Biodiversity in Germany is in an alarming state. Numerous animal, plant and habitat species are threatened or have already disappeared. Despite this, there is a lack of binding legal regulations to effectively halt the decline in biodiversity. Protected areas are often inadequately equipped, minimum ecological standards in agriculture are not enforced and even existing biodiversity strategy targets are regularly missed.

The German Basic Law obliges the state to protect the natural foundations of life, also in responsibility for future generations. But it is precisely this duty to protect that is being neglected. The lawsuit is therefore aimed directly at the Federal Government and calls for an effective, enforceable biodiversity law.

The lawsuit was filed on October 23, 2024 together with several individual plaintiffs, including actor Hannes Jaenicke and conservationist Christof Martin.

The constitutional complaint is being legally represented by the law firm Baumann Rechtsanwälte, namely Dr. Franziska Heß and Lisa Hörtzsch, as well as Prof. Dr. Dr. Felix Ekardt from the Research Center for Sustainability and Climate Policy (all Leipzig).

Protect the Planet is supporting the lawsuit professionally and financially – together with the Pelorus Jack Foundation and through a significant individual donation from Christof Martin.

Biodiversity is not a “nice to have”, but the basis for a functioning ecosystem, healthy soil, clean water and a stable climate. Those who ignore the extinction of species also endanger the basis of human life. That is why we support this constitutional complaint – as the next important step towards sustainable and fair environmental legislation.