Swiss Government Cuts Biodiversity Funding Despite Environmental Pledges

Federal Council's new austerity package reduces biodiversity contributions from 90% to 50% by 2028, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups who claim this breaks previous commitments.

Key Takeaways

Swiss Federal Council plans to reduce biodiversity funding from 90% to 50% by 2028
The cuts will save federal authorities CHF124 million annually from 2028
CHF59 million will be redirected to direct agriculture payments

By The Numbers

280 million

Annual costs in CHF for biodiversity and landscape quality

600 million

Annual promised spending in CHF on biodiversity

70 million

Annual reduction in CHF under new austerity plans

They Said

"The Federal Council even promised in the voting booklet to spend CHF600 million per year on biodiversity and said that it would stick to this contribution because there was still a need for action."
— Daniela Pauli, Head of Habitats and Protected Areas Department at Bird Life Switzerland

Swiss Government Announces Major Biodiversity Funding Cuts

Financial Impact and Implementation

Environmental Groups React

Implications for Swiss Cantons

Sources & References

Swiss biodiversity budget cuts ‘break promises’

SWI swissinfo.ch