Presentation
The Mediterranean sea could be called an internal basin of the Atlantic Ocean situated between Europe to the north, Africa to the south and Asia to the east. Many consider the Mediterranean area fundamental to the development of human civilization because the history of the ancient world was played out within its geographic boundaries: on its shores and islands have arisen and declined more civilizations than anywhere else on earth. The Mediterranean was also a significant intermediary between East and West, and since time immemorial Italy has been an essential port of call because of its geographic position.
The waters of the Mediterranean have united peoples and brought about cultural exchange, while the foods of the area have promoted contact and reciprocal knowledge.
For these reasons the ADI (Italian Association for Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition) has turned to this area to encourage dialogue between experts from countries that face onto the sea, through this International Meeting and the publication of a scientific journal that both have the word Mediterranean in the title.
Attentive readers will understand that the choice of host city did not come about by accident: a view into the past can reveal a new and stimulating future. Brindisi, the ancient Brundisium connected to Rome by the Via Appia, was for long periods of time a commercial port for the Orient: until 1914 it was the “Valigia delle Indie” port for the postal and passenger service between England and the East Indies through the Suez Canal.
Brindisi is, therefore, a European and Mediterranean city and lends itself beautifully as a point of departure for cultural exchanges and scientific debate between professionals of nutrition and metabolism.
It is our hope that this meeting best interprets the Mediterranean spirit and does not remain an isolated experience but becomes and important annual event.
Giuseppe Fatati
ADI President
