Federal Council moves to cut funding for forests

The Federal Council intends to stop funding measures to help Swiss forests adapt to climate change from 2027. NZZ am Sonntag reported the decision first. The Federal Office for the Environment confirmed it to the Keystone-ATS news agency.

The measure comes as vegetation is facing periods of extreme heat and drought. The Confederation’s financial planning no longer includes funding for this purpose allocated to the FOEN. According to the Zurich newspaper, Environment Minister Albert Rösti removed these resources from the planning starting next year.

In 2020, Parliament had allocated 100 million Swiss francs over four years. Some of the funding was used to plant tree species that are more resistant to high temperatures and water shortages. The programme was extended in 2023, but its funding was reduced by about one third.

The Conference for Forest, Wildlife and Landscape reacted with dismay. Its position was reported in the article without further details about the organisation’s possible demands.

Risks and costs for forest management

Stefan Müller, a member of the Appenzell Innerrhoden cantonal government and a member of the Conference’s committee, reports an increased risk of forest fires north of the Alps as well. Heatwaves are also causing increasingly significant damage to forests and making their management more costly.

«La decisione giunge quindi in un momento a dir poco inopportuno» (The decision therefore comes at a highly inappropriate time), Müller said.

The funding cuts concern measures designed to prepare forests for more difficult climate conditions. The source does not indicate whether the Federal Council has already taken a final decision or what alternative funding arrangements are planned.

The question of how to support the measures needed to protect and manage forests therefore remains open, at a time when damage linked to heat, drought and fires is increasing.