 |
Geographical Indications (GIs) are a powerful tool for fostering sustainable development by linking products to their unique origins, encompassing cultural, environmental, and economic values. However, the complex systems underpinning GIs involve diverse stakeholders and objectives, creating inevitable trade-offs between economic, environmental, social, and governance dimensions. This contribution examines these trade-offs, identifies their root causes, and explores relevant practices that can enhance the sustainability of GIs while acknowledging the importance of transitions and pathways.
The methodology employs a participatory approach, using structured group discussions to identify the main trade-offs within Geographical Indication (GI) systems across six dimensions: social-economy, environment-economy, governance-economy, social-environment, social-governance, and governance-environment. Participants examined GI systems at different levels, analyzing trade-offs, their causes, impacts, and the potential for mitigation through context-sensitive practices.
The results reveal that prioritizing a single dimension often challenges the prospects for sustainability. For example, economic pressures can drive intensification, resulting in biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Similarly, governance structures may marginalize minority voices, limiting the inclusivity necessary for equitable decision-making.
To address these trade-offs, this research highlights relevant practices that align with the principles of EU Regulation 2024/1143, which emphasizes sustainability approaches such as biodiversity conservation, circular economy models, and fair labor conditions. One notable example is the reuse of whey in cheese production. This practice reduces environmental impact by minimizing waste while creating additional income sources for producers. Another example is the promotion of generational renewal through training programs for young farmers, addressing economic viability and social inclusion.
The governance dimension plays a critical role in balancing the components of sustainability. Participatory and democratic governance models ensure balanced power dynamics and inclusive decision-making, enabling GI systems to adapt effectively to evolving challenges. For instance, reforms to PDO governance structures have fostered cooperation and trust among stakeholders while enhancing market resilience.
This research underscores the importance of adopting a systemic approach to GI sustainability, emphasizing transitions and pathways rather than fixed outcomes. Stakeholder collaboration is essential to harmonize conflicting objectives while allowing practices to adapt and evolve according to specific contexts. By scaling up relevant and situated practices, GIs can serve as models for sustainable development, contributing to global agendas such as biodiversity conservation, rural development, and climate change mitigation. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating local and global perspectives to ensure that sustainability practices are not only effective at the production level but also resonate with consumer values in international markets.
In conclusion, GI sustainability requires a delicate balance between diverse objectives. By addressing trade-offs through innovative and context-sensitive practices alongside inclusive governance, GIs can strengthen their resilience and long-term value. This contribution offers a roadmap for stakeholders to collaboratively advance sustainability, ensuring that GIs achieve their potential as instruments of cultural, economic, and environmental preservation.
- Présentation
