Swiss report limited biodiversity progress

Switzerland’s efforts to conserve biodiversity have had some success, particularly in forests and agricultural areas, but they are not enough, a study has found.

The Swiss authorities say the target set by the international community to achieve a significant reduction of the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010 has not been reached, a failure of “most countries”.

The findings of the report, submitted to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, include other areas where targets were not met.

A statement from the Federal Environment Office on Monday said these included promoting the conservation of ecosystems, habitats and species diversity as well as encouraging sustainable use and consumption of biodiversity.

It adds that although Switzerland is at present developing a national biodiversity strategy, there are five priority areas for improving the present situation.

These include securing space for biodiversity of sufficient quantity and good quality, involving the private sector and raising public awareness of the key role played by biodiversity in supporting our livelihoods.

Switzerland is to report the findings at the UN biodiversity summit in the Japanese city of Nagoya, which runs from October 18 to 29.

swissinfo.ch