Vote Environment Minister Rösti gives reasons for voting no to the biodiversity initiative
The Federal Council recommends that the people and the cantons 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 organizations to the media in Bern.
13.08.2024, 14:00
SDA
According to a statement from the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), the initiative addresses important concerns but goes too far. The additional protection demanded would restrict agriculture and the expansion of renewable energies and jeopardize infrastructure.
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 CHF 600 million annually in the conservation of biodiversity.
The petition demands that the Confederation 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".
