Nr. 153 - June 2015
Sustainability
SEKEM Co-Workers Present Themselves
Editorial Dear Readers, SEKEM has been publishing its annual “Sustainability Report” for eight years now. There is, in fact, a team at SEKEM that dedicates itself to the publication of not only this but many other documents of this kind.
Bio-Dynamics
Demeter International Visits SEKEM
Lebensbaum
Foundation Supports SEKEM’s Work
On a Mission for a Sustainable Egypt: SEKEM’s Sustainability Team The members of SEKEM’s “Sustainability Team” are working on a large number of exciting projects that focus on the central mission of the initiative: boosting sustainability business practice in Egypt and abroad.
The members of the “Sustainability Team” have changed over the past years, but they have remained committed to developing, documenting and communicating SEKEM’s efforts in the field as widely as possible. The team has often attracted members from Europe who wished to contribute not only to SEKEM’s cause for a few years, but also because they saw an opportunity to assist other Egyptian enterprises on their road to greener business. Apart from the production of the annual report and consultancy to other ventures, the team’s tasks include other activities to which we introduce you in this issue. You will also learn more about the visit of 31 Demeter delegates to SEKEM and the awarding of the Golden Diploma of the Graz University of Technology to Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish.
Your Team of Editors Find SEKEM also on the Internet at:
SEKEM’s „Sustainability Team“: Naglaa Ahmed, Helmy Mohamed, Thoraya Seada, Heba Askar, Maximilian Abouleish-Boes and Dalia Abdou (f.l.t.r.)
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A sustainable approach to agriculture is vital to the future of Egypt and the region. We can build up the quality of soil, improve water use and build stronger community relations, but a sustainable way of financing these new models is also a priority.” This statement by Helmy Abouleish was recently published in the latest issue of the “Earth Security Index 2015”. The study seeks to show practical ways of how to deal with the increasing global resource insecurity. Paraphrasing
SEKEM’s intentions, Helmy Abouleish outlined its vision of a greener future. The Waters of the Nile are not Inexhaustible The study is published annually by the Earth Security Group, an independent think tank that supports companies and governments in the drafting of response plans to the growing global threat to their natural environments. This year SEKEM Insight | June 2015 | Page 1
Economy
SEKEM’s Department for Sustainable Development has contributed to it for the second time with an extensive section on the common interests of countries along the Nile with regard to their food security. The team is led by Maximilian Abouleish-Boes and consists of five professionals: Thoraya Seada, engineer and project manager, Dalia Abdou, analyst, Naglaa Ahmed, marketing specialist, and Heba Askar, an economist. Heba also takes care of public relations. Helmy Mohamed, a former SEKEM student, is also a part of the young group and in charge of data analysis. The team’s mandate is to research topics and consult SEKEM and other enterprises as well as carry out projects and engage in events. Abouleish-Boes and his team have to deal with the most important aspects of sustainability at SEKEM in its four dimensions of activity on a daily basis: economy, ecology, culture, and social affairs.
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The countries neighbouring the Nile must face their water challenge together.
Egypt‘s Challenges The main ecological problem Egypt and its neighbours are presently facing is the scarcity of their natural water resources. The Nile does not supply enough water to secure the food supply for the growing populations of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the coming decades. In addition, Egypt has very little arable ground and is therefore notoriously dependent on the import of food. The authors of the Earth Security Index deem it necessary that the Nile riparian countries support each other in their efforts to improve agricultural production techniques. They shall also address the issue of water scarcity together and assist each other in dealing with it systematically and in a sustainable fashion. Research and Evaluation In addition to the Earth Security analysis, SEKEM’s sustainability team has
At SEKEM, sustainability does not only mean to protect the flourishing of natural flora and fauna or of the environment of life and work – here, the wellbeing of man and nature truly go hand in hand.
also recently been involved in an environmental impact study, which was conducted on behalf of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The “Green Economy Scoping Study for Egypt“ looks at the current situation of local markets and intends to support the change of consumption and production patterns to a greener economy. Specifically, SEKEM has contributed data on organic agriculture to the study. For example, recent decades saw a strong increase in organic farms in Egypt who nevertheless rarely focus on the nutritional needs of Egyptians themselves. In the future, local interest in organic products is expected to rise significantly due to greater efforts for the promotion and marketing of organic foodstuffs. The notion that more sustainable production techniques are seeing a boost in Egypt is also supported by the fact that Egyptian farmers witnessed a sharp decline in the use of pesticides over the past few years. In the early 1990ies, about 30,000 tonnes of chemical pesticides were still used every year. Today local farmers get along with a tenth of that quantity. “While this is obviously a great success, it is still far from being satisfactory: Egypt remains one of the countries
in the world that use the most fertilizers”, explains Maximilian Abouleish-Boes. Last but not least, the sustainability department is currently updating the well-known “100% Organic” study for Egypt. This study was originally published by SEKEM’s partner company Soil & More several years ago and compares the true production costs of products from organic and conventionally grown crops. It convincingly argues that conventionally grown food will be more expensive to produce in the future as food from organic farming. It does so with several case studies that reveal the actual production costs such as when the cost of CO2 emissions, soil pollution or subsidies are included in the calculation. Together with the Heliopolis University, the team also carries out a number of research projects and ensures that their results are transformed into actual business practice. Coordination and Communication “We do not only do research and compile facts. We are also responsible for the organisation and communication of concrete development projects”, AbouleishBoes adds. Since recently, these include Continued from page 3
SEKEM Insight | June 2015 | Page 2
Social Demeter International Delegates Meet at SEKEM 31 delegates from 16 countries recently met at SEKEM in the framework of the annual members convention of the international association of Biodynamic farmers. It was all about the future of Demeter agriculture. Continued from page 2
have to work with commercial fertilizers. Demeter in Egypt in 2020 Helmy Abouleish, who has been involved in Demeter International since 1997, presented SEKEM’s vision for Demeter in Egypt in 2020. It includes four sectors: training, research and develop-
31 delegates from 16 countries recently arrived at SEKEM to discuss the future of Demeter.
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The Soul Qualities in Bio-dynamic Agriculture” was the slogan of the 19th Demeter International Conference that recently took place at SEKEM. 31 delegates from 16 countries visited the farm to discuss the future of Demeter and the importance of animals in farming.
The Soul of the Farm Organism “How can we accompany the animals with dignity into the future?” was the core question of the participants that guided the discussions. From 6 to 11 June, the Demeter International members saw in SEKEM how animal husbandry is adapted to a desert environment. It was also discussed how bio-dynamic farming with its preparations and organic approach to farming can offer solutions for extreme climate conditions. “Animals contribute enormously to the soul of the farm organism”, Demeter International stated. Studies show that the humus content of the soil increases
in the presence of animal manure. On the other hand, farms who do not engage in husbandry face decreasing yields or
ment, a focus on regionalism, and advocacy. Hence, there is the plan to offer a university course as well as training in bio-dynamic agriculture at SEKEM’s Vocational Training Centre. Above all else, SEKEM intends to strengthen research projects that support the significance of bio-dynamic food production, for instance through “True Cost Accounting” that reveals the true prices of organic food. Furthermore, SEKEM aims to cultivate three times as much area using bio-dynamic methods by the year 2020 than it does now. Aside from a tough discussion and workshop agenda, the Demeter members attended “spiritual contributions” with Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish in the mornings. The SEKEM founder specifically spoke about the compatibility of Islam and bio-dynamic agriculture. SEKEM as an Inspiration As the Demeter International conference had already met in SEKEM in 1998, all participants were impressed to see the development of the initiative. “They left with confidence and told us that it was very motivating to see that even in the challenging circumstances in Egypt, SEKEM has succeeded in achieving so much”, Angela Hofmann, SEKEM coworker and one of the event’s organizer proudly exclaimed when the group left.
various initiatives in the field of renewable energies. The issue of renewable energy production is held dear by many in SEKEM in times when the use of fossil fuels gets increasingly harder to justify. Recently, the initiative put the most powerful solar water pump in Egypt in operation (see SEKEM Insight 04.2015). Applicable Research for True Developmental Challenges To further applicable research that responds to actual development requirements has traditionally been SEKEM’s core concern in the field of scientific work. The data to produce the report that documents the efforts of SEKEM in sustainable development is collected and evaluated at regular intervals by the “Sustainability Team”, too. “We have to constantly rethink the way we communicate the research that we do and the data that we collect. A particular challenge here are our activities in the fields of culture and social affairs”, says Maximilian Abouleish-Boes. “Within the SEKEM community these two dimensions enjoy the same status as economic and ecological activities, but they cannot as easy be conveyed through numbers alone.“ Presently, SEKEM’s group of young researchers is investigating developments that need more constant observation than the annual report, such as an updated version of the “100% Organic” study that is due to arrive soon. “We can already reveal that its predictions indeed seem to come true as we could confirm them in most cases. Growing organic crops will be more cost-efficient and competitive in the future, than conventional farming.”
