Celebrating Sustainable Gastronomy Day: A Journey from Tradition to Innovation

Sustainable Gastronomy Day, celebrated on June 18, highlights the importance of adopting sustainable practices in our culinary traditions. This day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, aims to raise awareness about the role of gastronomy in promoting sustainable development. Gastronomy, the art of food, is not just about eating; it is deeply intertwined with culture, heritage, and the environment.

The Origins and Significance of Sustainable Gastronomy Day

The establishment of Sustainable Gastronomy Day stems from a growing recognition of the need to create food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. As our global population grows, the pressure on food resources intensifies. Sustainable gastronomy emphasizes local food production, minimizes waste, and encourages the consumption of seasonal foods. It is a celebration of culinary practices that honor communities’ environment and cultural heritage.

The Mediterranean Diet: The “Queen” of Sustainable Gastronomy

The Mediterranean Diet, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, is a quintessential example of sustainable gastronomy. Rooted in the traditions of the Mediterranean basin, this diet — a real lifestyle — emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, with moderate amounts of fish and dairy and minimal red meat. This diet is healthy and environmentally sustainable due to its reliance on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Historical and Mythological Roots of the Mediterranean Diet

Elisabetta Moro, a renowned scholar on the Mediterranean Diet, provides an insightful exploration of its history and mythology. The Mediterranean Diet, or “díaita” in Greek, which means way of life, has evolved over millennia, deeply influenced by the cultural practices of ancient civilizations. The diet’s foundation is attributed to the dietary habits of ancient Greeks and Romans, who valued simplicity and balance in their meals.

In mythology, the Mediterranean Diet is linked to the Greek goddess Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, who symbolizes fertility and the earth’s nurturing. This connection underscores the diet’s emphasis on plant-based foods and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Lern more here: The Mediterranean Diet from Ancel Keys to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. A Pattern of Sustainable Development between Myth and Reality (June 2016 — Procedia — Social and Behavioral Sciences 223:655–661)

Sustainable Practices and UNESCO Recognition

The UNESCO nomination documents for the Mediterranean Diet highlight the sustainable practices embedded in this way of life. These practices include traditional farming methods, seasonal eating, and community-based food-sharing rituals. For example, in the Cilento region of Italy, the diet is a way of life that involves local food production, conserving traditional crops, and celebrating food through communal festivals.

The 2013 UNESCO updated nomination file emphasizes the Mediterranean Diet’s role in promoting biodiversity and sustaining local ecosystems. By supporting traditional farming practices and local food systems, the Mediterranean Diet contributes to preserving cultural landscapes and protecting the environment.

The Importance of Preserving and Promoting the Mediterranean Diet

In today’s fast-paced world, safeguarding the Mediterranean Diet for future generations is crucial. This diet represents a nutritional model and a cultural treasure that fosters a sense of identity and continuity among Mediterranean communities. Scientific research supports the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, linking it to reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The study published in Procedia — Social and Behavioral Sciences highlights the Mediterranean diet’s social and cultural significance. It notes that the diet’s recognition as a UNESCO cultural heritage has brought renewed attention to its role in promoting sustainable development and green economies​​. This recognition has encouraged communities to revive traditional food practices and engage in sustainable agricultural activities.

Engaging the Youth and Future Generations

Engaging younger generations is essential to ensuring the Mediterranean Diet’s longevity and scaling up its social impacts. Education and awareness campaigns can teach children and young adults about the benefits of sustainable eating and the cultural significance of the Mediterranean Diet. Schools, culinary institutions, and community organizations are pivotal in transmitting this knowledge.

Integrating modern digital tools and social media platforms can also help in spreading awareness and making the Mediterranean Diet appealing to the younger demographic. Initiatives such as cooking workshops, farm visits, and interactive educational programs can foster a deeper appreciation for this heritage.

This mission is central to the seven emblematic communities of the Mediterranean Diet: Agros (Cyprus), Brač and Hvar (Croatia), Soria (Spain), Koroni (Greece), Pollica — Cilento (Italy), Chefchaouen (Morocco), Tavira (Portugal); who are dedicated to safeguarding, promoting, and innovating within their living heritage to enhance bio-cultural diversity globally.

Pollica — Cilento, Living Proof in the Italian Emblematic Community

In the Italian emblematic community, where we have the honor of living, the proof of what we are telling lies in the beauty of our landscapes, the award-winning cleanliness of our seas, the rate of biodiversity preserved, the vitality of our soils, and the longevity of our citizens. This is proven evidence that where there is sustainable gastronomy and protection of living heritage, there is a future and prosperity.

Key Messages for Sustainable Gastronomy

To truly embrace and promote sustainable gastronomy, we need to focus on three key areas:

1. More Farmers Markets: Shortening the food supply chain by increasing the number of farmers markets connects people directly with their food source. This not only supports local farmers but also fosters a sense of community and awareness about the origins of our food.
2. More Agri-Chef Ambassadors: We need more agri-chef ambassadors who are role models and educators, inspiring us to eat local and seasonal foods. These ambassadors play a crucial role in demonstrating how sustainable practices can be integrated into everyday cooking, making sustainability accessible and appealing.
3. Safeguard, Transfer, and Innovate within Living Heritages: It’s essential to protect and enhance bio-cultural diversity by safeguarding traditional practices, ensuring their Transfer to future generations, and fostering innovation within these living heritages. This approach ensures that sustainable gastronomy evolves while remaining rooted in cultural traditions.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between food, culture, and the environment. The Mediterranean Diet exemplifies sustainable gastronomy, offering a blueprint for how we can nourish our bodies while respecting our planet. By preserving and promoting this dietary heritage, we contribute to a sustainable future where food traditions continue to thrive and nourish generations to come.

Come and see! The Lands of the Mediterranean Diet are waiting for you!

The Future Food Institute is an international social enterprise and the cornerstone of the Future Food Ecosystem, a collection of research labs, partnerships, initiatives, platforms, networks, entrepreneurial projects, and academic programs. Our mission is to build a more equitable world by enlightening a world-class breed of innovators, boosting entrepreneurial potential, and improving agri-food expertise and tradition.

Future Food Institute advocates for positive change through initiatives in Waste & Circular Systems, Water Safety & Security, Climate, Earth Regeneration, Mediterranean Foodscape, Nutrition for All, Humana Communitas, and Cities of the Future. We aim to catalyze progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting integral ecology and human development.

Central to our mission is the Paideia Campus in Pollica, where we explore the Mediterranean Diet not just as a nutritional model but as a lifestyle deeply rooted in cultural and ecological values. Our programs at Paideia Campus foster integral ecological development and educate future leaders in sustainability, connecting the rich traditions of the Mediterranean with innovative solutions for global challenges.

Learn more at www.futurefoodinstitute.org, and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Or attend a program through the FutureFood.Academy!