Prime Minister Gordon Brown fulfilled a long-held ambition on Friday when he visited Eden for the first time, describing the project as a "world landmark".
Mr Brown saw how the home of the famous Biomes near St Austell in Cornwall operates as a social enterprise and wealth generator for the region.
The Prime Minister enjoyed a busy tour, visiting the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes and the Core Education Centre, where he met a group of staff and reception children from the nearby Tywardreath Primary School.
His visit was hosted by Eden chief executive Tim Smit, who sits on the Council on Social Action chaired by Mr Brown, and Eden's managing director Gaynor Coley, and he was accompanied by Ben Bradshaw, Minister for the South West.
Afterwards, Mr Smit said: "It was great to have the Prime Minister here and see him in such a relaxed mood, going out of his way to say 'hi' to visitors and staff. He was bowled by the reception he received."
Mr Coley added: "Mr Brown was very engaged with the values of Eden. He was quite excited by the prospect of getting a whole new generation of talent behind the environmental and social challenges we face."
Mr Brown's visit was the first stop on a three-stage tour of the South West.
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