Spain wants Unesco to adopt Mediterranean diet as world heritage 12/03/2008 00:00

Spain and Italy want the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to adopt the Mediterranean diet as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

12 March 2008

BARCELONA - Spain and Italy want the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to adopt the Mediterranean diet as part of the world's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The agriculture ministers of the two countries spoke of the proposal after inaugurating a congress on the Mediterranean diet Tuesday in Barcelona.

The traditional Mediterranean diet based on fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and a moderate consumption of meat and milk products was healthy and a cultural legacy, Spanish Agriculture Minister Elena Espinosa said.

The Mediterranean diet remained an unquestionable reference, said Espinosa's Italian counterpart Paolo De Castro, who stressed its role in fighting disease and in representing sustainable development.

The Spanish idea of seeking recognition for the Mediterranean diet as part of the world's cultural heritage has received the support of Italy, Greece and Morocco. The candidacy is due to be presented officially in August.

The Mediterranean diet will, however, have a rival in French gastronomy, which France intends to present as another candidate, reports said.

[Copyright dpa 2008]