This report, prepared on behalf of Stop Ecocide Germany, analyses how the 'ecocide' regulation of the Environmental Crime Directive (ECD) could be transposed into German law. After an introduction, Chapter 2 analyzes the 'ecocide' regulation within the context of the amended ECD. Dr. Stephan Sina then assesses the extent to which German law needs to be adapted in order to implement the ECD's minimum requirements regarding 'ecocide'. The report's main focus is the development of implementation options and proposals in Chapter 4, drawing on the implementation proposals for EU Member States from the "Manual for a National Criminalisation of Ecocide", published by a working group on 12 February 2025. The summary highlights the report's key recommendations, particularly the proposal to implement 'ecocide' either as a particularly serious case of an environmental criminal offence in Section 330 StGB or as a separate criminal provision that already penalizes the risk of ecocide-like consequences.

Germany is under increasing water stress, despite increasing precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events. The core issue lies not in rainfall quantity, but in the inability of our anthropogenically modified landscape to retain water. The Handbook of Agricultural Measures for Enhancing Water Retention, Water Quality and Biodiversity addresses this challenge head-on. Developed with farmers and advisors in mind, it presents field-tested and scientifically evaluated nature-based solutions for agricultural water management. These measures do not compete with productivity – they ensure long-term agricultural viability in a changing climate.

Nature-based solutions (NbS), such as green spaces or river restoration, can make a valuable contribution to municipal climate adaptation. The new topic page, "Nature-based climate adaptation" on the Federal Environment Agency's website, highlights different aspects of such approaches and offers municipalities targeted support for NbS planning and implementation. In addition to information on the legal framework and funding issues, it also contains practical examples and helpful publications. Ecologic Institute designed and implemented the content of the website on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency.

Our Urban Nature Plan is now available in English, following its initial release in German. The brochure serves as a comprehensive guide for implementing the EU Biodiversity Strategy in urban areas, transferring the approach of the Urban Nature Plans to the German context. The guidance provides concrete advice on practical implementation and includes methodological approaches to implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as a practical checklist to help determine the extent to which a municipality's existing plans already correspond to Urban Nature Plans.

This review article, published in "Frontiers in Marine Science", explores the potential synergies between marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies – an emerging nexus critical for addressing climate change impacts in European coastal and marine areas. It identifies key integrated approaches, with a particular focus on ecosystem-based strategies, that strengthen the resilience of coastal social-ecological systems and support both marine ecosystem protection and climate adaptation.

Speech: Dr. Grit Martinez

The state of the North and Baltic Seas has deteriorated over the course of our lifetimes, as evidenced by the declining average size of food fish and the loss of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Yet every time the baseline shifts downward, it is accepted as the new “normal”. When are we going to stop adjusting downwards? As part of the annual Marine Nature Conservation Colloquium (28–30 April, Island of Vilm, Germany), scientists from BfN-commissioned research projects presented interim findings and open questions. Representing Ecologic Institute, Dr. Grit Martinez shared first insights from the project "The German North Sea and Baltic Sea over 100 years ago" (HISTOMAR). The presentation focused on the Shifting Baseline Syndrome and its implications for protecting marine ecosystems with historical knowledge.

The premiere of Horizon Scan was a success: in an intimate setting, our researchers engaged in a thought-provoking exchange with representatives from politics, public authorities, and civil society on Europe’s future viability and innovative strength. With keynote speaker Ulrich Wilhelm – lawyer, journalist, and former Director of Bayerischer Rundfunk – the discussion explored how Europe can assert itself in a shifting global order while upholding democracy and sustainability. One insight stood out: mutual trust is the foundation for a strong and successful Europe.

On 4 June 2025, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), in cooperation with AEMET, is hosting an in-person C3S User Engagement Workshop in Valencia, Spain. This half-day event is tailored to current and prospective C3S users in Spain, offering the opportunity to learn about C3S services, share your own experiences, explore use cases, and connect with the Spanish user community and participants of the C3S General Assembly. Registration is open until 28 May 2025.

Join the SPRINT Horizon 2020 project's final conference, "Shaping the Future of Sustainable Plant Protection", on 25 June 2025.  Participants can attend either in person in Brussels or join virtually. This free, one-day event will present research on the health and environmental impacts of pesticides, introduce the new SPRINT Toolbox for risk assessment, and explore policy tools to support a shift towards reduced reliance on pesticides. Space for in-person attendance is limited – register early to secure your spot.

To strengthen our team in Berlin, we are looking for an experienced Senior Financial Controller with the ability to maintain strategic oversight and a strong understanding of figures. Contribute your expertise to our projects at the interface of science, research, and policy advice. The application deadline is 12 June 2025.

Are you studying economics, political science or environmental policy and would like to gain practical experience in European climate and energy policy? Then we look forward to receiving your application as a student assistant at Ecologic Institute in Berlin! The application deadline is 31 May 2025.