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
Goal description
«[…] Deforestation and desertification – caused by human activities and climate change – pose major challenges to sustainable development […]»
Swiss target 15.3: Soil function is guaranteed for the long term. Soil use causes no physical, chemical or biological stresses that in turn compromise soil function and hence soil fertility on a lasting basis. Degraded soils are restored and improved so that they are again able to fulfil the functions typical for their location. By 2030, soil consumption is reduced by one-third, compared to 2020. There will be no more net soil loss as of 2050.
Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the proportion of sealed surfaces in the entire Swiss territory. When it is sealed, soil loses its natural function as habitat, reservoir and filter as well as the ability to transform and degrade substances. A decrease in this percentage is, therefore, a step towards sustainable development.
Help for interpretation
Sealed areas include buildings, greenhouses and areas covered with hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete, artificially laid gravel or stone surfaces, etc.).
International comparability
This indicator cannot be compared at international level.
Tables
Methodology
The indicator shows the percentage of sealed areas in Switzerland. Sealed areas include buildings (incl. Greenhouses) and areas covered with hard surfaces (asphalt, concrete, artificially laid gravel or stone surfaces, etc.). Data come from the Federal Statistical Office’s (FSO) land use statistics. These statistics provide information on land cover and use; they are compiled from aerial photographs taken by the Federal Office of Tophography (swisstopo), which are analysed by means of a sampling point network measuring 100 by 100 metres.
Targets
Swiss target 15.3: Soil function is guaranteed for the long term. Soil use causes no physical, chemical or biological stresses that in turn compromise soil function and hence soil fertility on a lasting basis. Degraded soils are restored and improved so that they are again able to fulfil the functions typical for their location. By 2030, soil consumption is reduced by one-third, compared to 2020. There will be no more net soil loss as of 2050.
International target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Environment, Sustainable Development, TerritoryEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
- Tel.
- +41 58 460 58 46
Monday - Friday:
09.00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 16.00