Food is more than nourishment, it is memory, landscape, identity and the possibility to regenerate a region. During a dynamic tutorial on Stakeholder Involvement for members of the World Region of Gastronomy Platform, Jaume Gomila, IGCAT Vice-President, invited members to reflect on how shared ideas can translate into lasting impact. How can regions build alliances that are not symbolic, but structural? How can collaboration across public institutions, private enterprise, civil society and academia lead to tangible transformation on the ground? The conversation moved from principle to practice, offering concrete approaches for turning dialogue into action.
At the core of the exchange was a fundamental challenge: how to connect public, private, third sector and academic stakeholders within a strong and coherent governance structure capable of delivering real solutions for the region. The focus was not simply on cooperation, but on designing systems where responsibilities are shared, trust is built, and long-term vision replaces short-term projects. Members explored how inclusive governance models, aligned with IGCAT’s values and practices, can create the conditions for meaningful and regenerative change.
Jaume Gomila placed particular emphasis on regeneration in this online webinar, noting the benefits of being a European or World Region of Gastronomy to align and strengthen the region from an environmental, cultural, social and economic perspective. Gastronomy, he stressed, must not only sustain, but actively restore. It should revive biodiversity, protect landscapes, revalue local knowledge, strengthen community bonds and renew regional ecosystems. In this vision, food becomes both catalyst and compass: a regenerative force capable of guiding regions toward resilience, wellbeing and systemic transformation.
Drawing from his experience with Menorca European Region of Gastronomy 2022, Jaume shared concrete examples of how local engagement can be mobilised effectively. His insights offered practical inspiration for regions navigating the complexities of multi-stakeholder involvement, demonstrating that successful governance grows from local perspectives, deep community understanding and clearly demonstrated social, environmental and economic benefits.
Present in the session were representatives from: South Aegean, European Region of Gastronomy 2019; Trondheim-Trøndelag, Eur
IGCAT sincerely thanks Jaume Gomila and all members for their commitment, openness and drive. Together, the World Region of Gastronomy Platform continues to shape governance models where gastronomy is not only celebrated, but mobilised as a regenerative force for resilient regions and hopeful futures.
27 February 2026
