Envisioning the future to change the present: The collaborative development of Manabí as a World Gastronomy Region 2026

This presentation will outline the collaborative development of Manabí, Ecuador, as a World Gastronomy Region in 2026, using gastronomy as a cornerstone of identity, development and territorial cohesion. It will explore how collaboration between institutions, producers, chefs, communities and local stakeholders can create a model for the future, based on the region's culinary heritage and resources. It will provide an example of how imagining new scenarios can bring about real change in the present, highlighting the value of gastronomic culture and strengthening a sense of pride in belonging, while also positioning a region for international recognition.