Rodrigo Pacheco
NATIONAL GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Rodrigo Pacheco is an Ecuadorian chef, whose passion for regenerative gastronomy has led him to advocate for the urgent restoration of the world’s ecosystems.
Rodrigo is involved in developing a ‘biodiversity corridor’ in Ecuador running from the Pacific Coast to the Andean Choco, crossing five different ecosystems and microclimates. The project is an evolution of his ongoing work to innovate the culinary and gastronomic sciences and a plan to create the largest edible forest in the world. His restaurant, Bocavaldivia, celebrates the ancestral culinary past of the Valdivian culture using ingredients produced under pristine agricultural conditions in collaboration with fishermen and local permacultures.
Rodrigo participated in Netflix's popular The Final Table in 2018 and for FAO he has been a valued Ambassador for plant health (in 2020), and subsequently amplifying FAO's messages on biological diversity, food loss and waste and taking part in numerous public-facing activities relating to millets, for example, both in Ecuador and FAO HQ in Rome.
Highlights
Celebrating Sustainable Gastronomy Day
This Sustainable Gastronomy Day, we celebrate the connections behind every plate: farmers who care for the land, producers who safeguard ingredients and traditions, and chefs who turn them into dishes with purpose.
News
FAO Goodwill Ambassadors and Champions spotlight Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Sustainable gastronomy recognises that food is never only about consumption. It connects agriculture, culture, health, livelihoods and the environment - and reminds us that what we grow, cook and eat has a direct impact on both people and planet.
News
Chefs for Food Safety: FAO Champions Take Action
FAO Goodwill Ambassadors, Champions and other supporters have joined forces for a campaign spotlighting the importance of safe food through the universal language of cooking.
How do chefs keep food safe in their kitchens?
For World Food Safety Day, Chefs @rodrigopacheco_bocavaldivia, @cheftammywong and @_samilicious share the food safety tips they apply every day. Because safe food starts with simple, consistent habits.
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News
FAO and 11 Latin American chefs join forces to raise awareness on food waste
Through a social media challenge, the #SinDesperdicioChallenge seeks to inspire households across the region to make the most of their food and reduce waste.
International day
Sustainable Gastronomy Day | 18 June
Gastronomy is a cultural expression of the world’s natural and cultural diversity.
Story
Talking plant health with our advocates
We speak to our International Year of Plant Health advocates Monty Don, Diarmuid Gavin and Rodrigo Pacheco to discuss why plant health is so important.
International year
International Year of Millets 2023 Master Chef Challenge
Bringing together chefs from around the world to participate in a live millets cooking event.
Chef Rodrigo Pacheco at World Food Day 2024
Chef Rodrigo Pacheco joined FAO on World Food Day and showed his commitment to continue preserving biodiversity.
Article
‘Plants are our allies’: Chef Rodrigo Pacheco on climate-proofing food
From farm to fork and field to plate, Rodrigo Pacheco wants to make food more sustainable.
Interview
A bridge between humans and plants
Chef Rodrigo Pacheco, IYPH Goodwill Ambassador, walks the talk on biodiversity in food and agriculture.
FAO Goodwill Ambassador for Ecuador Chef Rodrigo Pacheco
For World Food Day, FAO Goodwill Ambassador for Ecuador Chef Rodrigo Pacheco reminds us that we can all be Food Heroes.
Interview
World Food Day 2023 - Rodrigo Pacheco
Working with nature is key for Rodrigo. His vision for sustainable food and agriculture focuses on integrating the biodiversity that surrounds him.
World Wetlands Day
Celebrate World Wetlands Day together with FAO Goodwill Ambassador Rodrigo Pacheco.