The Mediterranean Diet Foundation and the University of Barcelona established the Mediterranean Diet Chair: Health, Sustainability, and Culture
The Mediterranean Diet Chair: Health, Sustainability, and Culture, recently established by the Mediterranean Diet Foundation and the University of Barcelona, represents a fundamental initiative dedicated to training, dissemination, and knowledge transfer on the invaluable legacy of the Mediterranean Diet. With a long-term vision, its mission is to promote adherence to this lifestyle in contemporary society, with a special focus on young people, to ensure their continuity and relevance in a changing world.
This Chair establishes a space for research and dissemination that allows the numerous benefits of the Mediterranean Diet to be analysed not only as a food model but as a comprehensive approach that encompasses health, well-being, and respect for the environment. In addition, it plays a strategic role by consolidating itself as a bridge between tradition and innovation, facilitating national and international collaborations with experts in nutrition, health, sustainability, and culture. By promoting learning and interaction between institutions and professionals from different disciplines, this newly launched initiative enriches the dialogue on the Mediterranean Diet and strengthens its role as a cultural heritage and model of conscious and sustainable eating.
As part of its mission, the Chair carries out essential work in preserving the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underlining its contribution to individual health, collective well-being, and environmental sustainability. It deeply covers the food, gastronomic and cultural aspects that characterise the Mediterranean Diet, and highlights its ability to promote a diet rich in nutrients, with a low environmental impact and respectful of biodiversity and natural cycles. Through research, it explores and communicates the proven benefits of this lifestyle, promoting a dietary pattern that includes a wide variety of fresh and seasonal foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and olive oil. This comprehensive approach not only benefits physical health but also supports a sustainable and local economy, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Finally, the Chair pursues the ambitious goal of integrating the Mediterranean Diet as a daily practice in the lives of future generations, encouraging reflection and learning about the benefits of a balanced diet rich in natural foods. Thus, it contributes to forming a healthier society, aware and committed to environmental and cultural sustainability, maintaining this relevant and accessible legacy in the current context. In this way, the Mediterranean Diet Chair not only preserves tradition but also promotes social transformation towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