You can visit SEKEM yourself:
www.SEKEM-reisen.de
Christine Arlt
Christine Arlt
SEKEM Insight | June 2015 | Page 3
Social
People in SEKEM: Magda Ibrahim Ali Magda Ibrahim Ali works at SEKEM’s largest enterprise. She particularly enjoys the cultural and social elements of the initiative.
woman arrives together with many of her colleagues by bus from Belbeis, a major city in SEKEM’s surroundings. Magda has three sisters and three brothers and lives with her mother. Two of her sisters are also employed: “This is entirely normal for us at home – until we get married”, says Magda. “I am now
Magda Ibrahim Ali works in production at ISIS.
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I especially enjoy the staff circle in the morning”, says Magda Ibrahim Ali. “It is nice to see all the colleagues and listen to what they have worked on over the recent days.” The young member of the staff of SEKEM’s company ISIS refers to its well-known morning circles, at which all employees gather and recite a parable by Rudolf Steiner together as they hold hands. Some then tell the others of their latest work.
„Here at SEKEM, the circles not only mean to symbolise the traditional sign of unity. They also demonstrate that everyone is treated with respect. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish and Helmy even bid farewell to all members of the SEKEM staff for the weekend every Thursday, personally shaking their hands”, the 24-yearold adds. Magda started to work for ISIS in the production and packaging of dates right after school. ISIS handles the processing of fresh produce. That was seven years ago. Magda still enjoys being a part of the team at SEKEM’s largest company. Every morning the modest young
engaged, but it would still be important to me to remain employed even after marriage.” Keeping busy and realising her goals is obviously a big ideal of hers: “I do not know yet if that may be possible. I will join my future husband in Cairo and then he will decide for us. But I certainly do not wish to sit idly at home all day.” After work, Magda often remains busy even in her own home. She either cooks for her family or stands behind the counter of her small supermarket, which she operates with her siblings just outside their front door. “I have not learned a real job after school, but started to work right away. Therefore, while I have plenty of experience in the field of my occupation, there are few job opportunities actually open to me. If I have children later, I wish that they may receive a better education than I had – for example, here at the SEKEM School”, Magda adds.
German Lebensbaum Foundation Supports SEKEM’s Education Work
T
he German Lebensbaum Foundation has donated 5,000 Euros to the SEKEM School and is also supporting two students of the Heliopolis University through scholarships. “We are extremely grateful to our friends at Lebensbaum for the support they are lending our concern to promote equal education opportunities for everyone”, Helmy Abouleish, CEO of the SEKEM Group, comments
The funds given to the school will benefit families whose social situation does not allow them to pay school fees for their children. While the state schools in Egypt offer each child free education, they are usually extremely overcrowded. Satisfactory education is commonly available to children only through private schools. These, however, are typically not affordable for most Egyptians.
I particularly like my workplace at ISIS for the many cultural and social activities that are regularly integrated into the daily work of us co-workers: “I always participate in one of the painting courses, because I enjoy it so much. The experience of handling the tools and the variety of colours stimulate my imagina-
The SEKEM Initiative seeks to promote social justice by offering young boys and girls alike, who come from the surrounding areas, a holistic school education. For this programme, SEKEM
Christine Arlt
Christine Arlt
tion. They also free myself from negative thoughts I might have. I am always very relaxed and feel more balanced when I return to my work after such a course.”
is in need of support. The grant from the Lebensbaum Foundation will give even more children of such families the opportunity to visit the SEKEM School.
You can visit SEKEM yourself:
www.SEKEM-reisen.de
SEKEM Insight | June 2015 | Page 4
Impressions
Impressions from SEKEM
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s every year, just before the fasting month of Ramadan begins, a large soccer tournament is organised in SEKEM. For one month, visitors may watch exciting games between the teams of various SEKEM firms and other co-workers three times a week. They are carried out on the grounds of the Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development. In addition to the individual companies, each of which field teams including, for instance, staff members from accounting or sales, the SEKEM farm’s security personnel or agricultural workers also combine forces in a team. Great joy, enthusiasm and verve ruled on the playground for the entire month. Eventually, the team of Mizan (SEKEM’s company for organic seedlings and grafting plants) won the tournament. Its staff were rewarded with the coveted trophy, gold medals, and vouchers for SEKEM’s own Organic & More shop. The team of SEKEM Holding came in second and the bronze medal was taken by the ISIS team of the SEKEM main farm. They all received their awards out of the hands of Dr. Mamdouh Abouleish (CEO of ISIS) and the Samar Gamil (Head of Human Resources at the SEKEM Group).
