building climate-resilient ecosystems and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

SEKEM joins a prestigious group of laureates, including Brazil’s Sonia Guajajara for her advocacy for Indigenous rights, Romania’s Gabriel Paun for protecting Europe’s last old-growth forests, and China’s Lu Qi for reversing desertification.

With 3.2 bn people at risk from desertification and over 75% of the global population expected to face droughts by 2050, organizations like SEKEM demonstrate how sustainable agriculture can combat these challenges while fostering environmental and social resilience.

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