Switzerland

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Western EuropeApplies 2025–2030Source: Swiss Biodiversity Strategy

1. Overview

Switzerland's Swiss Biodiversity Strategy (SBS, Stratégie Biodiversité Suisse) was adopted by the Federal Council in 2012, with its current implementation instrument — the Second Action Plan (AP SBS II) — covering the period 2025 to 2030 [§4]. The strategy's biodiversity conservation objectives are binding across all relevant policy areas and all levels of government "in the spirit of shared responsibility" [§4]. The Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) has confirmed that the SBS objectives remain valid in relation to the GBF targets [§4].

The SBS sets ten national commitments* mapped across the 23 GBF Targets through a cross-matrix analysis by SCNAT, which found two targets with strong overlap, fourteen with moderate overlap, four with weak overlap, and three with none [§19]. The AP SBS II delivers on these commitments through fifteen measures (M1–M15) led by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and seven review mandates (E1–E7)** assigned to other federal offices — a two-track architecture that compels transport, energy, agriculture, and spatial planning offices to define their own biodiversity measures within their sectoral policies [§4] [§20].

The AP SBS II focuses on existing gaps, with particular attention to climate change effects on biodiversity and parliamentary motions concerning insect mortality [§4]. For several GBF Targets — including Target 6 (invasive species), Target 7 (pollution), Target 15 (business disclosure), and Target 19 (finance mobilisation) — the NBSAP identifies existing instruments as sufficient and includes no additional AP SBS II action [§26] [§35] [§41].

Switzerland's NBSAP is distinctive for its dual delivery structure — splitting implementation between FOEN-led measures and cross-sectoral mandates to other federal offices — and for its explicit decisions not to act where existing instruments are deemed sufficient. The Confederation already invests more than CHF 600 million per year in biodiversity through programme agreements and sectoral appropriations, and the strategy quantifies commitments at the instrument level while its ten overarching objectives remain directional.

Translated from French

Sources:

§4 — Summary
§19 — 2.2. Procedure for developing the AP SBS II
§20 — 2.3. Basic structure of the AP SBS II
§26 — 3.1. SBS Objective 1 > GBF Target 7
§35 — 3.3. SBS Objective 3
§41 — 3.5. SBS Objective 5 > GBF Target 19

2. Ecological Context

Switzerland's climatic and topographic heterogeneity — spanning lowland plateau to alpine peaks — supports species and habitats "of rich diversity," but since 1900 biodiversity has "dramatically declined" [§7]. Alluvial zones, wetlands, and dry meadows have lost more than 90% of their area [§7]. Nearly half of all natural habitats are now considered threatened, 17% of assessed species are classified as "on the brink of extinction" or "endangered," and a further 16% are vulnerable [§7].

The spatial pattern of loss inverts natural expectations: the diversity of habitats and terrestrial species is significantly lower on the Plateau than in mountain regions, whereas under natural conditions lower altitudes would support greater diversity [§7]. Biotic communities are homogenising — Biodiversity Monitoring Switzerland data show convergence in plant and diurnal butterfly communities in Plateau grasslands [§7]. Populations of non-threatened species are declining, and insect biomass is collapsing [§7].

Natural habitats are fragmented by infrastructure and urbanised areas, while soils and water bodies are "heavily polluted by inputs of various substances such as nitrogen, plant protection products and biocides" [§7]. More than half of Switzerland's large lakes lack oxygen in deep waters [§28]. Approximately 1% of green spaces disappear each year in urbanised areas due to densification [§46]. The share of environmental impact generated abroad reached approximately two-thirds in 2018 across all environmental domains [§48].

The NBSAP frames biodiversity conservation as a constitutional mandate and notes that the costs of inaction are rising, including as a share of GDP [§7]. Biodiversity's role in climate adaptation — carbon storage in forests and marshes, climate regulation in urbanised areas — is identified as an economic as well as ecological consideration [§7].

