Switzerland's Biodiversity Vote: High Stakes for Nature and Economy

Switzerland, a country renowned for its natural beauty, faces a critical vote on a proposal to increase protections for its biodiversity. Environmentalists are pushing for more green spaces and better wildlife safeguards, but opposition cites economic concerns. Polls indicate a tight race with diminishing support.

Switzerland, famous for its pristine lakes and majestic Alpine peaks, is among the world's richest nations whose plant and animal life are under severe threat. Environmentalists are advocating for stronger environmental protections through a nationwide vote concluding this Sunday.

Recent polls reveal waning enthusiasm for the proposal, which seeks to increase public funding to protect biodiversity by encouraging farmers and landowners to allocate land and waterways for wildlife. The vote, primarily conducted through mail-in ballots with in-person voting on Sunday, remains closely contested. A gfs.bern poll indicated support dropped from 51% in mid-August to 46% in early September.

The federal government, along with many rural voters and the main right-wing party, oppose the initiative, citing economic concerns and existing 600 million Swiss francs already spent annually on biodiversity protection. The initiative, estimated to require an additional 400 million francs, would also prohibit new railway lines through protected areas, potentially hampering sustainable energy and food production, as well as tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)