Macao joins the rest of the world for the second year in a row to promote the Sustainable Gastronomy Day on 18 June. Through different channels, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) shares with residents and visitors the sustainable practices and creative culinary techniques employed by food and beverage sector in Macao, as well as promotes Macao’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and encourages industry operators to carry on Macao’s culinary heritage with creativity as they join hands in contributing to the sustainable development of Macao’s tourism industry and the world.

Early this year, MGTO collaborated with National Geographic to launch “The Great Green Food Journey” project, aiming to locate, support and promote sustainable practices in the F&B sector in Macao. The campaign resulted in a series of articles and three videos themed as “Sustainability”, “Gastronomy” and “Creativity” respectively. Riding on this Sustainably Gastronomy Day, MGTO broadcasted the three videos on its website, key platforms and social networks such as Facebook, WeChat and Youtube, as well as LED screens at MGTO’s Tourist Information counters. MGTO also invited local partners in the F&B sector to display the videos on their respective channels and social platforms. The project aims to showcase the dedication and efforts of the F&B sector to the inheritance and innovation of gastronomic culture and sustainable development in Macao.

Macao was designated as a new member city of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy in 2017 and participated in the international promotion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Day in 2018. This year, MGTO official shares with residents and visitors the significance and objectives that come with this international observance, progress of Macao’s development as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” and Macao’s contribution to the UCCN in a Macao TV programme. Furthermore, MGTO has placed promotional banners and links to the UN’s website for the Sustainable Gastronomy Day on MGTO’s website (www.macaotourism.gov.mo), Macao Tourism Industry Net (industry.macaotourism.gov.mo) and Macao gastronomy website (www.gastronomy.gov.mo).

In September 2015, the “Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which laid out the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, was adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit. Following that, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its resolution on 21 December 2016 to designate 18 June as the internationally-observed Sustainable Gastronomy Day. The decision acknowledges gastronomy as a cultural expression related to the natural and cultural diversity of the world. It also reaffirms that all cultures and civilizations are contributors and crucial enablers of sustainable development. For details, please visit the United Nation’s official website: http://www.un.org/en.