The Region of Gastronomy programme keeps raising interest and enthusiasm of regions from all around the world who are eager to boost local sustainable development through their unique gastronomy and culture.
On 31 May 2019, the Balearic island of Minorca joined the European Region of Gastronomy Platform by signing a protocol agreement with IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) to formally announce its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title.
The ceremony was convened by President of the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca, Sra. Susana Mora and attended by President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd who congratulated Minorca for their strong commitment to environmental principles promoted through the Region of Gastronomy aims. Jaume Gomila, IGCAT expert on culture in Minorca was praised for bringing the candidacy to the island and for uniting cross-sectorial support for the bid. This process of dialogue has already provoked public, private, third and education sectors to create a long-term sustainable development strategy for the island.
The candidacy has been initially put forward by a stakeholder group led by the Fundació Foment del Turisme de Menorca (FFTM) and including: PIME (Associació Menorquina de Cafeteries, Bars i Restaurants); CAEB; ASHOME; Cooperativa Agrícola i Ramadera de Menorca; Confraria de Pescadors de Maó; Confraria de Pescadors de Ciutadella; Confraria de Pescadors de Fornells; Fra Roger Gastronomia i Cultura; Associació de Periodistes i Escriptors Gastronòmics de les Illes Balears; Escoles d’Adults de Menorca; and Escola de Turisme de Menorca. Mr. Gomila however proclaimed that this group is a starting point and that other entities that would like to contribute should be allowed to adhere as the aim is to have an inclusive project for the islands long term future.
By signing the agreement, Minorca committed to be a member of the European Region of Gastronomy Platform for 5 years and to work in collaboration with the other regions in the Platform.
Minorca’s bid book and 2022 programme will be officially presented in Brussels, in the framework of the European Week of Regions and Cities (October 2019) and there are high hopes that Minorca will become a leader in its commitment to sustainable and environmental policy and programmes.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness and share the long-term aim to: promote a better quality of life in European regions; highlight distinctive food cultures; educate for better health and sustainability; nurture creativity; improve tourism standards; and stimulate gastronomic innovation.
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 provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience and the Food Film Menu.
1 junio 2019
