Opportunities for Horticulture and Horticultural Science in a Global Context
Jozef Van Assche, Executive Director of the International Society for Horticultural Science, delivered an invited speech in Bloemfontein, South Africa (University of the Free State) on the occasion of the SASHS Combined Congress 2010 from January 18-21, 2010.
Abstract: It seems that the new model ‘Cradle to Cradle’ (C2C) of the US Designer, William McDonough, and German Chemist, Michael Braungart, is quickly conquering our world of horticulture and horticultural science (1). The growing knowledge of the living earth, its opportunities and chances, its limitations and restrictions are inviting our professional sector and research community to re-invent the human industry of horticulture. The challenge for scientists and stakeholders in horticulture and horticultural science in the coming decade will be to again ‘upload’ the word horticulture, a word with content probably as old as mankind.
Our colleagues of the year 2012 ‘Floriade’ exhibition in The Netherlands have recently simplified the C2C model into five themes, addressing horticulture as Relax and Heal (Well-being), Green Engine for Economy (Sustainability), Education and Innovation (Future), Environment (Quality of Life) and World Show Stage (Cultural BioDiversity).
I will give a glimpse of the issues that horticulture and horticultural science are facing in view of the above themes. Secondly, a number of topics in relation to the growing importance of horticulture will be discussed. And finally, comments on the positions and answers of the various stakeholders, including the reshaping of the International Society for Horticultural Science in this global context will be presented.
The application to horticulture of the C2C paradigm by the ‘Floriade’ provides a clear illustration of the potential of horticulture to contribute to the future sustainability and prosperity of humankind.
References: (1) Cradle to Cradle – Remaking the Way we make things by William Mc.Donough & Michael Braungart, Nort Point Press, 2002.
Download the presentation from SlideShare at http://www.slideshare.net/ISHS
Posted: February 3rd, 2010 under ISHS Board, Non-ISHS Meetings.