The Seville Chamber of Commerce has recently brought together experts related to Andalusian and Mediterranean gastronomy, as well as tourism and hospitality, to present the Declaration of the Mediterranean Diet and deliver awards to companies, entities and professionals who, through their different fields of work, represent and promote the values of this eating pattern.

Specifically, this body has recognized Dr. Isabel González Turmo; Antonio Escribano Zafra, from the Regulatory Council of the Manzanilla and Gordal Aceituna IGP; the journalist and editor of Gurmé Sevilla , Isabel Aguilar; to the Restaurant "La Pescadería", of Abantal Restaurant; and the Seville Academy of Gastronomy and Tourism, for promoting, promoting and preserving the values ​​of the Declaration of the Mediterranean Diet.

This forum has been framed within the activities of the European project "MD.net", of which the Chamber of Seville is a partner along with 12 other institutions from different European countries in the Mediterranean region.

The coordinator of the Interreg “MD.net” project, Manuel Montoya, has explained that the Declaration of the Mediterranean Diet is a set of skills and knowledge of the know-how of agriculture, livestock, fishing and the exchange of food that must be defend, protect and promote. In this sense, Montoya has specified that several countries have joined with the support of European funds and UNESCO for its defense and promotion, and as a powerful tool to revitalize the economy and tourism, in addition to healthy eating habits.

“Together we want to spread and recognize the Mediterranean Diet as a brand. In this way, industries can sell their products, while hoteliers become the key to promoting them. Foreigners give value to our products and export it abroad through these gastronomic experiences", explained the coordinator of the project that has encouraged all businessmen and institutions to join the "Declaration of the Mediterranean Diet" through the web www.dietamediterranea.com.

According to its proponents, unfortunately, in recent times, numerous sociological, demographic and lifestyle changes are threatening these local patterns of food production and consumption.

For this reason, the Interreg "MD.net" project is promoting a multidisciplinary community to raise awareness about Mediterranean cultural identity, heritage and sustainable lifestyle within the framework of the Declaration of the Mediterranean Diet.

This Declaration aims to achieve greater visibility and importance of the Mediterranean Diet in all sectors, such as agriculture, food production, health, culture, sport, education, economy, tourism, rural development and sustainability.

"Supporting this Declaration is an opportunity for local and regional actors to demonstrate the crucial role they can play in strengthening the economic potential of the Mediterranean Diet in rapidly changing landscapes and lifestyles," they stressed.

Source: Mercacei