Summary
In April 2022, the German Network for the Rights of Nature (NGO) developed a proposal to amend the German Constitution to recognize the Rights of Nature.
In 2020, the German Rights of Nature Network was founded and launched a two-year consultation process, bringing together academics, legal experts, organizations, and committed citizens to draft a proposal for amending the German Basic Law (federal constitution of Germany). Their proposal aims to strengthen legal protections for nature by incorporating its rights into the constitution. Among other changes, the proposal suggests adding the following amendments to Article 1 and 19 of the German Grundgesetz (Basic Law):
(2) The dignity of nature requires that the natural foundations of life be protected, cared for, and preserved, and that the intrinsic value of the natural world be respected in its entirety.
(3) The German people therefore recognize inviolable and inalienable human and natural rights as the foundation of every human community, as well as of peace and justice in the world.
(4) Fundamental rights also apply to nature insofar as they are applicable to it. Nature has legal capacity and must be respected and protected by legislation, the executive, and the judiciary.
The proposed amendment seeks to obligate the German state to protect nature for its own sake and to uphold its responsibility to future generations. To be considered, amendments must be introduced into parliament by members of parliament. The German Network for the Rights of Nature is currently lobbying members of parliament in Germany to introduce the proposed amendments for consideration.
Involved Organizations
Related Initiatives
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon, Alex Putzer & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2026. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/germany-draft-proposal-to-recognize-rights-of-nature-in-german-constitution/.
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