La Laguna Hosts Innovative Forum on Urbanism and Food Integration

On October 20 and 21, La Laguna will serve as a focal point for discussions on urban planning in Spain. This vibrant city, known for its rich history and cultural significance, is set to host an important seminar that aims to bridge the gap between urban development and food systems.

Importance of the Upcoming Seminar

The city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, will be the venue for the seminar titled “A Perspective on Urban Planning from the Food Sector.” This event is organized by the Tenerife City Council in collaboration with the Network of Municipalities for Agroecology (RMAe), and it receives support from the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation as well as the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda.

Public officials, urban planning experts, social organizations, and academics will gather to explore innovative ways to incorporate healthy, sustainable, and accessible food into land management strategies. This seminar is particularly timely as La Laguna is in the process of developing its new General Urban Planning Plan (PGO), which aims to address the pressing challenges of urbanization and food security.

Local Leadership and Vision for Sustainable Urban Development

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez has emphasized the importance of this seminar, stating that it reflects La Laguna’s commitment to urban planning that prioritizes community needs and environmental sustainability. He noted that the Canary Islands have unique contributions to make in this dialogue, given their diverse landscapes and agricultural practices.

Gutiérrez expressed that the insights gained from this seminar will be vital in shaping a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient urban environment. He articulated a desire for urban planning to engage meaningfully with food systems, environmental considerations, and public health, thereby fostering a holistic approach to community development.

Adolfo Cordobés, the Councillor for Territory Planning, highlighted the critical nature of the seminar, asserting that urban planning must be closely linked to food systems. He advocates for the new PGO to incorporate sustainability measures, soil conservation, and enhancements to residents’ quality of life. The forum will facilitate the exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies to strengthen food policies within the territorial framework, ensuring that urban growth does not come at the expense of agricultural land.

Advancing Transformative Food Policies

Cristina Ledesma, the Councillor for Rural Development, pointed out that La Laguna is setting an example by connecting land management with progressive food policies. The seminar aims to activate tools that safeguard fertile land, promote agroecological practices, and ensure access to healthy food for the community. This initiative is crucial in addressing food deserts and enhancing food sovereignty in urban areas.

Nuria Alonso, the Technical Secretary of RMAe, remarked that this seminar represents a significant milestone for the Network of Municipalities for Agroecology. It enhances their role in fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and social impact, while also strengthening intermunicipal collaboration through shared learning and new partnerships. The seminar will serve as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the integration of food systems into urban planning.

The seminar is based on the understanding that the organization of cities and territories significantly impacts the environment, health, food access, and agricultural land protection. It advocates for a perspective that integrates food systems into urban planning through agroecology, utilizing regulatory and technical tools to facilitate transformative food policies. This approach not only addresses immediate food needs but also promotes long-term sustainability.

A specific working group on Food Systems and Urbanism has been established by the Network, and this seminar is one of its key initiatives, aimed at equipping stakeholders involved in land and urban planning with essential information on territorialized food systems. The goal is to create a framework that supports the development of urban areas while ensuring the preservation of agricultural resources.

Throughout the two-day event, participants will engage with case studies such as the Agricultural Park of Baix Llobregat, the Land Bank of Bierzo, and the General Plan of Vitoria-Gasteiz. These case studies will feature informative talks, interactive workshops, and guided tours of La Laguna’s territory, providing attendees with practical insights into successful food and urban planning strategies.

This initiative is particularly geared towards municipal technical and political officials, urban planning professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of territory, food, and sustainability. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the seminar aims to inspire innovative solutions that can be implemented in urban contexts across Spain and beyond.

Key points

• La Laguna is hosting a seminar on urban planning and food integration on October 20-21.
• The event is organized by the Tenerife City Council and RMAe, with support from various foundations and ministries.
• Public officials, urban planners, and academics will discuss sustainable food integration into land management.
• Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasizes the importance of community-focused urban planning.
• The seminar aims to activate tools for protecting fertile soil and promoting healthy food access.
• Case studies will be presented to illustrate successful food and urban planning strategies.
• The initiative targets municipal officials and professionals interested in sustainability and food systems.