This marks the first time a national cuisine has received such an honor, according to the head of the Italian government. Meloni emphasized the profound significance of this recognition, stating, "For Italians, cuisine is not just food or recipes, but also culture, tradition, and identity."

UNESCO's decision is the culmination of a three-year campaign spearheaded by Italy's Ministry of Agriculture. The submitted dossier underscored that the entire process, from cultivation and harvesting to the preparation and enjoyment of food in the boot-shaped country, transcends mere nutritional needs, evolving into a deeply ingrained cultural practice.

Pizza, an iconic dish of Italian cuisine. *Flickr*

Pier Luigi Petrillo, one of the editors of the nomination dossier, articulated in the proposal to UNESCO that "cooking in Italy becomes a multilayered and complex daily practice." This recognition arrives as Italy continues its efforts to combat "fake cuisine," which ranges from jarred carbonara sauces sold across Europe to adulterated olive oil and products bearing Italian names but not produced in Italy.

According to Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, the UNESCO title will be instrumental in safeguarding Italian cuisine from these abuses. He added, "This honor is not only a source of pride but also opens up more opportunities to elevate Italy's products, regions, and supply chains."

The designation is also viewed as a powerful tool against entities exploiting the "Made in Italy" brand value. It is expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and preserve the traditions that UNESCO has just celebrated.

Naples, a port city in southern Italy, is renowned for some of the world's best cuisine. *Hotels*

A UNESCO intangible cultural heritage title bestows significant prestige upon recognized entities, encompassing everything from historical monuments to intangible values such as the art of geothermal lake swimming in Iceland or beekeeping in Slovenia. This honor is accompanied by the responsibility to preserve these cultural treasures.

While inscription often leads to a surge in tourism, Italy is already one of Europe's most visited destinations, frequently experiencing overcrowding during peak seasons. Prime minister Meloni affirmed that this decision will nonetheless yield substantial economic benefits. Currently, Italy exports 70 billion euro in agri-food products and leads Europe in agricultural added value.

The prime minister stressed, "The UNESCO title will be a strong boost to help the economy advance further." Italy has a rich history of UNESCO intangible heritage inscriptions, including the art of handmade bell ringing (2024), opera (2023), truffle hunting and extraction (2019), Neapolitan pizza making (2017), and traditional processions (2013). The country has also been recognized for the "Mediterranean diet" since 2013.

Tuan Anh (According to CNN)