On 22 September 2024, the Swiss will vote on the popular initiative “For the future of our nature and our landscape”.
In brief
Biodiversity, i.e. the variety of all living creatures and habitats, has declined in Switzerland. The appearance and character of our landscapes, villages and towns are also under threat. Therefore, the federal government and the cantons protect habitats, endangered species and valuable landscapes, towns and villages. They maintain conservation areas and promote biodiversity in agriculture and elsewhere. The federal government invests around CHF 600 million a year to preserve biodiversity. The Confederation and cantons are also implementing an action plan to promote biodiversity.
For the initiators, these measures do not go far enough. They also want to protect the natural world, the landscape and architectural heritage. The initiative calls for more money and more protected areas for biodiversity. And it wants to make the cantons in particular more responsible for preserving landscapes and attractive locations. In addition, the characteristic features of habitats, landscapes and other places worth protecting should be preserved undiminished. Ultimately, the initiative aims to preserve nature, the landscape and architectural heritage outside protected areas.
Last modification 06.08.2024
