Swiss environmental policy builds on the deeply rooted national culture of husbanding the natural environment. Nevertheless, Switzerland has also introduced a series of legally binding measures to guarantee the protection of this precious resource. 
 

Biodiversity

Despite its small surface area, Switzerland has an astonishing diversity of plants and animals – some 50,000 different species. Switzerland is committed to preserving its rich biodiversity and in 1994 signed the UN convention on biodiversity.

A number of sites of exceptional ecological importance, such as the Swiss National Park, have been placed under official protection. Located in the canton of Graubünden, the park was established in 1914 and became a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1979, as did the Entlebuch region of the canton of Lucerne in 2001. Ten regional nature parks are already officially designated protected areas. 
 

Forests

The first Federal Forestry Protection Act was passed back in 1876. The protection and management of its forest resources continue to play a central role. Some 31% of Swiss territory is covered by woodland. In a mountain country like Switzerland, forests are vital as they help preserve the landscape because their roots help stabilise the soil and prevent landslides, avalanches and erosion. 
 

Water

Protection of its waterways and water sources is a permanent undertaking and has been enshrined in the Swiss Constitution as far back as 1970. The drinking water that comes out of Swiss taps is as pure as bottled mineral water. Thanks to excellent water purification technologies, you can bathe in any of Switzerland’s lakes and rivers without fear of pollution. Total daily water consumption in Switzerland is around 400 litres per head (households, industry and manufacturing). 
 

Energy policy

The two main planks of Swiss energy policy are to promote the use of renewable resources and to encourage efficiency. Switzerland has very few traditional energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power and firewood. This means that it has to import 80% of its energy.

The energy consumed in Switzerland comes from a variety of sources: half of our energy needs are covered by crude oil products, one fifth comes from nuclear power plants, while hydroelectric plants and natural gas each cover 10%. More than 15% of the total energy consumed in Switzerland is from renewable sources.
In 2000, the Swiss parliament approved the Federal CO2 Act which aims to cut Switzerland’s carbon dioxide emissions to 90% of their 1990 level by 2010. As part of the second round of Bilateral Agreements with the EU, Switzerland became a full member of the European Environment Agency in 2006. Its membership means that it will be able to take part in pan-European studies, contribute to the development of environmental protection measures at European level and harmonise its activities in this area with those of its European neighbours. 
 

Recycling and waste management

The Swiss attach a lot of importance to recycling. All householders pay a tax based on the volume of rubbish they put out for collection. Half of all waste in Switzerland is recyclable, the other half is destined for the incinerator.