The fossil deposits near Bundenbach in the Hunsrück region of Germany offer unique insights into the development of life. At the time of deposition, at the beginning of the Devonian period of geological history around 400 million years ago, the development of life was at the beginning of the nectonic revolution, the conquest of the world's oceans at all depths by actively swimming organisms. At the end of this period, around 30 percent of all animal species perished in a mass extinction. With over 280 animal species, some in soft tissue preservation, Bundenbach is synonymous with the most important Fossillagerstätte of this period. The tropical fauna documents a complete marine ecosystem at the equator with washed-in evidence of the conquest of the mainland. Observing the development of life at a turning point sharpens our view of the Anthropozän, the new era in the history of the earth shaped by humans.
Bundenbach-Fossils are on exhibit in all major Natural History Museums worldwide, on a par with fossils from Solnhofen or Messel.
The signatories of this petition support the initiative of the local community and the collective municipality in the effort to appreciate the Bundenbach fossils.
This petition, during 14.12.2024 - 14.02.2025, is addressed to
- Ministry of the Interior and Sport of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister Michael Ebling
and subordinate: Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage Rhineland-Palatinate, Dr. Heike Otto
- Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister Daniela Schmitt
and subordinate: State Office for Geology and Mining, Director Andreas Tschauder
- Ministry of Education of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister Dr. Stefanie Hubig
The list of signatories will be handed over subsequently.
This petition, during 14.12.2024 - 14.02.2025, is addressed to
1) Ministerpresident Alexander Schweitzer, Staatskanzlei Rheinland-Pfalz
2) Ministry of the Interior and Sport of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister Michael Ebling
and subordinate: Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz, Frau Dr. Heike Otto
and subordinate: Landesamt für Geologie und Bergbau, Herrn Direktor Andreas Tschauder
4) Ministry of Education of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister Dr. Stefanie Hubig
The petition, including the list of signatories, is to be handed out personally to MP Schweitzer. The Herrstein-Rhaunen National Park Association requested an appointment for this in a letter dated February 20, 2025. A response is currently pending (April 7, 2025).
By signing the petition you do not enter into any legal obligation. In addition to your name and place of residence, you decide on further information (e.g. function) that will be published in the list of signatories and sent to the above-mentioned addressees. Your email address will be treated confidentially. We look forward to your suggestions and criticism, also for forwarding to the addressees, and will inform you about the further progress of the activities here.
Christoph Leins, Tübingen, 14.12.2024
Wouter Südkamp, Hausen, 14.12.2024
We, the initiators of the petition for a new fossil museum in Bundenbach, Christoph Leins and Wouter Südkamp, give our personal view of how the goals mentioned in the petition can be implemented in practice. These comments are not the subject of the petition.