UNESCO and Relais & Châteaux to Boost Biodiversity through Cuisine

The UN agency championing the world’s cultural and scientific treasures, and the prestigious association of hundreds of independent, unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, have joined forces to support global conservation and biodiversity through global culinary traditions.

The director-general of UNESCO points out, “Never in history has nature experienced such dramatic decline. One million species – of the eight million identified to date – are facing the threat of extinction. With one voice, UNESCO and the Relais & Châteaux Association are calling for us all to change our perspectives and practices with regard to food and reestablish a balance between humankind and the environment."

"I see gastronomy as a powerful vector for change and we must fundamentally rethink the way we approach food systems. I quickly realized that we need to greatly increase the number of biodiversity guardians across the world if we want to protect our planet and the species living upon it," declares Mauro Colagreco, Vice President of Chefs, Relais & Châteaux.

The organizations will collaborate in two key ways:

1. UNESCO supports R&C’s 12 Commitments to Sustainability, with three major missions:

- preserve the world's hospitality and culinary traditions,
- contribute to the protection and development of biodiversity,
- take daily action for a more humane world.

In their day-to-day devotion to cuisine and hospitality, the 580 influential member properties of the Relais & Châteaux Association with a combined 800 restaurants, committed to operating to support the vital interconnectedness of food, health, and the environment.

2. Pilot projects will be conducted by Relais & Châteaux members and nearby UNESCO Sites, including UNESCO biosphere reserves (MAB) and World Heritage Sites. The projects, led by Relais & Châteaux properties, promote UNESCO Sites and traditional local knowledge and customs. The projects encourage sustainable biodiversity conservation and use while respecting local cultures and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks and other sites. The biosphere reserve program combines conservation, local development, cultural heritage preservation and protection of the savoir-faire and traditions of local and indigenous populations. With 759 biosphere reserves spread across 136 countries, UNESCO protects nearly eight million square kilometers of natural spaces — the equivalent of the surface area of Australia — and supports the communities that benefit from them.

Nearly half of Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant properties globally are located within two hours of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The R&C collaboration with UNESCO opens the door for travelers to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most precious and inspiring places, enriched by stays in iconic local hotels, meals that celebrate local ingredients, knowledge and sustainable techniques, and feel good knowing you’re part of a commitment to protecting the world’s natural and culinary treasures.