Sources:

§7 — 1.2. Biodiversity loss is both a global and national challenge
§28 — 3.1. SBS Objective 1 > GBF Target 10
§46 — 3.8. SBS Objective 8 > Need for action
§48 — 3.9. SBS Objective 9

3. National Commitments and GBF Alignment

The SBS comprises ten national commitments, each with a target statement originally set against a 2020 horizon. An evaluation of the first action plan found that "most of the strategy's objectives have not yet been achieved, but essential activities have been triggered and important milestones have been reached" [§11]. The AP SBS II continues, supplements, and refines the delivery instruments. All ten national commitments are directional aspirations — they specify intent and direction but defer quantitative thresholds. The measurable commitments in this NBSAP operate at the instrument level (e.g., "10 priority guilds by 2029," "30 NbS projects by 2030," "30% of green spaces by 2030"), while the overarching objectives remain directional. This is a structural design choice: the objectives date to 2012 and were validated as still valid by SCNAT rather than rewritten with new quantitative thresholds [§19].

Commitment 1 — Use biodiversity sustainably

"The principles of sustainability govern the use of natural resources and limit the pressures exerted on them, so as to preserve ecosystems and ecosystem services as well as species and genetic diversity" [§23]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 1, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 18. Key instruments include the Action Plan for Risk Reduction and Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products, the statutory pesticide risk reduction target (-50% by 2027), and the nutrient loss reduction trajectory (nitrogen -15%, phosphorus -20% by 2030) [§26]. Measurability: Directional aspiration — quantitative targets exist at the statutory instrument level, not within the SBS itself. No indicators are cited within the NBSAP for this commitment.

Commitment 2 — Create an ecological infrastructure

"An ecological infrastructure composed of protected areas and networking areas shall be established in order to reserve the space necessary for the long-term maintenance of biodiversity" [§34]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 1, 2, 3, 8, and 12. Key instruments include M4 (ecosystem restoration), M5 (role model of public authorities), M6 (areas of high ecological value), and the three-tier area classification system defined in the Annex. Biodiversity promotion areas on agricultural land reached 19% of utilised agricultural area in 2020, against a required threshold of 7% [§34]. The Confederation allocates approximately CHF 65 million per year for the Nature Conservation programme agreement and approximately CHF 19 million per year for the Forest Biodiversity sub-programme, matched by the cantons [§11]. Measurability: Directional aspiration — no quantified national area target. The 30% figure appears only for transport infrastructure green spaces (E5, E6, M5), not as a national commitment.

Commitment 3 — Improve the situation of nationally prioritised species

"The conservation status of nationally prioritised species shall be improved and their extinction halted insofar as possible" [§35]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 4 and 6. Delivery is through M8 (species conservation via guild-based action plans) and existing measures on invasive alien species. Of 10,844 assessed species, 35% are threatened or extinct [§35]. Measurability: Directional aspiration — qualified by "insofar as possible."

Commitment 4 — Maintain and develop genetic diversity

"Genetic impoverishment shall be slowed and, if possible, halted, and the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, including livestock and cultivated plants, shall be ensured" [§36]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 4, 5, and 13. Key instruments include M9 (genetic diversity monitoring, ex situ plan implementation) and the Nagoya Protocol provisions in national legislation. Measurability: Directional aspiration — qualified by "if possible."

Commitment 5 — Review financial incentives

"The negative effects of existing financial incentives on biodiversity are highlighted and avoided as far as possible, and new positive incentives are put in place where appropriate" [§39]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 18 and 19. Delivery is through M10 (subsidy review) and the Federal Council's June 2024 reform proposals covering forest access roads, customs protection, food supply security contributions, structural improvements, dairy/meat/egg promotion, and infrastructure loans [§40]. Measurability: Directional aspiration — no quantified target for subsidy elimination or reform volume.

Commitment 6 — Identify ecosystem services

"The services provided by ecosystems are identified and quantified, so that they can be taken into consideration in the measurement of well-being" [§42]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 10, 11, 14, and 21. Key instruments include M11 (nature-based solutions), M12 (insect mortality), and M13 (integrated risk management). Measurability: Directional aspiration — a process commitment.

Commitment 7 — Develop and disseminate knowledge

"Society possesses sufficient knowledge about biodiversity for everyone to regard it as an essential basis of life" [§43]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 15, 16, 20, and 21. Delivery includes support for the PUSCH network, SANU, and the Swiss Biodiversity Forum of SCNAT. The National Research Programme NRP 82 "Biodiversity and ecosystem services" is noted. A measure on biodiversity in general education (AP SBS I measure 5.5) is not being pursued in AP SBS II given limited resources [§43]. Measurability: Directional aspiration — no measurable threshold.

