Categories & missions

No two parks are alike

In Switzerland there are four different park categories, each of which have different objectives and functions.

Minimum area:

National parks of new generation

Core zone
in the Alps: min. 100 km²
in the Jura and the south Alps: min. 75 km²
in the Swiss midlands: min. 50 km²

Buffer zone
must surround the core zone possibly in one piece

Regional nature park

The regional nature park is not divided into any zones.

Total area
min. 100 km²

The whole municipalities' territory is part of the park.

Nature discovery parks

Core zone
min. 4 km²

Buffer zone
min. 2 km²

Categories overview

The Swiss National Park is in the Engadine. Born in 1914, it has a long story and is regulated by its own law.

The other Swiss parks exist since 2008. They were created under the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NCHA), which provides for three park categories:

Swiss National Park

The Swiss National Park is a wilderness area according to the International Union for Conservation of nature (IUCN). It meets the highest standards applying to nature reserves.

Not only do animal and plants benefit from high protection standards in wilderness areas, but tourism as well. Practically unspoiled nature and the unforgettable experience of animal watching attract many visitors to the Swiss National Park.

Goals:

Safeguarding the free development of nature
Environmental education and awareness-raising
Research

National parks of new generation

Nature can develop on its own in the national parks' core zone. Sustainable traditional landscapes management is a must in the buffer zone, as well as the development of sustainable economic activities.

Not only do animals and plants benefit from high protection standards in wilderness areas, but tourism as well. Practically unspoiled nature and the unforgettable experience of animal watching attract many visitors to the Swiss National Park.

Goals:

In the core zone:

Safeguard the free development of nature

In the buffer zone:

Restrain any negative influences from reaching the core zone
Near-natural management of the cultural landscape
Promote a sustainable economy

In the whole park:

Environmental education and awareness-raising
Research

(Currently, there are no park projects in this category.)

Regional Nature Parks

The regional nature parks preserve traditional cultural landscapes and enhance their value. They stimulate the creation of added value according to sustainable development criteria. For instance, beautiful landscapes and an unspoiled nature are great assets for tourism. Finally regional nature parks also promote local farming and production.

Goals:

Preserve and enhance cultural and natural landscape
Promote a sustainable economy in the region
Environmental education and awareness-raising

For biosphere reserves:

Research

Nature Discovery Parks

Nature discovery parks are located near cities. They offer unspoiled habitats to the indigenous flora and fauna and allow the general public to experience nature. They offer special outdoor activities in their transition zones.

Goals:

In the core zone:

Safeguard the free development of nature

In the transition zone:

Prevent harmful instructions into the core zone
Manage cultural landscapes in a near-natural manner

In the whole park:

Environment education and awareness-raising