SEKEM Insight 06.15 EN

Nr. 153 - June 2015

SEKEM Insight | June 2015 | Page 1

Dear Readers,SEKEM has been publishing its annual “Sustainability Report” for eight years now. There is, in fact, a team at SEKEM that ded-icates itself to the publication of not only this but many other documents of this kind.

The members of the “Sustaina-bility Team” have changed over the past years, but they have remained committed to devel-oping, documenting and com-municating 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 Tech-nology to Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish.

Editorial

Your Team of Editors

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.

SustainabilitySEKEM Co-Workers Present Themselves

Bio-DynamicsDemeter International Visits SEKEM

LebensbaumFoundation Supports SEKEM’s Work

Find SEKEM also on the Internet at:

“ 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’s „Sustainability Team“: Naglaa Ahmed, Helmy Mohamed, Thoraya Seada, Heba Askar, Maximilian Abouleish-Boes and Dalia Abdou (f.l.t.r.)


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, ana-lyst, Naglaa Ahmed, marketing special-ist, 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 man-date 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 dimen-sions of activity on a daily basis: econ-omy, ecology, culture, and social affairs.

Egypt‘s Challenges

The main ecological problem Egypt and its neighbours are presently fac-ing is the scarcity of their natural water resources. The Nile does not supply enough water to secure the food sup-ply for the growing populations of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan over the coming decades. In addition, Egypt has very lit-tle arable ground and is therefore noto-riously dependent on the import of food. The authors of the Earth Security Index deem it necessary that the Nile ripar-ian countries support each other in their efforts to improve agricultural produc-tion techniques. They shall also address the issue of water scarcity together and assist each other in dealing with it sys-tematically and in a sustainable fashion.

Research and Evaluation

In addition to the Earth Security anal-ysis, SEKEM’s sustainability team has

also recently been involved in an envi-ronmental impact study, which was con-ducted 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 contrib-uted 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 pro-duction 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 pesti-cides 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 satisfac-tory: Egypt remains one of the countries

in the world that use the most fertilizers”, explains Maximilian Abouleish-Boes.

Last but not least, the sustainabil-ity department is currently updating the well-known “100% Organic” study for Egypt. This study was originally pub-lished by SEKEM’s partner company Soil & More several years ago and com-pares the true production costs of prod-ucts 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 pollu-tion 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 busi-ness practice.

Coordination and Communication

“We do not only do research and com-pile facts. We are also responsible for the organisation and communication of con-crete development projects”, Abouleish-Boes adds. Since recently, these include

The countries neighbouring the Nile must face their water challenge together.

„

Continued from page 3

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.


Social

“The Soul Qualities in Bio-dynamic Agriculture” was the slogan of the 19th

Demeter International Conference that recently took place at SEKEM. 31 dele-gates 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 farm-ing 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

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-ment, a focus on regionalism, and advo-cacy. 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 sig-nificance of bio-dynamic food produc-tion, 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 mem-bers attended “spiritual contributions” with Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish in the morn-ings. The SEKEM founder specifically spoke about the compatibility of Islam and bio-dynamic agriculture.

SEKEM as an Inspiration

As the Demeter International confer-ence 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 co-worker and one of the event’s organizer proudly exclaimed when the group left.

Christine ArltYou can visit SEKEM yourself:www.SEKEM-reisen.de

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.

various initiatives in the field of renew-able 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 pow-erful solar water pump in Egypt in opera-tion (see SEKEM Insight 04.2015).

Applicable Research for True Developmental Challenges

To further applicable research that responds to actual development require-ments 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 com-municate 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 dimen-sions enjoy the same status as eco-nomic and ecological activities, but they cannot as easy be conveyed through numbers alone.“

Presently, SEKEM’s group of young researchers is investigating develop-ments that need more constant obser-vation 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 conven-tional farming.”

Christine Arlt

Continued from page 2

31 delegates from 16 countries recently arrived at SEKEM to discuss the future of Demeter.


Social

“ I especially enjoy the staff circle in the morning”, says Magda Ibrahim Ali. “It

is nice to see all the colleagues and lis-ten 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 para-ble 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 every-one is treated with respect. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish and Helmy even bid farewell to all members of the SEKEM staff for the weekend every Thursday, person-ally shaking their hands”, the 24-year-old adds.

Magda started to work for ISIS in the production and packaging of dates right after school. ISIS handles the process-ing of fresh produce. That was seven years ago. Magda still enjoys being a part of the team at SEKEM’s largest com-pany. Every morning the modest young

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 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 coun-ter 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 educa-tion than I had – for example, here at the SEKEM School”, Magda adds.

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-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.”

Christine ArltYou can visit SEKEM yourself:www.SEKEM-reisen.de

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.

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 con-cern to promote equal education oppor-tunities for everyone”, Helmy Abouleish, CEO of the SEKEM Group, comments

The funds given to the school will ben-efit 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.

The SEKEM Initiative seeks to pro-mote social justice by offering young boys and girls alike, who come from the surrounding areas, a holistic school education. For this programme, SEKEM 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.

Christine Arlt

German Lebensbaum Foundation Supports SEKEM’s Education Work

Magda Ibrahim Ali works in production at ISIS.


Impressions from SEKEM

Impressions

A 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 com-panies, 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).


News in Brief

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-InsightGotzkowskystr. 1510555 BerlinGermany [email protected]

Pictures:2,3: Demeter International; 4: Christine Arlt; 1, 5: SEKEM; 6: TU Graz

No republication without written consent by the publisher.

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 rec-torate and on the recommendation of the senate, he was also awarded the Golden Diploma on 21 May 2015.

During their decision-making pro-cess, jury members have to weigh if the renewal of the original diploma is justi-fied either by a continuously close con-nection to the Technical University of Graz, specific scientific merits, or out-standing professional achievements.

The deed was officially presented to Dr. Abouleish during a festive ceremony. He also spoke on the occasion of an anni-versary 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

S 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 incorpo-rate 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 pro-mote 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 coop-erating with local research facilities for the dissemination of this clean technol-ogy. High-quality collector systems are produced in Egypt using local raw mate-rials and production capacities. Plants are built and constructed in coopera-tion with the Heliopolis University who is aiming to launch a state-approved train-ing course for solar technicians . This ensures that local experts can develop and maintain the systems.

Source: ADA

SEKEM Energy Nominated for TRIGOS Award 2015

SEKEM Day 2015 Again a Resounding Success

Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish Receives Golden Diploma from TU Graz

O 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 pre-sent at the event. As an introduction, the „Free Eurythmy Ensemble Freiburg“ per-formed 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.

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 con-temporary social culture, specifically from the guest of honour, Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish. After the regularities of the annual general meeting of the associa-tion 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 broth-erhood to outline an impressive sketch that succeeded in demonstrating how conscious interaction between eco-nomic an cultural actors can help a soci-ety flourish in a way that lets its impact transcend its local sphere. It became clear that the SEKEM vision has visi-bly 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.

Dr. Ulrich Väth

Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish receives the Golden Diploma from the University of Technology Graz.

SEKEM Insight 06.15 EN

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