The Spree carries Berlin, the Spreewald and Lusatia: drinking water, habitat, culture and a place to unwind. Now the river needs protecting itself, with rights of its own and a strong voice in Saxony, Brandenburg and Berlin.
Pollution left over from lignite mining, discharges from industry and farming, and the climate crisis are wearing the river down. Heat, drought and water shortages are on the rise. The EU Water Framework Directive has been in force since 2000, yet the Spree is in poor shape: pollutants often exceed the limits and many species have disappeared.
Environmental law mostly limits damage after the fact. We want the Spree to have rights of its own, and a voice when decisions about it are made.
19,969of 20,000 signatures
The petition’s next goal. As of 3 November 2026, according to WeAct
The three states jointly start a binding process to recognise the Spree’s own rights in law.
One law for the river
A state treaty or aligned state laws give the Spree rights of its own and secure it independent representation.
A voice for the Spree
Democratically legitimised bodies of citizens, scientists and civil society represent the river and protect its ecological integrity.
Next, we want to build a Parliament of the Spree, with the people and initiatives along the whole river.
One river, three states
The Spree rises in Saxony, flows through Lusatia and the Spreewald in Brandenburg, and joins the Havel in Berlin. The three states can only decide its future together.
The Spree supplies millions of people, drinking water included. For Berlin it is a lifeline, a waterway and a place to breathe.
A law for the Spree
A team of environmental lawyers, administrative lawyers and professors has drafted the Spree Rights Act (SpRG). It can be passed at state level, and it fits the EU Water Framework Directive.
Rights of its own
The Spree becomes a legal person, with the right to exist, to regenerate and to be represented in court.
Guardians
Appointed people speak for the river and represent it.
A say
A participation board reviews the plans for how the Spree is managed.
Right to sue
If the river is seriously harmed, a case can be brought on its behalf.
Symbiotic Lab and Green Legal Impact started the initiative. It is carried out with the Humboldt Lab and the Yera Hub, supported by the Rights of Nature network (Netzwerk Rechte der Natur). Rechte der Natur e.V. is a partner of the petition.
The initiative presents the draft Spree Rights Act and launches the petition, alongside the exhibition “Die Spree klagt” (The Spree sues) at the Humboldt Lab.
