The city of Nijmegen has endorsed calls for a global Plant Based Treaty, becoming the second Dutch city to do so and the 37th globally.
Following the endorsement, Nijmegen will implement a ban on advertising fossil fuels and meat products in public spaces such as bus shelters and digital screens. Similar bans have previously been implemented by municipalities in Haarlem and Utrecht.
The city will also introduce the plant-based Nimma Sandwich, which has been developed in collaboration with Radboudumc, Radboud University, MVO Nederland, HAN, Compass, Vermaat, and the restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel. The sandwich highlights natural, plant-based ingredients, all of which are sourced from local farmers and producers.
“Last year, we put the Plant Based Treaty on the city’s radar,” said Bart Salemans, City Council Member, Party for the Animals Nijmegen. “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.”
Climate action leadership
The news comes after Amsterdam endorsed the Plant Based Treaty in February 2024, becoming the first European capital and the first Dutch city to do so. Other notable cities worldwide that have endorsed the treaty include Belfast, Edinburgh, and Los Angeles.
Over 4,000 businesses and organizations and more than 230,000 individuals, including IPCC scientists and Nobel Prize winners Klaus Hasselmann and Carlos Nobre, have also supported the call for a Plant Based Treaty.
“The way we produce, distribute, process, and consume food has a significant impact on our health, the health of the planet, and animals,” said Plant Based Treaty Netherlands campaigner Lea Goodett. “We applaud Nijmegen for showing climate action leadership by endorsing the Plant Based Treaty, and we are excited to try their Nimma sandwich, which will help promote healthy plant-based food and support local farmers and producers.”
