The world of gastronomy is once again looking to Tenerife. Since yesterday, the Canary Island has been hosting the 6th Encounter of the Seas, a congress that "has shown that it is possible to talk about gastronomy, tourism, science and fishing", according to Lope Afonso, Vice-President of the Island Council of Tenerife. He stressed the importance of combining "blue health, blue tourism and the blue economy" and, in this sense, "tools such as this meeting are exceptional forums that allow us to carry out what should serve as a roadmap".

Gastronomy is a key player in raising awareness of our relationship with the oceans and the importance of eating fish. Afonso stressed that, contrary to what it might seem, "fish is not the main food on the island", despite its "rich diversity". Tourism is also crucial and "must be part of the management system if we are to be a blue destination". To this end, "the conservation of our marine ecosystem will facilitate this prominent position in terms of responsible destinations and position us as an exemplary destination".

The 6th Meeting of the Seas is therefore being presented as "the perfect combination of values and people", thanks to the presence of leading figures from the scientific world, as well as fishermen and chefs who are passionate about the sea. The aim of the meeting is that "at the end of the day, we will be better people and better professionals".

Restoring balance to the oceans

After Lope Afonso's words, it was Benjamín Lana, president of Vocento Gastronomía, who officially opened the congress. Lana pointed out that "the sea is our first mother, the one that gave us life for the first time; then we became independent and went to the land, looking at this model in a selfish way". With regard to the 6th Meeting of the Seas, he stressed that "it is a meeting between different people" and that "we feel loved and satisfied with how the project is coming together".

In this relationship with the sea, "we are beginning to be aware of restoring balance to the oceans", which is why "we are here to be aware of the problems and to take action". The dialogue that is being created in Tenerife these days is "to bring positions closer together, to understand the point of view of others, even if we do not share it". Lana explained that "we are forging something beautiful and exemplary" in a congress that "steps on the sand and gets wet".