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News in Brief
Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish Receives Golden Diploma from TU Graz
SEKEM Day 2015 Again a Resounding Success
SEKEM Energy Nominated for TRIGOS Award 2015
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nce again, the annual SEKEM Day was held in Stuttgart and it deeply touched the eyes, ears, and minds of all SEKEM friends and supporters present at the event. As an introduction, the „Free Eurythmy Ensemble Freiburg“ performed together with Mona Abouleish and two other musicians and the poem „Nations of the Earth“ by Nelly Sachs was recited as well as also put in motion by the eurythmists.
Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish receives the Golden Diploma from the University of Technology Graz.
I
n a long-standing tradition, the University of Technology Graz, Austria every year honours those graduates who have earned their degree 50 years ago at the institution. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish had studied chemical engineering at Graz. Pursuant to a decision of the rectorate and on the recommendation of the senate, he was also awarded the Golden Diploma on 21 May 2015. During their decision-making process, jury members have to weigh if the renewal of the original diploma is justified either by a continuously close connection to the Technical University of Graz, specific scientific merits, or outstanding professional achievements.
The deed was officially presented to Dr. Abouleish during a festive ceremony. He also spoke on the occasion of an anniversary event of alumnae of the TU Graz. Five years ago, Dr. Abouleish had already received an honorary doctorate from the university. To date, he remains closely connected to his Alma Mater through numerous research projects in which he has participated. Christine Arlt, Regina Hanel
The topic “Social Responsibility in Action” had been chosen as the motto for the event. The participants were thus eager to learn more about concrete steps toward the development of a contemporary social culture, specifically from the guest of honour, Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish. After the regularities of the annual general meeting of the association of SEKEM Friends in Germany had been completed, Dr. Abouleish took to the stage to speak about the “SEKEM Vision”. He employed the image of brotherhood to outline an impressive sketch that succeeded in demonstrating how conscious interaction between economic an cultural actors can help a society flourish in a way that lets its impact transcend its local sphere. It became clear that the SEKEM vision has visibly personified in the people that today make up the SEKEM institutions and that it had thus been transformed into a “SEKEM Symphony” which may be heard in many other places worldwide. The afternoon discussion forum of the conference chaired by Dr. Martin Kilgus spanned a diverse set of topics and included, besides Dr. Abouleish, Alexandra Wandel (World Future Council), Dr. Albert Schmelzer (Alanus University) and Dr. Bruno Sandkühler. The musical finale was carried out by the musician couple of Mrs. and Mr. Gleissner who performed the A-major cello sonata by Ludwig v. Beethoven.
EKEM Energy is a partner of the Austrian Development Cooperation Agency (ADA) and has been nominated for the TRIGOS Award. The prestigious award assesses how companies fulfil their social responsibility and incorporate it strategically in all areas of their business activities. The ADA works with SEKEM Energy in the field of solar heating in Egypt. Solar energy generation has been on the rise for some time in the country and SEKEM Energy and the ADA collaborate to promote it as a cost-efficient sources of energy. Due to its plenty of sun, solar water heating appears to have a secure future in Egypt. The working group initiated by SEKEM Energy is committed to cooperating with local research facilities for the dissemination of this clean technology. High-quality collector systems are produced in Egypt using local raw materials and production capacities. Plants are built and constructed in cooperation with the Heliopolis University who is aiming to launch a state-approved training course for solar technicians . This ensures that local experts can develop and maintain the systems. Source: ADA
Masthead: The editors of SEKEM Insight wish to thank all contributors to this issue. Editors: Bijan Kafi (Chief Editor), Christine Arlt (Cairo Correspondent) Contact: SEKEM-Insight Gotzkowskystr. 15 10555 Berlin Germany bijan.kafi@SEKEM.com Pictures: 2,3: Demeter International; 4: Christine Arlt; 1, 5: SEKEM; 6: TU Graz No republication without written consent by the publisher.
Dr. Ulrich Väth
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