SVP unanimously rejects biodiversity initiative
Published: Saturday, Aug 17th 2024, 14:40
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The SVP is clearly against the biodiversity initiative. At their meeting on Saturday in Leuk VS, 252 delegates unanimously voted against the proposal, which will be put to the vote on September 22.
"This initiative would cause massive damage to our country and our agriculture, and therefore to our supply of local food," said Martin Haab, National Councillor for Zurich. According to the initiators, 30 percent of the national territory should be dedicated to biodiversity.
"As a farmer, I know very well that intact biodiversity is eminently important," said the Zurich politician. But accepting the initiative would mean that Switzerland would have to increase food imports from abroad by at least 50 percent. Implementing the initiative would also require 22 percent more land, which would be equivalent to the size of the cantons of Bern, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Solothurn combined, Haab calculated.
A yes vote in the referendum would "massively restrict the use of forests and wood", continued Haab. "The impact would also be negative for the energy sector and would increase bureaucracy in the construction sector. Finally, the initiative would have a negative impact on the finances of the federal government and the cantons."
Urs Leugger-Eggimann, Secretary General of the nature conservation organization Pro Natura, defended the initiative and emphasized the importance of biodiversity, particularly in connection with climate change and health: "The proportion of endangered animal and plant species is significantly higher in Switzerland than in neighbouring countries."
The SVP delegates, who do not want an additional law on biodiversity, were not persuaded. Environment Minister Albert Rösti reminded them that the Federal Council rejected the initiative because it went too far in his opinion: "We are in favor of biodiversity, but against this initiative."
©Keystone/SDA
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