Harnessing the Power of Legumes: Climate Solutions Rooted in Mediterranean Food Tradition

Day: 19 November 2024

Time: 14:00 to 15:15 (CET) (Baku time: 17.00 to 18.15)

Place: ONLINE

Organised by: CIHEAM

The Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, is facing growing challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and public health.

The MEDIET Project has established a research platform that concludes that legumes are vital for healthy nutrition and sustainable agriculture in the Mediterranean diet. Rich in protein, endowed with nutraceutical benefits, and offering positive environmental and economic impacts, legumes present promising solutions to these challenges. 

Despite their benefits, the consumption and production of legumes face obstacles such as lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and market access issues. However, ongoing research and collaboration within a global Meta Network create opportunities to overcoming these barriers and promote legumes as a sustainable and nutritious food source. A Meta network approach allows stakeholders to gain a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the interconnected factors affecting legume systems, thereby leading to more effective sustainable development strategies in the region.

Conducted by CIHEAM Bari since 2022, the MEDIET project has highlighted the nutritional and health benefits of fava beans, dry beans, lentils, and chickpeas. The analysis of over 150 varieties in 17 Mediterranean countries, the project has paved the way for promoting local and genetically selected pulses, focusing on their health benefits, potential for food processing, and commercial viability. 

The newly launched Beans Meta Network, hosted by the CIHEAM Secretariat General, is a strategic initiative to leverage these research findings and advance sustainable food systems in the Mediterranean region. By inviting international organizations, regional agricultural ministries, legume-focused programmes, and private enterprises to join, the network seeks to foster collaboration and innovation among diverse stakeholders. 

This webinar will examine the economic contributions of legumes to Mediterranean communities and their significance in preserving food and cultural heritage. With a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, the session will explore the potential of legumes in mitigating climate change and their crucial role in promoting sustainable food systems. This will be supported by the presentation of best practices and illustrative examples from the region. 

Furthermore, this webinar will serve as to introduce the CIHEAM Beans Meta Networks on legumes. This initiative is dedicated to the consolidation and organization of existing knowledge, and to the advancement of research and development projects that address the challenges of climate change and food security in the Mediterranean region.

Panel discussions 
Moderator: Mouin Hamze, CIHEAM Bari

• Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM (Video)
• Teodardo Calles, FAO – Plant Production and Protection 
• Antonella Autino, PRIMA Foundation
• Prof. Konstadinos Mattas, CIHEAM Chania 
• Nahla Hwala, AUB Lebanon 
• Elen Lemaître Curri, CIHEAM Montpellier 
• Gianluigi Cardone, CIHEAM Bari 
• Fares Howari, Ajman University, UAE
• Hammou Laamrani, Economic Affairs Officer, ESCWA
• Joaquim Balduque, CIHEAM Zaragoza 

Presentation of the Beans Meta Network

Q&A and Interactive Discussion