Deforestation
Deforestation is defined as the permanent or temporary change of use of forest land. Deforestation is fundamentally prohibited in Switzerland in the interest of forest conservation; however, exceptional permits may be granted if there are important reasons that outweigh this interest. Examples include road and railway construction, energy plants, landfills and mining projects. If a forest clearance is approved, a compensation forested area must be provided.
good
positive
In 2023, the Confederation and cantons authorised a total of 360 deforestation projects comprising an area of 201 ha of forest. This means that the deforested area has decreased compared to the previous year, but stays above the average of the last 10 years. The legislative requirement of forest conservation is fulfilled.
Of the total deforested area in 2023, 12% was authorised to facilitate transport infrastructure, 24% for raw materials extraction, 3% for disposal facilities, 5% for sport facilities, 7% for buildings, 18% for power lines and energy requirements, 28% for watercourse correction projects and 3% for miscellaneous purposes. Compared to the average for the last 10 years, the area deforested to make way for transport infrastructure and raw material extraction has decreased, whereas it has increased for power lines and energy requirements, watercourse correction projects and raw material extraction.
The goal is to conserve the forest in its area and spatial distribution and prevent it from shrinking within its area. Toward that end, further development of the forest area is harmonised with landscape diversity (including connectivity) and the desired spatial development (including agricultural priority areas). The average value for deforestations in the 2014-2023 period (166 ha/year) serves as the basis for assessing the consistent trend.
The indicator cannot be compared internationally. Each country has its own specific administrative procedures when it comes to deforestation processes.
The deforestation permits issued by the cantons (for cantonal processes) and federal authorities (for federal processes) are recorded and evaluated in the "FOPOL" database.
Further information
