Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to enhance protections for natural habitats from pollution and development, according to preliminary referendum results. The biodiversity initiative, previously dismissed by the Swiss government and parliament, sought to amend laws to designate more land for conservation beyond already protected areas.
The initiative, closely watched by international conservationists amid rising global concerns over biodiversity loss, aimed to strengthen protections for endangered ecosystems in Switzerland, a country known for its lakes and alpine landscapes. However, in a traditional exercise of direct democracy, over 60% of voters rejected the plan, according to projected results by national broadcaster SRF. By mid-afternoon, the measure had failed in too many cantons to pass, official tallies showed.
The Swiss Green Party expressed disappointment, stating that a third of species and half of Switzerland’s habitats remain under threat. “This problem will remain regardless of the outcome of the vote,” it said in a statement.
Opponents, including Switzerland’s main farming lobby, argued the initiative was overly extreme and could harm business development, noting that existing Swiss laws already address conservation needs. Initial polling support for the proposal had waned in recent weeks as opposition groups gained momentum.
In April, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland was not doing enough to combat climate breakdown, a claim the Swiss government disputes.
