Recognizing Geographical Indications and Their Significance

The problem
Limited awareness about the importance of food geographical indications (GI).
The solution
GI program highlights heritage, tradition, and product quality education.
The prototype
Learning module with digital and physical content about GIs.
The societal actors
Students, educators, cultural & agri experts, regulators, and regional reps.

Hosted by SALL , contributed by LidijaS on 25 January 2024

Activities Video
Teacher: LidijaS
Student Age
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
Physical education, health, wellbeing
Project theme

GIs protect and promote traditional agricultural products and preserve cultural heritage. They also reassure consumers that they are buying better-quality products and provide better protection against misuse, imitation, and deception. However, many consumers are unaware of their existence and significance.

The aim is to educate individuals about the importance of GIs in safeguarding traditional products, supporting local economies, and ensuring product authenticity. This knowledge will enable consumers to make informed choices and appreciate the cultural value of GIs.

Collaboration with experts in cultural preservation, agriculture, food technology, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure the program's content is accurate, up-to-date, and culturally sensitive.

The program would be implemented in educational institutions as part of cultural studies, geography, or social studies curricula. It could also be introduced through cultural events, food festivals and food ads.

  1. Curriculum Integration: Integrate the topic into geography, history, or economics classes. Develop lesson plans focusing on geographical indications (GIs), their importance in protecting regional specialities, and their role in cultural heritage.
  2. Educational Material Creation: Develop resources that explain GIs, including their definition, legal framework, and examples from various regions. Materials should highlight the connection between GIs, traditional practices, and local economies.
  3. Interactive Learning Activities: Conduct classroom activities where students research and present on different GIs worldwide. Discuss how these indications contribute to maintaining traditional methods and supporting local communities.
  4. Digital Resources and Tools: Utilize digital platforms and tools that showcase global GIs, their histories, and products. Interactive maps and databases can be effective in helping students explore GIs from different countries.
  5. Group Projects and Research: Assign students to small groups, each focusing on a specific GI. Tasks could include researching the GI's history, production methods, and impact on the local economy and culture, followed by a presentation or report.
  6. Expert Guest Speakers: Invite experts in agricultural policy, trade, or cultural studies to discuss the significance of GIs in global trade and cultural preservation.
  7. Educational Field Trips: Organize trips to local producers or markets where GIs are prominent. This can give students a tangible understanding of how GIs are applied and their impact on products.
  8. Parent and Community Involvement: Host sessions for parents and community members, educating them about GIs and their significance. This can foster a community-wide appreciation for protected geographical products.
  9. Student-Led Initiatives: Encourage students to create awareness campaigns or exhibitions within the school, focusing on the importance and diversity of GIs. This could include multimedia presentations, brochures, or a food fair showcasing GI products.
  10. Practical Exercises and Quizzes: Implement hands-on activities such as identifying GI products in a mock market setup or creating virtual portfolios of GI products. Regular quizzes can help reinforce knowledge.
  11. Collaboration with Local GI Producers: If possible, partner with local GI producers for guest lectures, workshops, or case studies for student projects.
  12. Sustainability and Global Impact Discussion: Include discussions on the role of GIs in promoting sustainable practices and how they can contribute to global economic diversity.

The program's impact would be continuously assessed through surveys, focus groups, and evaluations. Feedback from students, educators, and experts would guide program improvements.

Plans may include expanding the program to cover more GIs from different regions, creating partnerships with local producers, and organising heritage preservation initiatives.