Last week in Chefchaouen, Stefano Pisani, Mayor of the Municipality of Pollica—an emblematic community of the UNESCO-recognized Mediterranean Diet—undertook an official visit to Chefchaouen, an emblematic community of the UNESCO-recognized Mediterranean Diet. Sara Roversi, President of the Future Food Institute, also took part in the mission as a representative of the technical Secretariat of the Mediterranean Diet Study Center, managed by FFI.
They witnessed how true leaders shape the future not only through policies and strategies but also through a profound dedication to landscapes, cultural heritage, and ecosystems.
The Mediterranean Diet, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, embodies this approach. It is not just a way of eating, but a way of living, thinking, and acting, offering a model for sustainable food systems, urban resilience, and cultural diplomacy.
Leadership as Custodians of Place
Great leaders are not only visionaries; they are custodians of territories, stewards of traditions, and architects of thriving communities. Their impact is visible in the balance and beauty of the places they protect—where history, nature, and society come together to form a sustainable future.
Figures like Mohamed Sefiani, Angelo Vassallo, and Stefano Pisani have demonstrated that leadership means integrating food, culture, and environmental sustainability into governance. Their efforts in Pollica, Chefchaouen, and beyond have turned these territories into living laboratories of regeneration, proving that real change is built over time, with patience, dedication, and responsibility.
The Mediterranean Diet as a Blueprint for Sustainability
The Mediterranean Diet is more than a culinary tradition—it represents a holistic lifestyle that balances local action with global impact. This approach preserves biodiversity, promotes social cohesion, and fosters economic resilience, making it a powerful tool in the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.
By learning from the leaders who have successfully implemented these principles, we can apply their insights to urban planning, food policy, and cultural diplomacy worldwide.
A Call for Regenerative Leadership
What kind of leadership do we need for a more sustainable and resilient future?
The answer lies in a new model of leadership—one that combines strategic vision, technical expertise, and human sensitivity to create lasting, positive change.
The stories of Chefchaouen, Pollica, and other emblematic Mediterranean communities remind us that caring for landscapes is not just about preserving the past—it is about shaping a better future for all.
Read Sara Roversi’s Medium article here.
