UNESCO World Heritage Italian Cuisine
By Kathleen Pokrud
Italian Cuisine was recently recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Its recognition is based on its set of practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills considered part of the country’s cultural heritage. It is not about objects, but about living traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.
"Today, Italy is celebrating our cultural heritage because it speaks of our roots, creativity and ability to transform tradition into universal value," stated Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, commenting on UNESCO's recognition of Italian Cuisine as an Intagible World Heritage.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests and Ministry of Culture launched the candidature of Italian Cuisine in 2023. The journey took over two years, and the candidature did not concern a single dish or a recipe, but a shared cultural model, made up of community experiences, conscious choice of raw materials, conviviality of the meal, transmission of knowledge to new generations and respect for the seasons and territories.
"This recognition celebrates the strength of our culture, which is our national identity, pride and vision," Minister Lollobrigida continued. "Italian Cuisine is the story of a people who have preserved their knowledge and transformed it into excellence, generation after generation."
"It is a celebration of families who pass down ancient flavours, of farmers who protect the land, \ producers who work with passion and restaurateurs who bring the authentic value of Italy to the world. To them and to those who worked with dedication for this nomination, go my deepest thanks.
"This recognition is a source of pride, but also of awareness of the further enhancement our products, regions and supply chains will enjoy. It will also be an additional tool to counter those who seek to exploit the worldwide recognition of ‘Made in Italy’, and it will represent new opportunities to create jobs and local wealth and continue this tradition, which UNESCO has recognised," concluded Minister Francesco Lollobrigida.
