Nijmegen became the latest city in the Netherlands to officially endorse the Plant Based Treaty, and will implement a ban on advertisements for meat products and fossil fuels in public spaces.
On the 28th of March 2025, the Dutch city of Nijmegen became the latest city in the Netherlands — and the 37th globally — to officially endorse the Plant Based Treaty, marking a significant step in its ongoing commitment to climate action and animal protection. As part of this endorsement, Nijmegen will implement a ban on advertisements for meat products and fossil fuels in public spaces, including bus shelters and digital screens, joining other Dutch cities such as Haarlem and Utrecht in enacting similar measures. The Party for the Animals introduced this treaty to the city’s council.
Cilia Daemen, Alderman for Climate Adaptation and Urban Greening, stated, “By signing the Plant Based Treaty, the municipality of Nijmegen supports the global call for cities, organisations, businesses, and residents to help combat the climate crisis by changing their diets.”
Nijmegen’s leadership in sustainability is well established, having received the European Green Capital Award in 2018. The city ensures all residents live within 300 metres of green space and actively supports school gardens, with 40% of primary schools already participating. The endorsement of the Plant Based Treaty aligns with Nijmegen’s broader ambitions, including the upcoming Agenda Circular City 2030 and Vision on Health Nijmegen 2040, which will incorporate the theme of healthy, sustainable food.
A statement from the city emphasised the treaty’s three core principles: “Relinquish: No expansion of intensive livestock farming and slaughterhouses and no more deforestation for grazing/animal feed production. Redirect: Active promotion of a shift to a plant-based food system. Restore: Reforestation, ecosystem restoration, and landscape restructuring. The municipality of Nijmegen supports these principles and is actively committed to healthy and sustainable food.”
To celebrate the endorsement, Nijmegen is launching the plant-based Nimma Sandwich, developed in collaboration with Radboudumc, Radboud University, MVO Nederland, HAN, Compass, Vermaat, and the Michelin-starred restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel. The sandwich features natural, locally sourced vegan ingredients, supporting both the transition away from animal agriculture and local farmers.
Bart Salemans, City Council Member from the Party for the Animals Nijmegen, commented, “Last year, we put the Plant Based Treaty on the city’s radar. We urged the municipal board to sign it, and now it has happened. By signing the Plant Based Treaty, Nijmegen is taking a great step toward a more animal-friendly and healthier future for all its residents.”
Original source: https://veganfta.com
https://www.animalagricultureclimatechange.org/cities-plant-based-treaty/
