Mediterranean Diet Convention
“MedDiet – Mediterranean Diet & Enhancement of Traditional Foodstuff”
Mediterranean Diet Forum – EXPO Milan 2015
The Final Convention of the European project “MedDiet – Mediterranean Diet & Enhancement of Traditional Foodstuff” was successfully realized on 19 September 2015 in Milan, Italy, in the framework of the International Exhibition EXPO Milan 2015, held around the theme «Feeding the planet, energy for life» and the 5th International Forum on Mediterranean Diet.
The Forum, which was attended by the Cultural Foundation “Routes of the Olive Tree” and the Messinian Chamber, the two Greek partners of the project, was rich in interventions and presentations by prestigious scientists and nutrition experts from different countries. Special focus was given on the various nutritional, anthropological and social dimensions of the Mediterranean Diet, deeply rooted in the culture of the territories and part of their lifestyle, its benefits, the need to preserve and promote it, as well as the possibility to develop sustainable business activity around it.
During the MedDiet Convention were presented the results of the MedDiet project and the activities implemented so far, especially the actions for raising awareness among consumers and school children and the MedDiet label for restaurants.
At the closure of the Convention, the attendees signed the Declaration for the Promotion and Safeguard of the Mediterranean Diet.
Apart from the extremely interesting interventions, the Convention also included parallel events for the promotion of the project and the partner, like the cooking demonstration by well known chefs from the 6 partner countries (Italy, Egypt, Spain, Lebanon, Greece, Tunisia). Greece was represented by the chefs Dimitris Melemenis (Romanos, Costa Navarino) and Stelios Mparmpeas (Elite City Resort), who presented their dishes at the greek kiosk of the EXPO.
Finally, the MedDiet Convention and the works of the Mediterranean Diet Forum event were also attended by the 3 representatives of the MedDiet Info Points for Greece: Mrs. Polyxeni Koutla (Central Union of Hellenic Chambers – www.uhc.gr ), Mrs. Vicky Igglezou (Maniatakeion Foundation – www.maniatakeion.gr) and Mr. George Panagopoulos (Environmental Education Center of Kalamata – www.kpe-kalamatas.gr).
The MedDiet project is implemented under the Programme of Transnational Cooperation in the Mediterraneann Sea Basin (ENPI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin www.enpicbcmed.eu). The MedDiet project has a total budget of €4,99M. and is financed,for the amount of €4,49M. by the European Union through the ENPI-European Neighbourhood & Partnership Instrument). The ENPI CBC MED programme aims to strenghten cooperation between the European Union and the regions of partner countries along the Mediterranean.