The launch meeting of the Spanish Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) was successfully held on 13 June. A total of eleven participants attended the session, representing Geographical Indications (GIs), public authorities, research institutions, and promotional associations actively involved in the Spanish GI landscape.
During the meeting, the work plan and the core functions of the MAP were presented, alongside its connection to the European MAP and the wider network of national platforms. These elements were introduced in the context of the GI-SMART project, whose objectives and expected outcomes were also explained.
The participants expressed a positive reception to the initiative, as reflected in their engagement and agreement with several of the statements presented throughout the session. At the conclusion of the meeting, an opinion questionnaire was distributed. The responses highlighted the perceived importance of both the Spanish and European MAPs, as well as the relevance of the discussion topics proposed for the future of GIs.
The session also marked the opening of opportunities for more active stakeholder participation. In the first instance, a space has been created for participants to propose topics for analysis and debate to be addressed in future meetings. Additionally, GI representatives have been invited to express their interest in participating as part of the Spanish case studies.