About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets. This is essential to balance against globalised food trends that are impacting on our planet, health and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012 working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT believes that today’s exciting developments are where convergence is happening in gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. When the conversation is extended to agriculture, health and education we can find development solutions for many regions. Policy recommendations are derived from our ability to identify the most innovative and interesting ideas emerging in food and culture relations that can contribute to more sustainable and enhanced standard of living for everyone.
Ultimately, IGCAT aims to inspire local communities to be proud of their cultural, creative and culinary assets and thus, support sustainable development for a more equitable world. We strongly believe that the protection and the promotion of regional cultural and food diversity is key for the future of local economies.
Through our international institute and partners, we direct projects that build synergies across different sectors, give visibility to the issues we care about and help long-term sustainable growth in regions. For this purpose, IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Regions of Gastronomy Platform.
In an effort to give further international visibility to the World/European Regions of Gastronomy, as well as to support the next generation to become ambassadors for their regions, the Institute has also developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the Food Film Menu.
In addition to this, we share expert knowledge, good practice and research through our annual experts meeting, field visits, webinars, quarterly newsletter, online published papers and dedicated research.
All of IGCAT activities aim to:
- empower and engage citizens by raising awareness about the importance of cultural and food diversity;
- attract international visibility to important gastronomic destinations that are working for sustainable food futures;
- support international collaboration, knowledge sharing and best practise exchange for the benefit of regional development.
Experts in our network share experiences, research trends and identify good practise. Given the urgency of climate change, reduced biodiversity, global economic inequality, health and nutritional needs, we need inter-sectorial dialogue on these major issues. The communication tools IGCAT experts have at their disposal include:
- A quarterly newsletter with news and trends from around the world
- Expert Papers from our global network made available online
- Bespoke training for regions using a service-learning model and approach
- Keynote speakers and expert moderators available for conferences
- At least one annual expert meeting and round table event
- Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIN group – Twitter – YouTube
- Dedicated website :Â www.igcat.org
Together we will empower regions to develop sustainability!