271
- Conclusions
One of the main global threats in the next years is
the transition to unsustainable diets that are oc-
curring in different developing countries, leading
them to adopt diet habits mainly existing in the
richer countries and based on energy-dense foods.
This leads to the emergence, also in those coun-
tries, of an increase in diet-related diseases, that
are coexistent with still present problems of un-
dernutrition that urgently call for being faced ef-
fectively within the framework of food security
(Alexandratos, 2006). At the same time, climate
changes and other worldwide environmental issues
have to be dealt with, through efficient international
cooperation. In this context, proper food production
and supply as well as correct and balanced diets
for all, closely associated to a new ecological vision
of development based on sustainability principles
are crucial. The adoption of sustainable food sys-
tems and diets in their broadest and comprehen-
sive meaning should be the right way to go. They
should include a revision of the current develop-
ment model and related food trade liberalization
policies. Sustainable food policies should consider,
in a coherent manner, both agriculture and the
health sector, as well as new challenges repre-
sented by ageing, globalization and urbanization,
with the aim to ultimately benefit agriculture,
human health and the environment. To be really ef-
fective, these policies should be more locally
based, self-reliant food economies in which sus-
tainable food production, processing, distribution
and consumption are integrated to enhance eco-
nomic, environmental and social health (Kearney,
2010). Apart from the need to better assemble and
recompose the conceptual aspects connected to
sustainable food systems and diets, their transpo-
sition in practice through helpful and replicable
models is essential. The Mediterranean diets, for
their intrinsic characteristics can represent valid
models to address the main issues concerning the
sustainable food system worldwide.
References
Alexandratos, N. (2006). The Mediterranean diet in a world con-
text. Public Health Nutrition: 9(1A), 111–117.
American Dietetic Association (2007). Position of the American
Dietetic Association: Food and Nutrition Professionals Can Im-
plement Practices to Conserve Natural Resources and Support
Ecological Sustainability. J Am Diet Assoc, 107, 1033–1043.
American Public Health Association (2007). Toward a Healthy,
Sustainable Food System. American Public Health Association,
Policy Statement 200712. Washington, DC: APHA. Retrieved 1 5
may 2011 from: http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policy-
search/default.htm?id=136 1
Bioversity International, (2009). Neglected and Underutilized
Species - Overview. Retrieved 15 may 2011 from:
http://www.bioversityinternational.org/scientific_information/th
emes/neglected_and_underutilized_species/overview.html.
Burlingame, B., Charrondiere, R., Mouillè, B. (2009). Food com-
position is fundamental to the cross-cutting initiative on biodi-
versity for food and nutrition. Journal of Food Composition and
Analysis 22, 3 61– 365.
Capatti, A., Montanari, M., O'Healy, A. (2003) - Italian cuisine: a
cultural history - Columbia University Press, 200 3 - 3 48 pages
Conway, G. (1997). The Doubly Green Revolution: Food for All in
the Twenty-First Century. Penguin, London.
De Onis, M., Blössner, M., Borghi E. (2010). Global prevalence
and trends of overweight and obesity among preschool chil-
dren. Am J Clin Nutr 92, 1257–64.
European Commission (2010). Communication from the Com-
mission to the European parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Re-
gions: Europe 2020 Innovative Flagship Initiative - Innovation
Union. SEC (2010) 1161 – COM (2010) 546 final
European Commission (2011). Green paper “From Challenges
to Opportunities: Towards a Common Strategic Framework for
EU Research and Innovation funding”. COM(2011) 48 Final
FAO ( 2009 ). The State of Food Insecurity in the World. FAO,
Rome. Retrieved January 20 11 from:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/ 012 /i0876e/i0876e00.HTM.
FAO ( 2010 ). International Symposium on Food-based Approach
for Improving Diets and Raising Levels of Nutrition. FAO, Rome,
7- 9 December 2010
Harlan, J.R. ( 1975 ). Crop and man. American Society of Agron-
omy and Crop Science Society of America, Madison.
International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science
and Technology for Development - IAASTD ( 2008 ). Global Sum-
mary for Decision Makers Retrieved 1 2 May 2010 from:
http://www.agassessment.org/docs/Global_SDM_060608_Eng-
lish.htm.
