Biodiversity in Switzerland still at risk

class=”sc-29f61514-0 kHgAwW”>

As Bafu announced on Monday, 17 percent of all animal and plant species are threatened or endangered. 16% are considered vulnerable. The population of this vulnerable species has also declined by about a third over the past decade.

For the first time since 2011, the federal government has considered all red lists of endangered species. Compared to the previous period, the balance sheet shows that the overall risk situation has not improved since then. The study was published because Monday was International Biodiversity Day.

According to Bafu, the danger of extinction of fish, reptile and bird species has increased. Many ecologically valuable habitats have shrunk and become less connected in recent decades. Mittelland, in particular, is becoming increasingly monotonous, according to the report. This is above all a problem for migratory species and conservation of genetic diversity.

Compared to neighboring countries, the proportion of endangered or extinct species is particularly high in Switzerland. Almost half of the species found only or mostly in Switzerland are on the Red List. Action towards species protection and species promotion measures is needed for about half of the species studied, according to the study.

bad for climate protection

In addition to the small distribution areas, habitat destruction and degradation of habitat quality are the main reasons that endanger biodiversity in Switzerland.

A wide variety of species and genetic diversity is more important than ever, according to Bafu. According to the Federal Office, rich biodiversity increases nature’s chances of adapting to extreme events such as drought or heat stress. This also serves to protect the climate.

Bafu emphasized that some progress has been made in recent years. But he acknowledged that these were not enough to turn the tide. According to Bafu, this requires the cooperation of all actors.

Great potential in big cities

Bafu sees great potential especially in residential areas. For example, in spatial planning, more natural green and water areas, urban forests or green roofs and facades should be planned. In this context, FOEN took the opportunity to promote the Federal Council’s indirect counter-proposition to the biodiversity initiative.

In this way, the Federal Council wants to promote the quality and networking of habitats and nature in residential areas. While promoting renewable energies, a balance of interest is needed between conservation and use, he said.

Targets “abandoned without a word”

Environmentalists have long criticized that the measures taken to protect biodiversity in Switzerland are not effective enough. Conservation organization Birdlife Switzerland wrote last week that Switzerland is “hesitantly giving up” in 2020, from its 1998 goal of reducing the number of Red List species by one percent per year.

As early as April 2022, Birdlife Switzerland concluded that none of the 18 goals had been achieved, ten years after the Federal Council adopted its biodiversity strategy in 2012. Switzerland is on the right track only when it comes to preserving biodiversity in the forest. Two-thirds of the goals did not progress or even regress.

(SDA)

Source : Blick