Download This PaperA Diet Too Far? Intangible Cultural Heritage, Cultural Diversity, and Culinary Practices
Irene Calboli and Srividhya Radavan (eds.), Protecting and Promoting Diversity with Intellectual Property Law (Cambridge University Press, 2015).
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Law Working Paper No. 02-14
Hebrew University of Jerusalem Legal Research Paper No. 15-6
21 Pages Posted: 22 May 2014 Last revised: 2 Jun 2015
Date Written: May 20, 2014
Abstract
Can international law ‘safeguard’ particular culinary practices? The 2003 UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage purports to do so, by inscribing selected culinary traditions (such as the ‘Mediterranean Diet’, ‘French Gastronomic Meal’ and ‘Traditional Mexican Cuisine’) as safeguarded items. This paper takes a skeptical view towards the necessity, objectivity and efficacy of this attempt at legal protection of the cultural diversity of food and dietary traditions. Building on previous work regarding geographical indications for food and wine, it discusses some of the legal, political, social and economic dynamics that make such legal intervention in cultural diversity less than palatable.
Keywords: Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO, Cultural Diversity
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Tomer Broude (Contact Author)
Hebrew University of Jerusalem - International Law Forum ( email )
Mount Scopus
Mount Scopus, IL 91905
Israel