# Regional culinary and gastronomic promotion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/regional-culinary-and-gastronomic-promotion > Updated: 2026-09-20T11:05:04.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Various regional initiatives in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador are focusing on the promotion of local culinary traditions and sustainable gastronomy to bolster cultural identity and economic development. In Venezuela, the Feria de la Dulcería Criolla y Artesanos was held in Ocumare de la Costa de Oro to showcase traditional sweets and artisanal crafts. Similarly, the Dominican Republic has hosted the ‘Plato del Verano’ competition in Samaná, which emphasizes the use of seasonal, local ingredients and environmental responsibility. Efforts in the Dominican Republic have expanded through the Dominican Association of Restaurants (Aderes), which is implementing training programs and establishing a gastronomic laboratory in Salcedo to strengthen national culinary identity. In Ecuador, the ‘Lo Nuestro Inspira’ platform and the ‘Orígenes’ program continue to connect local producers with chefs, aiming to integrate emblematic ingredients into the broader culinary landscape and provide economic opportunities for local communities. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: Gastronomy initiatives promote local identity in Dominican Republic and Ecuador Culinary initiatives in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador are focusing on strengthening local identity and economic opportunities by promoting regional ingredients, traditional cooking, and professional chef训练 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gastronomy-initiatives-promote-local-identity-in-dominican-republic-and-ecuador ### 2026-09-06: Regional culinary traditions promoted in Venezuela and Dominican Republic Culinary festivals and competitions in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are promoting traditional recipes and sustainable gastronomy to boost local economies and heritage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-culinary-traditions-promoted-in-venezuela-and-dominican-republic --- Cite as: Regional culinary and gastronomic promotion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/regional-culinary-and-gastronomic-promotion