El Masnou has become the 42nd city worldwide, and the second in Spain to endorse the call for a global Plant Based Treaty. They join cities including Parla, Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Edinburgh in recognizing the need to promote plant-based food to improve public health, address the climate emergency and reduce animal suffering.
The motion introduced on Thursday June 19th by Fem Masnou’s Councillor Sergi Amat Giró, passed with a strong majority of 17 votes in favor, two against.
The motion states: “We are living in a climate emergency that requires rapid, deep and sustained reductions in greenhouse gases. But this means not only addressing emissions from the energy sector, but also recognizing the essential role played by our food system. If we were to turn off all fossil fuel engines, the emissions from our food system would increase global temperatures by more than 1.5 ° C.”
Councillor Sergi Amat Giró said, “Structural changes are needed, also in the food model, to move from models based on economic interests to models that put life at the center. City councils cannot remain on the sidelines of these changes and joining the Plant Based Treaty is an opportunity for Masnou to move in this direction.”
The motion commits El Masnou to a range of measures, including:
-
When events are held in open spaces in the city and catering services are offered, ensure that plant-based options are included and represent at least 50% of the offer, as specified in the terms and conditions of contracting.
-
Involve the local educational community through the municipal school council in the need to promote the transition to plant-based meal plans in schools as specified in Royal Decree 315/2025, of April 15, which establishes rules for the development of Law 17/2011, of July 5, on food safety and nutrition, for the promotion of healthy and sustainable eating in educational centers.
-
Work to recover the agricultural area at the end of Ocata from an environmental and landscape point of view and grant it a social use, as well as encourage its agricultural use to promote food sovereignty.
-
Establish green corridors to connect El Masnou with neighboring towns, on foot or by bicycle, multiplying open and friendly spaces for doing sports, walking or meeting.
-
Inform the adoption of these agreements to: the municipal School Council, the management teams of the municipality’s educational centers, the Town Council, the AFAs, the Departments of the Presidency of the Generalitat of Catalonia and the President of the Spanish Government, as well as the general public, through the usual communication channels, informing them of the need to transition to a plant-based food system and asking them to adhere to the Plant Based Treaty.
Marina Vall-llosada, Plant Based Treaty City Campaigner, Spain, said, “Cities have a very important role to play in the food system transition and the fight against the climate crisis. This is an existential issue that affects us all, so it is inspiring to see councillors taking the lead and not waiting for national governments to move forward. Our team applauds Masnou’s endorsement of Plant Based Treaty, and hopes it serves as an example for other cities to follow suit, showing true climate leadership.”