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

A New Partnership for Sustainable Development

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has partnered with Relais & Châteaux, an esteemed association of unique hotels and restaurants. This alliance aims to further the conservation and application of biological diversity through the appreciation of global hospitality and culinary traditions. This substantial initiative reflects a growing recognition of the necessity for sustainable practices in tourism and gastronomy.

A Call to Action for Change

Laurent Gardinier, the President of Relais & Châteaux, articulated the association's goal in this venture: to foster change and re-evaluate operational models that intertwine travel with vital environmental, social, and economic objectives. Emphasizing the dramatic decline of nature, with the alarming statistic that one million species face extinction, both Gardinier and UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, are urging a shift in perspectives regarding food and our connection to the natural environment.

Azoulay's statement reinforces the partnership's urgency, underscoring the need for both organizations to advocate for a more balanced coexistence between humanity and nature. The partnership is set to focus on two primary facets.

Commitments to Sustainability

In Harmony with All Life on Earth

The first component involves UNESCO endorsing Relais & Châteaux's newly established commitments to sustainability. These commitments aim to accomplish significant goals:

• - Preservation of Culinary Traditions: Protecting the world's rich hospitality and culinary traditions becomes paramount.
• - Support Biodiversity: Actively contributing to the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
• - Promote Humanity: Undertaking daily initiatives for a more humane world, recognizing that food plays a critical role in public health and community well-being.

The 580 member establishments of the Relais & Châteaux network, situated across 65 countries, engage with diverse communities and natural ecosystems. This partnership highlights how closely woven food, health, and environmental concerns are.

Pilot Projects to Foster Change

The second core element of this alliance centers on the implementation of pilot projects at various Relais & Châteaux locales and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These projects will adhere to guidelines based on UNESCO principles, focusing heavily on promoting biodiversity and traditional cultural practices and conserving local environments.

With the first pilot projects scheduled to launch in 2025, the partnership places considerable emphasis on respecting local cultures while nurturing natural and cultural heritage. Mauro Colagreco, a celebrated chef and the Vice President of Chefs for Relais & Châteaux, plays a vital role in this initiative. Recognized as a Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, Colagreco has previously worked with UNESCO to enhance awareness of environmental issues and biodiversity, using gastronomy as a transformative tool for societal change.

Closing Remarks

Colagreco's commitment highlights the importance of engaging a broader community in safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems. His insights acknowledge that enhancing the number of biodiversity guardians globally is essential for protecting various species.

The successful collaboration between UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux could potentially guide future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable practices in hospitality and culinary arts, facilitating a much-needed paradigm shift towards environmental conservation in these vibrant sectors.

As this partnership unfolds, it serves as a hopeful beacon for the tourism and culinary worlds, underscoring that sustainable practices are not just beneficial but essential for the survival of our planet’s biodiversity. The close alignment of Relais & Châteaux with UNESCO’s values will bolster efforts to protect our cultural and natural treasures for generations to come.