Local products and gastronomy valuation for tourism and food sustainability in the Autonomous Region of Madeira

Sousa, Bruno; Mota, Luís

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/2835

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Authors

Sousa, Bruno

Mota, Luís

Abstract(s)

In small islands, trade-off faces continuous challenges due to insularity and reduced land availability for local crop production. Having climate change as a global issue impacting also on the Autonomous Region of Madeira, there is a need for adaptation regarding the management of coastal areas and land surface for food production, likewise housing and policy making. The assessment of the relation between tourism and food sustainability in Madeira is important for understanding sustainable levels of production and needs for a wide-ranging nutrition. Natural resources such as the Laurisilva of Madeira and the Atlantic Ocean are vital for biodiversity, granting local livelihood and motivation for visiting the Madeira islands. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations presented as its main axes to invest for food sustainability: improving resource efficiency; take direct action to conserve, protect and improve natural resources; protect rural livelihoods and improve equity and social welfare; improve the resilience of people, communities and ecosystems, especially climate change and market volatility; and promote good governance for better sustainability of natural and human systems. To attenuate impacts, the use of local and seasonal foods should therefore be encouraged, thereby reducing the energy, time, packaging and transport costs of food imports. Foods with the lowest environmental impact correspond to foods for which is recommended a higher consumption, namely vegetables, fruit, whole grains and their derivatives and tubers. Thus, in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, we have many of these typical local products, such as bananas, passion fruit, wheat, corn, beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, among many other foods. In this way we value the cultural roots, the environment and we can contribute to the tourism, as these are increasingly determining factors for those visiting this region.

Keywords

Climate variation Food security and nutrition Local food Sustainability Tourism Autonomous Region of Madeira Madera (Portugal) . Escola Superior de Tecnologias e Gestão