Riyadh, April 05, 2024, The Culinary Arts Commission recently convened a virtual meeting to discuss the Saudi UNESCO-endorsed International Food Atlas and Digital Platform. This initiative is aimed at preserving, promoting, and transmitting foodways to future generations, with a primary focus on safeguarding cultural heritage for sustainable transmission.
The meeting commenced with an introduction to the International Food Atlas, emphasizing its role as a specialized international platform dedicated to documenting traditional food methods in Saudi Arabia. The initiative involves the collection, preservation, and dissemination of tangible and intangible cultural heritage related to traditional food practices, both locally and globally. Additionally, it seeks to engage local communities in documenting culinary heritage to encourage emerging generations worldwide to acquire culinary skills.
Furthermore, the International Food Atlas aims to support local economies by promoting traditional lunch methods, contributing to economic growth, and fostering a deeper understanding of culinary heritage while exploring cultural connections.
During the meeting, participants discussed the potential benefits for local communities in joining the International Food Atlas, including enhanced income resources and specialized approaches in food practices. The initiative's alignment with the 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage was also highlighted, focusing on the five areas of intangible cultural heritage and culinary arts that form the foundation of the Atlas initiative.