Commitment 8 — Develop biodiversity in urban areas

"Urbanised zones contribute to the networking of natural habitats, species typical of urbanised zones are preserved, and the population has access to nature where they live" [§45]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 11, 12, and 14. Key instrument: M15 (urbanised zones for people and nature). Measurability: Directional aspiration.

Commitment 9 — Strengthen international engagement

"Switzerland strengthens its engagement at the international level in favour of maintaining biodiversity worldwide" [§48]. This commitment addresses GBF Targets 13, 14, 15, 19, and 21. Switzerland is "a major hub for international commodities trading and a host country for multinational corporations" and identifies potential for positive impact beyond its borders [§48]. Measurability: Directional aspiration.

Commitment 10 — Monitor biodiversity trends

"The monitoring of trends in ecosystems, species and genetic diversity is ensured" [§52]. This commitment addresses GBF Target 21. The NBSAP states that Switzerland has "a well-organised biodiversity monitoring system" but that "many gaps remain to be filled regarding content, and reporting can be improved" [§52]. Key instrument: M14 (data and information management). Measurability: Directional aspiration — a process commitment.

Sources:

§11 — Measures are bearing fruit > SBS — ten strategic objectives
§19 — 2.2. Procedure for developing the AP SBS II
§23 — 3.1. SBS Objective 1
§26 — 3.1. SBS Objective 1 > GBF Target 7
§34 — 3.2. SBS Objective 2
§35 — 3.3. SBS Objective 3
§36 — 3.4. SBS Objective 4
§39 — 3.5. SBS Objective 5
§40 — 3.5. SBS Objective 5 > GBF Target 18
§42 — 3.6. SBS Objective 6
§43 — 3.7. SBS Objective 7
§45 — 3.8. SBS Objective 8
§48 — 3.9. SBS Objective 9
§52 — 3.10. SBS Objective 10

4. Delivery Architecture

The AP SBS II splits delivery between two instrument types: fifteen FOEN measures (M1–M15) and seven cross-sectoral review mandates (E1–E7). This dual structure is distinctive — most NBSAPs assign actions to a single lead agency, whereas Switzerland's review mandates compel federal offices responsible for spatial planning, agriculture, energy, and transport to define their own biodiversity measures within their sectoral policies [§20] [§65].

FOEN measures (M1–M15)

Measures are organised by functional theme. Forests and freshwater: M1 (biodiversity-rich and resilient forests) and M2 (biodiversity-rich lakes resilient to climate change). Ecological infrastructure: M4 (ecosystem restoration — approximately 50% of federally designated biotopes require rehabilitation), M5 (role model of public authorities — 30% of Confederation green spaces managed nature-friendly from 2030), M6 (areas of high ecological value and networking). Climate adaptation: M7 (biodiversity in the era of climate change — priority areas, migration corridors, pilot zones). Species and genetics: M8 (guild-based species conservation — ten priority guilds by 2029) and M9 (genetic diversity monitoring, ex situ plan). Subsidy reform: M10 (systematic review of federal subsidies by 2030). Ecosystem services and insects: M11 (at least 30 NbS projects by 2030), M12 (insect mortality — legal opinion by 2026, insect hotspot mapping by 2028, legislative enshrinement from 2030), M13 (integrated risk management including tipping point identification). Knowledge: M3 (biodiversity-friendly consumption data) and M14 (data network optimisation by 2030). Urban: M15 (framework conditions for near-natural urban planning) [§53–§62].

Cross-sectoral review mandates (E1–E7)

Review mandates are assigned to the Federal Office for Spatial Development (E1 — biodiversity in spatial planning), the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (E2 — CITES and IUU enforcement), the Federal Office for Agriculture (E3 — insect mortality in agriculture; E7 — BPA quality enhancement), the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (E4 — renewable energy siting), the Federal Roads Office (E5 — 30% biodiversity-friendly green spaces along national roads, 90% wildlife corridor remediation by 2030), and the Federal Office of Transport (E6 — 30% of station perimeter green spaces for biodiversity, wildlife corridor remediation programme) [§65].

