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Morocco: A UNESCO project to preserve culinary heritage
Morocco has recently launched a national consultation as part of a new UNESCO project aimed at creating the world’s first International Food Heritage Atlas. This initiative promises to document and promote traditional food practices, ensuring their transmission to future generations.
According to a press release from UNESCO, the project includes a digital platform dedicated to the protection and promotion of culinary heritage. Funded by the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia and carried out in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Culture, this project aligns with the goals of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The initiative aims to map, document, and share traditional food practices from around the world, recognizing them as a form of living heritage essential to cultural diversity, sustainable development, and social cohesion.
A key role for Morocco
Morocco has been selected to participate in the pilot phase of the project, with a first version of the Food Heritage Atlas expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The initial phase will focus on identifying traditional food practices in Morocco and strengthening local capacities to protect them.
During this consultation, officials noted that five of the fifteen items listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List pertain to food practices. These include the Cherry Festival in Sefrou and traditional knowledge surrounding the argan tree. Additionally, Morocco shares several food-related listings with other countries.
A threatened heritage
However, many of these practices are under threat from significant challenges such as climate change, globalization, and the breakdown in the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. This is why experts emphasize the need for collective action, as highlighted by UNESCO.
“Food practices and culinary traditions are more than just recipes. They reflect our identities, our lands, and our relationships with others and with nature,” said Éric Falt, UNESCO’s Regional Director for the Maghreb. “By valuing them, we build a future rooted in diversity, sustainability, and respect for local knowledge,” he added.
A future perspective
Mustapha Jlok, Morocco’s Director of Cultural Heritage, also emphasized the importance of this project: “By participating in the UNESCO Food Atlas project, Morocco is showcasing the richness of its culinary traditions as a living expression of intangible heritage. With the help of local communities, the country is working to preserve skills passed down through generations, highlighting the deep connection between food, cultural identity, and sustainable development.”
As the world rapidly evolves, this project represents a unique opportunity for Morocco to strengthen its commitment to its culinary traditions while adapting to contemporary realities. The Food Heritage Atlas could become a model for other nations seeking to protect their cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.
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