On 25-26 January 2024, ICBA led an interactive program hosted by the UAE Pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, to raise awareness about the importance of connecting traditional agricultural practices with scientific research and innovation and developing sustainable and resilient local agrifood systems.
The first day was dedicated to “Agricultural Practices in the UAE and the Impact on Sustainable Food Systems” and featured a presentation of the new book “Agricultural Practices in the UAE: Heritage and Science” and a panel discussion with the experts from ICBA and a Q&A with the audience.
The second day saw an experiential food pop-up “Nourishing Ourselves, Nourishing Nature” held under ICBA’s Halophytic Kitchen Lab program. The event introduced visitors to recipes featuring salt-tolerant plants, including Salicornia, quinoa, and millets. Over 250 people from around the world attended live cooking demonstrations by Chef Luca Cobre and tasted gluten-free Salicornia falafels, “quinotto” (a risotto dish where quinoa is substituted for rice) with a Salicornia pesto, and a millet-date pudding dessert.
