On March 28, the historical irrigation system of l’Horta de València, recognized as a GIAHS site and represented by the Consell de l’Horta de València, hosted its 2nd Local Workshop as part of the MED GIAHS project. The event brought together local stakeholders to continue the participatory process of identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism that respect the territory’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
The workshop opened with an analysis of the outcomes of the first local meeting, with participants reflecting on the current challenges and opportunities of the GIAHS site. The discussions emphasized the potential of traditional irrigation agriculture as a driver for sustainable rural tourism, with strong links to local identity and food culture.
One of the key moments of the event was the presentation of the “Mediterranean Pantry” programme by Jaume Mata, Head of Sustainable Tourism at Visit València. The initiative aims to enhance the visibility of high-quality local agri-food products and to consolidate València’s position as a Mediterranean gastronomic destination by connecting producers with tourism experiences.
A roundtable followed, featuring Vía Heraclia, SAiFRESC, and La Barraca de Toni Montoliu—initiatives that are successfully combining tourism with local agriculture. These experiences demonstrated how innovation, tradition, and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand to generate sustainable socio-economic development for the region.
The session concluded with practical recommendations on how to access tourism-related funding to support the implementation of local projects. These included the need to foster synergies among stakeholders, strengthen participatory governance, and invest in training and capacity-building.
This workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the MED GIAHS project to co-create inclusive development models, where traditional agriculture, responsible tourism, and the valorisation of cultural landscapes contribute to the resilience and sustainability of Mediterranean rural territories.
