Belém Declaration: UN Members Urged to Develop Plant-Based Action Plans by COP32

The Belém Declaration, signed by regional government leaders, activists, and stakeholders, urges UN member states to develop national plans to promote healthy and sustainable diets. The focus is on accelerating the transition to plant-based diets to mitigate climate change, improve food security, and promote public health. The declaration highlights the benefits of plant-based food systems, including reducing emissions, land use, and water consumption, as well as generating economic opportunities, especially for small-scale farmers. Countries are called upon to commit to publishing national plant-based action plans by COP32 in 2027 and to provide financial support for their implementation.

The declaration emphasizes the importance of transitioning to plant-based diets for environmental sustainability and public health, citing research that shows significant reductions in emissions, land use, and water consumption with a vegan diet. It also mentions the need to preserve plant-rich dietary traditions in Global South countries and the potential health benefits associated with plant-based food. The document calls for a coordinated effort by national governments to implement plant-based strategies and provides examples of countries that have already taken steps in this direction, such as Denmark, South Korea, and Portugal.