“With regard to the recent sterile and instrumental controversies regarding the ownership of the copyright of the Mediterranean Diet, it is essential to clarify that the true custodians of this precious cultural and food heritage are those who embody its essence on a daily basis: fishermen, farmers, farmers, breeders and shepherds. It is not the first time that the name of Angelo Vassallo, the unforgettable Fisherman Mayor of Pollica, has been brought up in an opportunistic manner. When there are economic interests at stake, his name is often forgotten, but as soon as someone tries to appropriate the Mediterranean Diet, his name suddenly comes back into the limelight”.
“The Mediterranean Diet, officially recognized as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO almost fourteen years ago, thanks to the tireless work of Angelo Vassallo, must be managed with responsibility and transparency by the Government, in particular by the Ministry ofAgriculture. Only in this way can we ensure that all the funds allocated to the promotion and protection of the Mediterranean Diet have a real positive impact on the territory and on the people who represent its soul. It is time to clarify: how many jobs have been created thanks to the millions spent on the Mediterranean Diet? What have been the concrete benefits for farmers, fishermen, breeders, shepherds and olive growers? It is essential that every euro invested produces tangible results and contributes to the well-being of these categories, rather than mere personal catwalks”. This is reported by the President of the Angelo Vassallo Foundation Mayor Fisherman Dario Vassallo.
“Deliberately forgetting to remember Angelo Vassallo means betraying his will and his vision, which aimed to transform the Mediterranean Diet into a model of collective well-being and sustainable production with positive social impacts. Our goal must be to honor his memory and work together for a future in which the Mediterranean Diet is managed in an ethical and sustainable way, guaranteeing real benefits for all the people involved in its supply chain. The Mediterranean Diet is a heritage of all of us and as such must be protected and promoted by the Government, so that it can continue to represent an example of food and cultural excellence at a global level”, concludes Vassallo.
Article published on 17 July 2024 - 13:35
