Swiss government explains recommended rejection of biodiversity initiative
Environment Minister Albert Rösti presenting the arguments against the initiative.
Keystone / Alessandro Della Valle
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Listening: Swiss government explains recommended rejection of biodiversity initiative
The Swiss government recommends that people vote no to the biodiversity initiative on September 22. On Tuesday Environment Minister Albert Rösti presented the arguments against the initiative launched by environmental and landscape conservation organisations.
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Umweltminister Rösti begründet Nein zur Biodiversitätsinitiative
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According to a statement from the environment ministry, the initiative addresses important concerns but goes too far. The additional protection demanded would restrict agriculture and the expansion of renewable energies and jeopardise infrastructure, it said.
The federal government and cantons have been effectively protecting nature, sites and landscapes for a long time, Rösti was quoted as saying in the press release. The federal government alone currently invests around CHF600 million ($695 million) annually in the conservation of biodiversity, he said.
The petition demands that the government and cantons do more for biodiversity and provide additional funds and areas. The petition is backed by the association “Yes to more nature, landscape and building culture”.
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What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
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