Between September 24–26, 2025, Dobrogea, represented by UNPR South-East Region delegates, Teodora Moraru and Carmen Ispas, participated in the 30th Meeting of the World Platform of Gastronomy Regions (IGCAT), held in Catalonia — European Region of Gastronomy 2016 and World Region of Gastronomy 2025.
The event brought together over 30 awarded and candidate gastronomic regions, along with international experts, regional coordinators, and cultural leaders, in a program dedicated to exploring how gastronomy can support sustainability, education, and cultural exchange.
For Dobrogea, a candidate for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029, this participation marked a new stage in its international journey — an opportunity to strengthen its connection with the IGCAT network and to learn from the experiences of other regions that have transformed gastronomy into a tool for community development and innovation.
Day 1 – Creativity and Innovation
The program began at elBulli1846, where participants explored the visionary legacy of Ferran Adrià and Juli Soler, guided by Lluis Garcia, General Director of the El Bulli Foundation.
The official reception took place at Celler La Vinyeta, in the presence of Dr. Diane Dodd (President of IGCAT), Laura Ruana (Government of Catalonia), and Bea Nubiola (Catalan Tourism Board). The dinner and tour organized at the winery, coordinated by Josep Serra i Pla and Marta Pedra, showcased an innovative model of circular agriculture and sustainability.
Ziua 2 – Educație și viitorul gastronomiei
The second day began with a visit to the Fishing Museum in Palamós, dedicated to maritime heritage and sustainable fishing.
The “Inspiring Spaces” conversation, moderated by Omar Valdez (Andorra), brought together contributions from across the globe — from Florida and Harghita to Oman and New Zealand.
At Celler Abadal, participants explored Catalonia’s winemaking heritage and took part in the debate “Regenerative Tourism and Food Heritage,” moderated by Wendy Barrie (Scottish Food Guide, United Kingdom). The discussions highlighted the role of gastronomy in revitalizing communities, protecting biodiversity, and promoting responsible tourism.
The day concluded with a visit to Sant Benet Monastery, a Benedictine monument transformed into a cultural center that combines history, gastronomy, and innovation, followed by a dinner at Mas de la Sala Hotel, featuring authentic Catalan dishes.
Day 3 – Good Food for Everyone
The final day brought participants together at the Alícia Foundation, guided by Toni Massanés, where projects dedicated to innovation in food, health, and inclusion were presented. During the “Good Food for Everyone” conversation, moderated by Ivana Vladović (Central Dalmatia, European Region of Gastronomy 2026), perspectives from Catalonia, Greece, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Norway converged around a shared vision: ensuring equitable access to healthy, diverse, and sustainable food for all.
The visits to El Soler de n’Hug Farm and the presentation of the “Benvinguts a Pagès” (“Welcome to the Farm”) program completed the participants’ experience, highlighting the importance of direct connections between producers, communities, and consumers.
The meeting concluded at Can Calopa, an urban winery and social project in Barcelona, where the final conclusions and future directions of the platform were presented.
UNPR-RSE – Initiator and Active Partner in Promoting Dobrogea
UNPR South-East Region delegates,initiator of the project “Dobrogea – European Region of Gastronomy 2029”, was represented at the event by Teodora Moraru and Carmen Ispas, reaffirming the organization’s role in promoting gastronomy as a vector of identity, sustainability, and regional cooperation.
Participation in the Platform Meeting provided an opportunity for constructive international dialogue and collaboration among IGCAT member regions, strengthening Dobrogea’s position among destinations that integrate gastronomy, culture, and sustainable tourism within a shared vision for development.
As emphasized by Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, “Collaboration and mutual learning are at the heart of the World Regions of Gastronomy movement.”
Inspiration and Collaboration for the Future
The meeting in Catalonia was a powerful example of how the exchange of ideas and experiences can inspire regions to build a sustainable food future, grounded in creativity, education, and cultural identity.
For Dobrogea, this step strengthens its journey toward the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029, demonstrating that gastronomy is more than food — it is an expression of community, tradition, and the connections that unite people.
🌿 Dobrogea’s journey toward the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2029 continues — inspired by collaboration, guided by tradition, and driven by the belief that food connects and unites us all.
#IGCAT #SomGastronomia #CWRG25 #Dobrogea2029 #EuropeanRegionOfGastronomy
📎 Learn more about the Platform Meeting and the IGCAT international network: www.igcat.org
📎 Discover more about Dobrogea’s journey: dobrogeagastronomicregion.com