Sustainable Gastronomy Day which takes place on June 18 every year, highlights the important role that food plays in promoting sustainable development and the crucial choices about what we eat. According to the United Nations, gastronomy is sometimes called the art of food. It also refers to a style of cooking from a particular region.
Why Do We Celebrate World Sustainable Gastronomy Day?
Globally, June 18 is recognized as Sustainable Gastronomy Day. On this day, we recognize the importance of sustainable gastronomy in terms of sustainable development and draw attention to it.
As well as celebrating the day’s purpose, the day also aims to acknowledge gastronomy as a form of cultural expression relating to the diversity of cultures throughout the world. In essence, gastronomy is the study of food and culture. In addition to nutrition facts, food science, and cooking procedures are also included.
History Of Sustainable Gastronomy Day
On the 18th of June, the world celebrates World Sustainable Gastronomy Day. By passing resolution A/RES/71/246 in December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 18 as World Sustainable Gastronomy Day.
In collaboration with member states, UN organizations, and other international and regional bodies, as well as civil society, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) work to make Sustainable Gastronomy Day more accessible.
Theme
The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Local Flavours, Preserving Global Heritage.’
Significance
Sustainable gastronomy promotes practices that reduce the environmental impact of food production. By using organic farming methods, diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving water, and protecting biodiversity, sustainable gastronomy helps to conserve ecosystems and reduce climate change. It also encourages the consumption of nutritious, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients. It also boosts a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins, providing improved public health and well-being.
Sustainable practices increase food security by making sure of the availability of nutritious food for all. Boosting sustainable farming techniques and supporting small-scale farmers strengthens local food systems, lessens dependence on imports, and improves flexibility against climate shocks and other disruptions.
It also celebrates cultural diversity by promoting traditional culinary practices and protecting local food heritage. It acknowledges the importance role of food in cultural identity and promotes the revitalization of traditional cooking techniques.
Importance of Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Sustainable gastronomy is not a stand-alone field. It is interlinked with three dimensions of sustainable development. Thus, it has the potential to play an important and critical role in meeting a combination of targets of Sustainable Development Goals at one go.
From agricultural development to food security, and from nutrition to biodiversity conservation — the field of sustainable gastronomy has a lot to offer.
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