Birds, bees and ballots: Swiss referendum on biodiversity protections

The biodiversity referendum, taking place on September 22, 2024, reflects growing environmental concerns amid declining natural resources and species in Switzerland. Recent polls indicate support for the initiative has fallen from 51% to 46%, with opposition from the federal government, rural voters, and right-wing parties, who argue that the proposal could hinder economic development and increase construction costs. Proponents emphasize the importance of biodiversity for ecological health and the economy, highlighting that one-third of Switzerland’s plant and animal species are threatened or have already disappeared. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ranks Switzerland among the countries with the highest rates of threatened species, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

Context of the Vote

• Economic Concerns: Opponents of the initiative argue that the estimated additional cost of 400 million Swiss francs (over $400 million) for local and national governments, on top of the existing 600 million francs spent annually on biodiversity protection, could negatively impact economic growth and sustainable development.

• Environmental Advocacy: Supporters of the initiative contend that enhanced protections are vital for maintaining clean air, drinkable water, and overall ecological balance, which are essential for agriculture and tourism, two key sectors of the Swiss economy.

• Voting Process: The referendum is part of Switzerland’s direct democracy framework, allowing citizens to have a say in significant policy matters. Voting primarily occurs through mail-in ballots, with results expected to reflect the public’s evolving stance on environmental issues in the context of economic considerations.