by HRH Prince Friso and HRH Prince Constantijn

Honorary Chairmen of the Prince Claus Fund

Culture and nature are the two main forces that have driven the evolution of mankind and they are fundamental for human development. During recent centuries the dynamic balance between these drivers has been disrupted, resulting in a situation where mankind increasingly damages nature, resulting in detrimental consequences for humanity itself, and all else that makes our planet such a unique place in the universe.

As we write this foreword, man and nature are heading for an important moment, as important decisions are to be taken at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen to achieve stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level low enough to prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The Fund’s choice for this year’s theme could not have been more timely and relevant.

Our intention in selecting Culture and Nature as this year’s theme was to highlight the urgent need for reciprocity between these two basic forces of human existence. The 2009 Prince Claus Laureates are outstanding cultural practitioners whose innovative work seeks to re-orient and alter our attitudes to the natural environments in which we live.

The Principal Prince Claus Laureate for 2009 is Colombian architect Simón Vélez. Over many years of research, technical experiments and practical implemen tation, Vélez has achieved an ecologically sound construction system that has profound implications for culture, the environment and development, particularly in those areas of the world where the majority of the human population lives. His solution demonstrates an ideal partnership between culture and nature. Both practical and beautiful, it combines the use of bamboo – a material that allows for sustainable cultivation – with scientifi c innovation and aesthetic principles, resulting in social, economic and environmental benefi ts. His work highlights the potential of local solutions and the importance of respect for local diversity – both botanical and cultural – in global human development.

The link between climate, natural materials and the form and content of cultural productions is clearly demonstrated in the domestic art of cooking. 2009 Laureate Gastón Acurio is a master chef whose renewal and promotion of traditional Peruvian cuisine shows us the profound impact of nature both on personal identity and on a country’s social, economic and ecological development. In contrast, the appalling degradation that results from irresponsible exploitation of natural resources is revealed in the powerful photographic collages of Congolese Laureate Sammy Baloji. An alternative vision is offered in the striking paintings of Indian Laureate Jivya Soma Mashe, evoking the more harmonious relationship between man and nature practised in at least some pre-industrial farming systems around the globe. His work calls our attention to vernacular philosophies – often considered ‘out of date’ – as a potent source of ecological solutions.

The ‘waste sculptures’ and educational practice of Nigerian Laureate El Anatsui, and the meditative installations of Chinese Laureate Liang Shaoji, reinterpret and represent diverse natural metaphors. They give fresh insight and understandings of the commonalities human beings share with all nature’s elements.

In their distinct and innovative ways, the 2009 Prince Claus Laureates highlight our close ties to the environment. They work with natural resources to stimulate sustainable forms of development and help to build societies that nurture positive relations with nature. The Prince Claus Fund is proud to present the 2009 Prince Claus Laureates, and we support their calls for the sustainable development of mankind and our beautiful, but vulnerable planet.