#Paris #France #UNESCO #Relais & Châteaux #biodiversity

UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux Unite for Sustainability

In a significant move towards sustainable practices in the hospitality industry, UNESCO and the renowned hotel and restaurant association, Relais & Châteaux, have officially entered into a partnership. The collaboration was announced in Paris on November 25, 2024, and aims to develop and implement various projects centered on biodiversity conservation and the preservation of culinary traditions. This partnership is a proactive response to the alarming decline of global biodiversity and recognizes the vital role that hospitality can play in environmental stewardship.

The Vision Behind the Partnership

Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, reiterated the importance of this partnership, emphasizing that it is a natural progression for the association. The focus is on redefining their business models to merge travel experiences with ecological, social, and economic objectives. He stated, "Our goal is to support change and rethink our operational models to align travel, a source of personal enrichment, with sustainability."

As dire statistics highlight a catastrophic loss of biodiversity—with one million species endangered—UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux are urging individuals and organizations to reassess their consumption and food production practices to restore the balance between man and nature. UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, stressed the urgency of shifting our collective mindset towards food and its connection to our natural environment.

Core Elements of the Partnership

The partnership outlines two primary frameworks:

1. Support for Sustainability Commitments: UNESCO will bolster the new commitments of Relais & Châteaux, dubbed "In Harmony with All Life on Earth." This initiative highlights three main goals:
- Preserving global hospitality traditions and culinary arts
- Contributing to biodiversity protection and development
- Taking daily actions for a more humane world

With 580 member establishments in 65 countries, Relais & Châteaux actively engages with diverse communities and natural environments daily. This partnership emphasizes the vital connection between healthy diets, tourism, environmental care, and sustainability.

2. Pilot Projects with UNESCO Sites: Members of Relais & Châteaux will launch collaborative pilot projects in UNESCO-designated areas. These projects will adhere to UNESCO's guidelines and focus on biosphere reserves as part of the "Man and the Biosphere" program while showcasing traditional know-how. The projects will aim to sustainably protect and use biodiversity, always respecting local cultures and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

The inaugural pilot projects are set to begin in 2025, taking place near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the association seeks to integrate its members into this crucial initiative.

A Champion for Biodiversity

Mauro Colagreco, Vice President of Relais & Châteaux chefs and a three-star Michelin chef, has been a driving force behind this collaboration. As a Goodwill Ambassador for biodiversity appointed by UNESCO in November 2022, Colagreco has been instrumental in promoting environmental awareness and the importance of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation. He praised this partnership, highlighting gastronomy's potential as a medium for societal change.

"In the past two years, I've worked alongside UNESCO to advocate for biodiversity and raise awareness of the need to protect our ecosystems. It became evident that an expanded collective effort was needed to preserve our planet's diversity. Relais & Châteaux, with its 580 establishments boasting around 800 restaurants, is a perfect fit for this initiative," Colagreco stated.

About Relais & Châteaux

Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an international association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants owned by independent operators driven by shared passion and the desire to form lasting relationships with guests. The association's commitment to sustainable tourism aligns well with UNESCO's global mission of fostering education, science, culture, and communication to create a peaceful society.

For further information, visit the Relais & Châteaux website.

About UNESCO

UNESCO operates in 194 Member States, contributing to peace through educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives. With over 2,000 World Heritage Sites and numerous biosphere reserves, UNESCO promotes a sustainable relationship between humans and their environment. For more information, visit the UNESCO website.