How can we protect biodiversity? Protected natural areas are important but not enough.

• Law on Protection of Nature and the Natural Heritage: This law requires the Federal Government to respect biodiversity and the diversity of the landscape when performing its functions.

• Inventories and protective regulations: Important habitats that deserve to be protected such as bogs, floodplains and rough grazing land have been inventoried by the Federal Government and will be preserved. In addition, the cantons and also private organizations have created nature preserves.

• Red lists: Red lists of endangered species are being drawn up by the Federal Government; they help to protect these species and their habitats.

• Land-use planning: The Land-Use Planning Law, by creating guidelines and land use plans, makes it possible to maintain economic and sustainable land management.

• Forest planning: Forest planning controls not only the function or purpose of each a forest area but also provides for sustainable use.

• Environmental compatibility assessment: Every major construction project is evaluated by the authorities for environmental compatibility. These assessments include areas such as conservation of nature and landscape, air pollution prevention, soil and water conservation, wastes and toxic substances.

• Incentive payments: The Federal Government makes compensatory payments to farmers for land that is managed in an environmentally compatible way.

Nature reserves Nature reserves are an important tool for preserving endangered natural diversity. In Switzerland, comparatively few areas are being protected, and often the individual reserves are too small to ensure long-term protection.