Abstract
Pressures on a multi-talented and beloved habitat (essay) Animal and plant species in forest habitats are less threatened than those in other habitats. That is to be welcomed, but is no reason to rest on our laurels in self-satisfaction. This forest success story can be explained by the strict forest protection which exists in Switzerland. This model, which has been a success for over 100 years, is under greater and greater pressure. Some politicians and interest groups want to open the forest to residential development. For Pro Natura, a relaxation of forest protection on the Swiss Plateau is out of the question. The same harmful processes which have been responsible for the dramatic loss of agricultural land would be imported to the forest. The fact is that the increase in total Swiss forest area is entirely limited to the mountainous regions, and does not concern the Plateau. It is important, from an ecological and economic point of view, to use some parts of the forest in a sustainable way. However, it is also essential that other parts of the forest are allowed to follow their natural processes. Pro Natura recommends that 10% of the Swiss forest area should be forest nature reserves by 2030, and 8% special forest reserves. A fifth of the forest area can safely be devoted to conservation of biodiversity, while four fifths can be managed according to sustainability criteria.
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