MONET 2030: Summer pastures

SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Excerpt from Swiss target 15.4: The landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic diversity in the alpine area are conserved. […] The use of the alpine area protects the landscape and biodiversity

Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the area of summering pastures recorded in Switzerland. Summering pastures are pastures at altitude used for extensive farming on a seasonal basis. These pastures receive no or little mineral fertiliser, giving rise to a diverse range of specialised species. Summering pastures are open to everyone and offer space for leisure pursuits. Conserving this area is, therefore, a step towards sustainable development.

Help for interpretation
The decline in the total area covered by summering pastures is mostly due to pastures being abandoned for economic reasons. The patchwork aspect of the landscape becomes more uniform, covered with forest areas. Once it has become woodland, it is difficult to reinstate summering pasture, due to current legislation.

International comparability
This indicator cannot be compared at international level