Dr Diane Dodd, President of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 13th Edition of the Slow Food ESPAM MFL 2025 Event. The Carrera de Turismo y Hotelería y Gastronomía de la ESPAM MFL (Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López) invited her to speak within the global framework of Terra Madre Day.
A Gathering for Sustainable Food and Cultural Exchange
The organisers described the event as “una jornada académica, cultural y comunitaria orientada al intercambio de saberes sobre alimentación sostenible, identidad territorial, gastronomía, lenguas ancestrales e interculturalidad.” Local producers, entrepreneurs, university students and delegations of Indigenous peoples joined the gathering.
Because of its strong community focus, Dr Dodd expressed her gratitude and emphasised the importance of intercultural dialogue and sustainable food systems.
Key Messages from the World Gastronomy Summit
In her address, Dr Dodd spoke about the work of IGCAT and presented key messages from the 1st World Gastronomy Summit, highlighting global priorities identified by international cultural, academic and policy leaders. She emphasised shared values between the Summit and the Slow Food ESPAM MFL event, including:
- strengthening food sovereignty and empowering local producers;
- valuing food as an essential expression of cultural identity and territorial heritage;
- promoting biodiversity and sustainable, community-led food systems;
- supporting young people in reconnecting with culinary traditions; and
- safeguarding ancestral knowledge, languages and foodways.
A Call to Sign the World Gastronomy Summit Declaration
Dr Dodd also invited participants to sign the World Gastronomy Summit Declaration on Food at the Heart of Cultural Policy and Community Well-being. The Declaration calls on governments, institutions and communities to recognise food as a cultural asset and include it in cultural, environmental, educational and tourism policies.
Signatures may be added here → Sign the Declaration
Celebrating Local Identity and Sustainable Gastronomy
The Slow Food ESPAM MFL event offered a rich space for learning. Students and visitors engaged with experts, discovered sustainable food practices and explored the Slow Food ALMA Gastronomic and Productive Fair, prepared specifically for this edition.
Dr Dodd’s participation strengthened the shared mission of promoting sustainable gastronomy, local identity, intercultural dialogue and community well-being.
Looking Ahead to Manabí’s Future as a World Region of Gastronomy
This meeting took place just before Manabí celebrates its recognition as a World Region of Gastronomy. Dr Dodd expressed joy at the enthusiasm shown by young people throughout the event. She also reaffirmed the Promoting Committee’s dedication to empowering youth as preparations advance for the 2nd World Gastronomy Summit in October 2026.
She noted that without young people entering fishing, farming and food production, the future of food—and global biodiversity—will remain at risk.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness 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 founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites and the international Food Film Menu.
4 December 2025