Legislative foundation

Key legislation underpinning delivery includes the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA, including Nagoya Protocol provisions at Articles 23n–23q), the Federal Act on the Protection of Waters (watercourse revitalisation programme running until 2090), the Spatial Planning Act (cantonal obligations for ecological infrastructure planning), and the Agriculture Act (statutory pesticide and nutrient reduction targets). The Release Ordinance governs invasive alien species [§26] [§35] [§38] [§56].

Federal–cantonal coordination

Delivery operates through programme agreements between the Confederation and the cantons. Federal appropriations for the Nature Conservation programme agreement (approximately CHF 65 million per year) and the Forest Biodiversity sub-programme (approximately CHF 19 million per year) are matched in equal measure by the cantons and have been secured on a permanent basis from the 2024 budget [§11].

Sources:

§11 — Measures are bearing fruit > SBS — ten strategic objectives
§20 — 2.3. Basic structure of the AP SBS II
§26 — 3.1. SBS Objective 1 > GBF Target 7
§35 — 3.3. SBS Objective 3
§38 — 3.4. SBS Objective 4 > GBF Target 13
§53 — 4. Measures > M1 factsheet
§56 — 4. Measures > M2–M6 factsheets
§58 — 4. Measures > M7 factsheet
§59 — 4. Measures > M8–M10 factsheets
§60 — 4. Measures > M12 factsheet
§62 — 4. Measures > M13–M15 factsheets
§65 — 5. Review mandates (E1–E7)

4a. Ecological Infrastructure: Switzerland's Area-Based Framework

"Ecological infrastructure" is Switzerland's organising concept for its area-based conservation approach, weaving together protected areas, OECMs, biodiversity promotion areas, wildlife corridors, forest reserves, and watercourse revitalisation into a single framework under national commitment 2 [§34]. The concept is supported by legislation on agriculture, nature conservation, forestry, hunting, and spatial planning [§11], and appears across M4, M5, M6, E5, E6, E7, and the Annex to the AP SBS II.

Three-tier area classification

The Federal Council has defined categories of areas contributing to GBF Target 3, replacing Annex 3 of the 2012 SBS [§72]. The classification distinguishes between protected areas and OECMs, and within each between three admission tiers:

Definitively admitted protected areas include the Swiss National Park, core zones of national and periurban nature parks, biotopes of national importance (alluvial zones, batrachian breeding sites, mires, dry grasslands and pastures), waterfowl and migratory bird reserves, federal wildlife reserves, forest reserves, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and core areas of UNESCO biosphere reserves [§72].

Definitively admitted OECMs include mire landscapes of national importance and transition zones of national and periurban nature parks [§72].

Provisionally admitted categories — including biotopes of regional and local importance, cantonal wildlife and bird reserves, wildlife corridors of supra-regional importance, priority sites for dry grasslands, third-party nature reserves, ageing islands in forests, revitalised watercourse stretches, and biodiversity promotion areas of high ecological value — must provide geodata to the Confederation by 2030 or face removal from the list from 2031 [§72].

Candidate OECMs requiring further clarification include trophic buffer zones, fishing sites designated by cantons, water space reserves, Emerald sites, Ramsar sites, quiet zones for wildlife, and sites certified by the Nature & Economy Foundation [§72].

National area target

Switzerland explicitly notes that GBF Target 3 has a global scope and "does not entail a commitment by States Parties to designate 30% on their own territory"; each Party contributes "according to its specificities, priorities, and possibilities" [§72]. No aggregate percentage of national territory currently protected or targeted is published. The 30% figure appears in the NBSAP only for transport infrastructure green spaces under E5, E6, and M5.

Connectivity instruments

BPAs on agricultural land reached 19% of utilised agricultural area in 2020, but the NBSAP states that while they produce effects, "they are insufficient to conserve many target and characteristic species" and that quality, location, and networking must be improved [§34]. M6 targets the enhancement and extensive management of 30% of water buffer zones by 2030 and the expansion of the ecological network through voluntary agreements oriented towards insect protection and OECM implementation [§56]. Wildlife corridor remediation is addressed through E5 (90% remediated or at project study phase by 2030 along national roads) and E6 (railway corridor remediation programme, 2024–2032) [§65].

