Sustainability & environment
Modest as we Swiss are, we rarely mention how sustainable our country really is. Yet Switzerland has so much to offer! Countless rankings offer proof of this. Switzerland regularly scores above average in international studies when it comes to sustainability and quality of life. Being among the best in the world spurs us on to defend these ranks year after year – and to do so successfully.
For flora and fauna
Nature reserves
Switzerland has numerous nature reserves. Nature reserves serve to protect areas of particular value for people and nature and are characterised by near-natural and diverse habitats. Examples include the Swiss National Park, biosphere reserves such as the Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch, water and migratory bird reserves such as the Grande Cariçaie, as well as federal hunting reserves such as the Aletsch Forest.
Swiss parks
The Swiss National Park is the oldest national park in the Alps and one of 20 Swiss parks of national importance. The Swiss parks support the conservation and enhancement of natural habitats and landscapes that are particularly beautiful. The 20 Swiss parks cover a total of 5,839 square kilometres, which equates to 14% of the area of Switzerland.
Swiss forests
Since 1876, the Forest Act has ensured that the area of Swiss forests does not decrease. Today, 31% of Switzerland is forested – and this figure is rising. Among other things, the trees protect against avalanches and have a CO2-reducing effect.
Blue gold
Switzerland holds around six per cent of the continent’s freshwater reserves – and is considered Europe’s water reservoir. Many large rivers such as the Rhone, Rhine, Ticino and Inn have their source here. The many streams, rivers and lakes are very important not only for biodiversity but also for tourism. Uniquely, even in the larger cities, going for a swim is perfectly safe here. The protection of this precious resource is a high priority – so that future generations will be able to benefit from it too.
Take a deep breath
Air quality in Switzerland has improved steadily over the past 30 years and is now considered good by international standards. This makes Switzerland one of the countries in Europe with the lowest concentrations of particulate matter. With measures for the consistent use of the best available technology in agriculture, transport, industry and heating, further progress with respect to clean and healthy air in Switzerland will be possible in the future too.
The power of nature
Renewable energies are on the rise in Switzerland. For example, 80% of the electricity from Swiss outlets is generated from renewable energy sources, primarily hydropower.
Switzerland – a nation of recyclers
The Swiss are world champions when it comes to recycling: 95% of waste glass and almost 85% of PET bottles end up at special collection points rather than in the household bin. The containers are recycled and given a second life. In addition, Switzerland is one of the European leaders in consistent recycling and has an exemplary waste disposal system.
Low-emission mobility
Switzerland is the country of environmentally conscious activities. Public transport is used for travel, and low-emission activities such as hiking and cycling are clearly in the foreground.
Getting around Switzerland on public transport
On the approximately 3,000km-long network of the SBB, almost 9,700 passenger trains are in operation daily, which means that the SBB transports more than 1.1 million passengers each day. With one of the densest rail networks in the world, even the most remote locations are accessible by public transport.
SwitzerlandMobility promotes slow traffic
SwitzerlandMobility is a free platform for planning an active leisure time programme. Whether hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing or snowshoe hiking – the platform features a network of uniformly signposted routes throughout the country that are perfectly coordinated with public transport.
