Referendum rejects plan to boost Switzerland's biodiversity

euronews (in English)

Environmentalists wanted stronger safeguards put in place to protect Switzerland's biodiversity, but they were defeated by voters who thought it too expensive.

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00:00A biodiversity initiative launched by nature and environmental protection groups in Switzerland

00:08did not succeed in a referendum held on Sunday.

00:11Over 60% of voters rejected the idea, which aimed to increase green spaces untouched by

00:17human development.

00:20Switzerland is renowned for its pristine lakes and majestic alpine peaks, but its plant and

00:24animal life is under great threat.

00:27The initiative called for public funding to encourage farmers to set aside lands and

00:31waterways to help wild landscape develop.

00:35It also would have prohibited the construction of new railway lines through protected dry

00:39meadows.

00:42Proponents pointed to threats to Switzerland's bees, frogs, birds and other wildlife, as

00:47well as dwindling natural resources.

00:50The federal government and many rural voters opposed the plan, arguing it was too expensive.

00:56About 630 million euros is already spent on biodiversity protection each year.

01:04Another proposal on pension reforms was also rejected in Sunday's referendums.

01:09The plan would have required employers and workers to raise their contributions into

01:13compulsory occupational funds, an idea widely opposed by unions.

01:20Referendums take place four times a year in Switzerland, far more often than any other

01:24European country.

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