World Food Day is a global event hosted annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The theme of this year’s World Food Day was ‘our actions are our future’ to inspire everyone to contribute to the transformation of the agri-food system.

To celebrate World Food Day, the University Hospital Center of the Algarve (CHUA) led its second initiative, a thematic visit to CEAT (Tavira Agricultural Experimentation Center ), aiming to elevate the importance of the cultural heritage such as the Mediterranean diet, recognized by UNESCO.

In partnership with Direcção Regional de Agricultura e Pescas do Algarve, under the HosCult program, the visit was integrated on a strategy to preserve and reinforce CHUA’s cultural heritage, including the presence of nutritionists from the University Nutrition Department and culminating with a talk from engineer António Marreiros and the collection of grapes and citrus, carob, almond, olives, figs, loquat tree, pomegranates and apple trees from the property.

In addition, under the theme of health and Mediterranean diet, the action pointed to the preservation of the genetics of plant materials and their potential for future multiplication and use by the productive sector.

The perception of the fragility of natural resources creates opportunities to raise awareness in communities, strengthen local and regional identity, and develop perspectives for the future based on recognizing the importance of culture and heritage, conservation and safeguarding, and sustainable development. CEAT, as a unique agro-environmental space located in the heart of the city of Tavira, is the result of this structuring action!

The «HosCult – Heritage Health» is a cycle of visits promoted by the Communication and External Relations Office of CHUA, which aims to involve the hospital community through the appreciation of the history and heritage linked to health in the Algarve region. There’s always the possibility to organize a guided tour of the Centre on-site, exploring the multiple dimensions of the Mediterranean lifestyle and cultural landscape, incorporating empirical and scientific knowledge. Registration is free, mandatory and can be done via online registration form, calling +967 130 139 or by going to the centre and booking your visit.

Portugal is currently participating in the iHERITAGE project, aiming to promote and enhance the Mediterranean UNESCO cultural heritage through innovative experiences by creating cross-border living labs for research and innovation.

Represented by the University of Algarve, the focus of the Portuguese team is to promote the Mediterranean Diet and its importance for the cultural identity of the Mediterranean. The iHERITAGE ICT Mediterranean platform for UNESCO world heritage is a strategic project funded by the EU through the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme.