No two parks are alike
There are four different park categories in Switzerland: the Swiss National Park - National Parks of new generation - Regional Nature Parks - Nature Discovery Parks. 19 parks are operative and 1 is in the establishment phase.
Clear goals in mind
Swiss parks have clearly defined goals and visions. They preserve and maintain valuable cultural and natural landscapes. They promote a sustainable regional economy and education for a sustainable development. They raise both their inhabitants and visitors' awareness about the ecological, cultural, historical and economic aspects of the region and support these elements.
Sustainable Development
Swiss parks are model regions for sustainable development. They value ecological, social and economic interests equally and promote sustainable development in their region.
Born thanks to the willingness and commitment of their inhabitants, the parks strengthen regional identity and ties, and provide a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. They also encourage slow tourism and promote local products thanks to the "Swiss parks" label.
From the idea to the actual park
Great ideas notwithstanding, parks do not emerge overnight. The community's commitment is an absolute prerequisite. First step: a feasibility study identifies a park potential for a particular region. Second step: the strategy and the objectives are defined in a charter. Finally, the inhabitants vote on the project. Should they accept it, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) grants the Park label to the newly born park.
The charter has a ten-year duration, after which park inhabitants vote again.
Making history
In 1914, the Swiss National Park made history as the first National Park in the Alps. Almost one hundred years later, time was ripe for another historical moment: in 2007, the new Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act provided for more parks to be created. Since then, 19 new parks were born or are currently being established.
Maps