Sources:

§11 — Measures are bearing fruit > SBS — ten strategic objectives
§34 — 3.2. SBS Objective 2
§56 — 4. Measures > M6 factsheet
§65 — 5. Review mandates (E5, E6, E7)
§72 — Annex: List of areas for biodiversity

5. Monitoring and Accountability

Governance

The programme principal of AP SBS II is the Director of FOEN [§66]. Programme steering rests with the programme principal in collaboration with the programme committee (ProgC), composed of the directorates of the federal offices involved, which "bear overall responsibility for AP SBS II and for achieving the objectives set" [§66]. A programme coordination body (ProgCo), composed of division heads from involved offices, coordinates strategic thinking and reports upward. A programme directorate (PD) within FOEN coordinates at the project level across all involved offices [§66].

Individual federal offices implement measures falling within their competence "under their own responsibility and in accordance with their hierarchical structure" and are free to organise work and allocate financial resources [§66]. A strategic advisory group (SAG), composed of cantonal representatives and stakeholders, provides views on prioritisation, communication, and coordination [§66].

Reporting cycle

FOEN prepares reports for the CBD and the public in 2026, 2028, and 2030 [§59]. The programme directorate carries out annual controlling of the state of implementation, providing information for programme steering and contributing to the overall evaluation [§67].

Evaluation framework

The evaluation of AP SBS II covers all measures assessed in terms of progress, "the extent and quality of the deliverables, against the objectives set," and — where possible — the impact of deliverables on actors and on the environment [§67]. Evaluations are outsourced where necessary "in the interests of independence, objectivity and the use of specialised expertise" [§67]. Measures completed before 2030 are evaluated upon completion; otherwise, evaluation occurs towards the end of the implementation period [§67].

The controlling and evaluation of AP SBS II feed into the broader examination of SBS objective achievement, covering all measures — whether or not included in the action plan — and forming the basis for the report provided for by the SBS and the GBF [§67].

Monitoring gaps

The NBSAP references monitoring programmes but does not publish a consolidated indicator set. Monitoring is discussed generically under national commitment 10 and M14, but no named indicators, KPIs, or monitoring variables are presented [§52] [§62].

Sources:

§52 — 3.10. SBS Objective 10
§59 — 4. Measures > M8–M10 factsheets
§62 — 4. Measures > M13–M15 factsheets
§66 — 6.1. Organisation, resources and timetable
§67 — 6.2. Controlling and evaluation

6. Finance and Resource Mobilisation

The Confederation invests more than CHF 600 million per year in biodiversity, flowing through programme agreements between the Confederation and the cantons and existing sectoral policy appropriations in agriculture, forestry, and transport [§4]. This figure represents current expenditure, not a target — no new funding allocation or quantified domestic resource mobilisation target is set.

FOEN holds dedicated funds averaging CHF 4 million per year for AP SBS II measures under its responsibility. Other federal offices finance measures from their own budgets [§66].

The NBSAP identifies subsidies harmful to biodiversity as "far exceed[ing] the expenditure devoted to promoting biodiversity" [§40]. On 19 June 2024, the Federal Council adopted reform proposals covering forest access roads, customs protection, food supply security contributions, structural improvement contributions, dairy/meat/egg sales promotion, and infrastructure loans [§40]. New subsidies are to be reviewed for possible biodiversity impacts [§40].

At the international level, SDC, SECO, and FOEN fund cooperation projects contributing to biodiversity objectives. The International Cooperation Strategy 2025–2028 identifies private sector biodiversity financing mobilisation as "a central objective" [§41]. Switzerland participates in the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund [§48].

Despite substantive discussion, the AP SBS II concludes that GBF Target 19 (finance mobilisation) "does not require any action in the AP SBS II" given work already under way [§41]. The plan contains no dedicated national biodiversity finance plan.

