The history The forest is still under threat after 150 years of nature conservation
The Federal Act on Forests, which came into force in 1876, was intended to ensure the sustainability of wood resources and enable reforestation. Even though the effects of the law are visible in Swiss forests today, new challenges have arisen.
21.03.2026, 09:30
SDA
"Thanks to this law, the forests are better off today than they were 150 years ago," explains Benno Schmid, spokesperson for Swiss Forests, to the Keystone-SDA news agency. However, today's forests are suffering from climate change and have to cope with heavy pest infestations.
The Federal Office for the Environment's forest report speaks of a Swiss forest that has "never been under so much pressure". To counteract this, the experts propose in particular the promotion of tree species that are adapted to the future climate.
On the occasion of the International Day of Forests on Saturday, Swiss Forests reminds us that while the production of material goods and the provision of services yield a slight profit, forest management and timber harvesting do not.
