Summary
In February 2022, the Network for the Rights of Nature, a national network of German citizens, attorneys, and environmental organizations, drafted proposed amendments to the German Constitution (Grundgesetz) recognizing nature as possessing dignity and basic rights. The proposed amendments include changes to Article 20 that state “Every living being has its natural dignity and the right to live according to its nature within the framework of natural cycles, food chains and biotopes.” The proposed amendments also require nature’s basic rights to be “respected and protected by legislation, executive powers and the judiciary”. To be considered, the draft amendments must be introduced into parliament by members of parliament. The group Network for the Rights of Nature is currently lobbying members of parliament in Germany to introduce the proposed amendments for consideration.