Sources:

§4 — Summary
§40 — 3.5. SBS Objective 5 > GBF Target 18
§41 — 3.5. SBS Objective 5 > GBF Target 19
§48 — 3.9. SBS Objective 9
§66 — 6.1. Organisation, resources and timetable

7. GBF Target Coverage

Target 1: Spatial planning — Addressed

Review mandate E1, assigned to the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE), addresses integration of biodiversity into spatial planning. By 2026, cantonal needs for targeted biodiversity integration are to be defined; by 2030, updated bases are to enable actors at all levels to integrate biodiversity into spatial planning instruments. Cantons were already required to plan the networking of valuable natural habitats by end of 2024. A question from AP SBS I concerning the desirability of a formal conception under Article 13 of the Spatial Planning Act remains unresolved.

Target 2: Ecosystem restoration — Addressed

The NBSAP addresses restoration through multiple instruments. Over the past decade, 156 km of watercourses have been revitalised. M2 targets lake restoration, where implementation lags behind watercourse revitalisation. E5 (FEDRO) targets 90% wildlife corridor remediation along national roads by 2030. E6 (FOT) sets a 30% target for biodiversity-friendly green spaces within station perimeters, with a railway wildlife corridor remediation programme planned for 2024–2032. M4 addresses rehabilitation of federally designated biotopes, of which approximately 50% require rehabilitation.

Target 3: Protected areas (30x30) — Addressed

The NBSAP defines a three-tier classification system for areas contributing to Target 3, distinguishing definitively admitted, provisionally admitted, and candidate categories across both protected areas and OECMs (see §4a above). Switzerland explicitly notes that the 30% target is global in scope and does not entail a national 30% commitment. Provisionally admitted categories must provide geodata by 2030 for retention from 2031. E7 addresses the qualitative enhancement of biodiversity promotion areas in agriculture.

Target 4: Species recovery — Addressed

The 2023 Red List synthesis indicates 35% of 10,844 assessed species are threatened or extinct. M8 shifts from individual species action plans to a guild-based approach — action plans for ten priority guilds by 2029, integrated into programme agreements by 2030. Among nationally prioritised species, 70% depend on biodiversity-friendly management across Swiss surfaces and their networking. M9 addresses genetic diversity integration into conservation decisions.

Target 5: Sustainable harvest — Addressed

The use of wild species is described as well regulated domestically, with no new AP SBS II measure. E2 (FSVO) covers CITES enforcement, the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, and IUU fishing regulation. For IUU fishing, the relevant ordinance must be adapted for stricter enforcement.

Target 6: Invasive alien species — Addressed

The Federal Council adopted Switzerland's Strategy on Invasive Alien Species in 2016. The species list has been updated and risk-based classification completed in 2024. The Release Ordinance has been amended to more strictly restrict market placement of invasive alien species. No additional AP SBS II action is taken — existing instruments are identified as sufficient.

Target 7: Pollution reduction — Addressed

Parliament has enacted a 50% pesticide risk reduction target by 2027 and nutrient loss reduction targets (nitrogen -15%, phosphorus -20% by 2030). The Chemicals Safety Strategy and the Action Plan for Risk Reduction and Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products are under implementation. No additional AP SBS II action is taken given these existing statutory instruments.

Target 8: Climate and biodiversity — Addressed

M7 addresses biodiversity under climate change, including identification of priority areas above the natural forest line, GIS-based mapping of future-suitable areas and migration corridors, and pilot zone testing. M11 addresses climate-biodiversity linkages through nature-based solutions. The NBSAP notes that while biodiversity measures always have positive or neutral climate effects, climate measures can negatively affect biodiversity.

Target 9: Wild species use — Mentioned

Wild species management is covered under the Target 5 framing. The NBSAP does not separately address the management of wild species for the benefit of people, particularly populations who depend on them, which is the core focus of Target 9.

Target 10: Agriculture / forestry — Addressed

The NBSAP provides triple sub-sectoral treatment. For agriculture, E3 and E7 address ecosystem services and BPA quality enhancement within Agricultural Policy 2030. For forests, M1 targets biodiversity-rich and resilient forests, noting more than a third of forest natural habitats are threatened despite a relatively good overall state. For water bodies, M2 addresses lake biodiversity, noting more than half of large lakes lack deep-water oxygen. Parliamentary motions on insect mortality drive a concrete agricultural plan by 2026, pilot projects from 2027, and legal bases for Agricultural Policy 2030.

