Voting on Biodiversity

In Switzerland, Citizens are able to vote on proposed initiatives and have an active say in major changes.
 
What is “biodiversity”?
 
Biodiversity means "diversity of living things" on three levels: the diversity of habitats, species diversity and genetic diversity. Biodiversity provides people with numerous ecosystem services, such as the pollination of crops, and is therefore essential for agriculture. Agriculture is aware of the importance of biodiversity and takes its responsibility in this regard seriously. One fifth of the agricultural area in Switzerland is used to promote biological diversity.
 
One of Switzerland's special features is the high level of biodiversity that goes hand in hand with its diverse landscape. The Alpine region in particular is a biodiversity hotspot for which Switzerland bears and also accepts a particularly high level of responsibility.
 
The unique and diverse landscape in the Bernese Oberland has a huge appeal and is a magnet for guests from near and far. This sometimes pushes the limits of local businesses. In order to maintain this appeal, a good balance between protection and use is needed. Without agriculture, our valleys and mountains would not have the same importance. Respect for the environment with a focus on high biodiversity is also central in our region. Agriculture and tourism are already doing a lot to achieve this.
 
The Federal Council and Parliament reject the biodiversity initiative because they believe it goes too far . It would severely restrict (sustainable) energy and food production , make the use of forests and tourist infrastructure in rural areas more difficult , and make building more expensive. Domestic supplies would be weakened and imports of energy, food, and wood would increase.
 
In addition, there are already sufficient instruments and legal provisions to promote biodiversity.
 
How is biodiversity doing in Switzerland?
 
The loss of species occurred mainly between 1850 and 2000. Thanks to numerous measures, the negative trend has been halted. Among other things, every fifth hectare of agricultural land is now used specifically to promote biodiversity. In addition, mountain farming maintains 220,000 hectares of particularly species-rich grassland in summer pastures. However, there is still a need to ensure the survival of endangered species. On the other hand, there are also winners who feel very comfortable in Switzerland and whose numbers are increasing. Examples of this are the stork or heat-loving butterflies. Unfortunately, unwanted, so-called invasive non-native animals and plants are also migrating, damaging native biodiversity. Ultimately, we agree: everyone is called upon to protect and promote biodiversity.
 
What is the reason for the insect extinction?
 
The decline in insects is due to numerous factors. These include the disappearance of habitats, light pollution, climate change and overly intensive agricultural production methods. Insects are important for agriculture because they pollinate numerous crops and thus ensure harvests. Accordingly, a trend towards sustainable production took place some time ago and numerous measures have been implemented. Farming families now use almost 20% of their land to promote biodiversity and thus as a habitat and food source for insects. More and more companies are also producing according to label specifications such as (organic, IP, etc.), which are linked to additional services related to biodiversity.
 
What can be done to better protect endangered species?
 
Quantity alone is not enough. Rather, quality must be optimized and the areas must be carefully cared for and managed. Rare habitats such as low hedges, carefully placed individual shrubs, sparse woody plants, high-quality fallow land with a permanently high abundance of flowers, raw soil for wild bees and germination niches for accompanying flora in fields must be specifically promoted. The targeted care of quality meadows and liberalization of methods for keeping pastures open, especially in summer pasture areas, are further approaches to improvement. Swiss agriculture is committed to this.
 
Source: https://biodiversitaetsinitiative-nein.ch/faq.html
 
Photo: https://www.volkswirtschaftbeo.ch/