A majority of voters in six out of the eight municipalities involved in the government-sponsored project came out against it, despite recommendations by the local councils for approval.
The promoters argued a 218-square kilometre park from the Brissago Islands on Lake Maggiore to the village of Bosco Gurin in the Vallemaggia district would help boost tourism and regional products.
The centre of the planned park were two sparsely populated alpine valleys about 30km from the subtropical climate of Lake Maggiore.
In reaction to Sunday’s vote, Swiss Parks Network,External link representing the about 20 regional nature parks across the country, has called on the government to reconsider its policy for protected areas.
Another nature park project was thrown out in local votes two years ago.
The only existing National Park was founded in southeastern Switzerland in 1914. It has an area of 174km² and is the largest protected area of the country.
Stress research: voting campaigns can trigger stress among minorities
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Researchers at the University of Zurich showed in a study that they released more stress hormones during the referendum campaign.
Swiss justice minister advocates for greater sovereignty through bilateral agreements
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In a networked world, sovereignty can be enhanced by regulating relations with important partners, Jans wrote in a NZZ commentary on Tuesday.
No heat records in sight (yet) despite the ‘dog days’
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The dog days—traditionally the hottest days of the year—began on Tuesday. However, the weather service Meteonews predicts that Switzerland is unlikely to see new temperature records in the near future.
Swiss employees to work slightly more in 2023 than in previous year
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The long-term trend is different with the weekly working hours per full-time employee decreased significantly, says a report by the Federal Statistical Office.
Consumers still crave chocolate: Lindt & Sprüngli reports higher earnings
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Lindt & Sprüngli sold chocolate worth CHF 2.16 billion in the first half of the year. This is slightly more than in the previous year.
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Bollinger will succeed Philipp Rickenbacher, who resigned in February after a significant write-down on loans to the Signa Group.
Majority of young Swiss well-trained, army fitness test reveals
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More than half of young Swiss men and women are considered well-trained, with around 80% meeting the federal government's exercise recommendations, according to the Armed Forces 2023 fitness test.
Italian consulate to relocate to ‘Casa d’Italia’ in Zurich
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The Italian state is renovating the "Casa d'Italia" in Zurich's Kreis 4 district, with plans to move the Consulate General from its current location on Tödistrasse in District 2 to this historic building.
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Why did voters reject a second major nature park?
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Eight of 17 municipalities, including two key communes, have rejected plans for a second national park in the Swiss Alps.
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A century ago, Senator Walter Bissegger advocated for the establishment of a pristine nature reserve in Switzerland. Addressing his fellow parliamentarians on March 25, 1914, he said: “The question that will have to be decided today is, in the end, one of a fundamental nature.” “Do we want to create a sanctuary for plants and animals that is…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.