Damme only became a member of the network after an extensive process to have the city meet the Cittaslow standards. To be able to call itself a carrier of the Cittaslow quality mark, a municipality must commit to pursuing a qualitative environmental policy, supporting the local economy and encouraging hospitality. Slowness, in a positive sense, is important: taking time to consciously live and enjoy your own municipality.
Mayor Joachim Coens: “We are only the second Flemish municipality that is represented in this organization. Nevertheless, the vision of Cittaslow is one that should sound like music for many other Flemish boards. We will work on that in the coming years.”