Target 11: Ecosystem services (NbS) — Addressed

M11 commits to at least 30 NbS projects by 2030 at regional and communal levels. M12 addresses insect mortality in response to three parliamentary motions (19.3207, 20.3010, 23.4028), with legal opinions on possible adaptations by 2026, geographic identification of insect hotspots by 2028, and legislative enshrinement of insect-friendly management from 2030. Light pollution effects on nocturnal pollinators are explicitly addressed, with the objective of halting the increase in upward-directed light emissions.

Target 12: Urban biodiversity — Addressed

M15 addresses urban biodiversity, noting approximately 1% of green spaces disappear annually due to densification. By 2030, the Confederation is to improve framework conditions for near-natural urban planning. A concept for biodiversity and landscape quality promotion in urban areas is to be developed for the sixth subsidy period of programme agreements (2029–2032). Quality provisions for plant material and seeds are to be developed with the "green industry."

Target 13: Genetic resources / ABS — Addressed

Switzerland ratified the Nagoya Protocol on 11 July 2014, implemented through new provisions in the NCHA (Articles 23n–23q) and the Nagoya Ordinance (in force since 1 February 2016). M9 contributes through ex situ plan implementation. Switzerland advocates for fair regulation of Digital Sequence Information within the CBD framework.

Target 14: Mainstreaming — Addressed

Mainstreaming is addressed through E1 (spatial planning), E4 (renewable energy siting — cantonal authorities to have assessment aids by 2030), M13 (integrated risk management including tipping point identification), and free trade agreement provisions on biodiversity. Switzerland's biodiversity footprint increased 8% per person between 2000 and 2018.

Target 15: Business disclosure — Mentioned

The Confederation supports the TNFD, and at least eight Swiss companies have declared voluntary disclosure. The NBSAP states that transposition into Swiss law and implementation of TNFD recommendations "will not be addressed in AP SBS II."

Target 16: Sustainable consumption — Not identified

Content addressing GBF Target 16 was not identified in this NBSAP. M3 (knowledge base on biodiversity-friendly consumption) is the nearest instrument but is framed under data and knowledge rather than consumption patterns.

Target 17: Biosafety — Mentioned

The Cartagena Protocol is referenced alongside the Nagoya Protocol. The Release Ordinance regulates the release of organisms into the environment. The action plan does not include a dedicated discussion of biosafety measures as framed by Target 17.

Target 18: Harmful subsidies — Addressed

M10 targets systematic examination of the effects of federal subsidies on biodiversity by 2030. The Federal Council adopted concrete reform proposals in June 2024 covering forest access roads, customs protection, food supply security contributions, structural improvement contributions, dairy/meat/egg sales promotion, and infrastructure loans. Subsidies harmful to biodiversity are identified as far exceeding biodiversity promotion expenditure. Reports for the CBD are planned in 2026, 2028, and 2030, with cantonal exchanges on subsidy reform between 2025 and 2027.

Target 19: Finance mobilisation — Addressed

The NBSAP discusses biodiversity financing across domestic and international dimensions, drawing on the existing CHF 600 million+ annual investment (see Finance). The International Cooperation Strategy 2025–2028 identifies private sector financing mobilisation as a central objective. Despite this discussion, no new AP SBS II measure is included — the plan concludes existing work is sufficient.

Target 20: Capacity and technology — Mentioned

International cooperation is discussed primarily under the financing framing of Target 19. M14 includes elements of knowledge transfer domestically. The NBSAP does not include a dedicated measure addressing capacity-building and technology transfer for developing countries as framed by Target 20.

Target 21: Data and information — Addressed

M14 targets optimisation of biodiversity data management. By end of 2027, data processing and dissemination organisation is to be analysed; by 2030, a network for data interpretation, information services, and expert coordination is to be established. The analysis is to consider synergies with instruments addressing renewable energies, food security, and health.

Target 22: Inclusive participation — Not identified

Content addressing GBF Target 22 was not identified in this NBSAP.

Target 23: Gender equality — Not identified

Content addressing GBF Target 23 was not identified in this NBSAP.