Increasing landscape appreciation through the landscape services approach. A case study from Switzerland

Abstract

Switzerland uses various instruments to protect and maintain its natural resources and the environment. The federal inventory “Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance” documents 19 percent of Switzerland’s land surface. It aims for the permanent preservation or greatest possible protection of these environments. This inventory’s records of impact (knowledge by the population) and acceptance (in particular by local authorities) would benefit from improvements. Based on expert interviews and observations in five pilot regions, this study highlights the obstacles and possible solutions to the goal of increasing appreciation of landscapes of national importance. The study develops recommendations for action for different stakeholders (the federal state, cantons, local authorities, NGOs and associations, economic actors) in three areas: (i) communication, information, and dialogue, (ii) cooperation between stakeholders, and (iii) support from federal and cantonal agencies.