geoconservation in switzerland - Platform Geosciences - SCNAT

GEOCONSERVATION IN SWITZERLAND
General situation 2005
(Designed for the expected European overview of ProGEO)
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION (historical overview) ................................ ................................ .................. 1
2. LEGAL BASIS................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 2
3. ORGANIZATION and POLICY................................ ................................ .............................. 2
4. SITE SELECTION................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 3
5. REGISTRATION and PROTECTION ................................ ................................ .................... 4
6. MANAGEMENT and FACILITIES................................ ................................ .......................... 5
7. CONCLUSIONS................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 5
8. REFERENCES ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 6
9. CONTACT ADRESSES ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 7
STÜRM, B. (2005): Geoconservation in Switzerland – General situation 2005. – GEOforumCH of
the Swiss Academy of Sciences, Working Group Geotope.

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1. INTRODUCTION (historical overview)
1993: The Working Group „Geotope Protection Switzerland“ (nowadays called “Swiss
Working Group Geotope“) was founded and in the following year integrated into the organisation
of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT).
1994: A national survey, carried out by the Swiss Working Group, showed a pattern of great
differences in the development stage of geoconservation amongst the 26 cantons (member
states of the Helvetic Confederation).
1995: The Swiss Working Group developed a strategy to improve the state of geoconservation.
The published Strategy Report (ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ 1995) shows, how
the recognized deficiencies could be rectified.
1996-1997: The Swiss Landscape Concept (BUNDESAMT FÜR UMWELT, WALD UND
LANDSCHAFT 1998) was established by the Federal Administration and approved by the Federal
Council in December 1997. It seeks to achieve sustainable landscape development. Amongst
other fields it contains geoconservation as an integral part. The concept shall promote a dialogue
between landscape users and conservationists and thus create and support favorable alliances.
It serves as an official guideline with binding objectives.
1998-1999: The Swiss Working Group elaborated a first comprehensive National Indicative
List (ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ 1999) with geotopes of potential national significance
(for further informations look at chapter 5).
2000: The Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL) and the Federal
Office for Water and Geology (FOWG) constituted the Working Group „Geotope
BUWAL/LHG“ in order to promote the aspects of geoconservation within the Federal Administration.
In a first step this working group prepared a concept for the protection of geotopes
of national significance (GERBER, B. & GSTEIGER, P. 2000) which in particular contains a
project description for an official national geotope inventory.
2001-2003: Two geotope-assemblages of international significance were admitted to the
UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL), the area „Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn“ with the biggest
alpine glacier (2001) and the „Monte San Giorgio“ with its outstanding triassic dinosaur
fauna (2003). At the same time the „Glarner Hauptüberschiebung“, the most impressive overthrust
of the Alps, was nominated as WHL-candidate.
In adition to the mentioned development at national level, several initiatives have been taken
by cantons, regional planning organisations and municipalities and subsequently geotope
inventories, geoparks, geopaths and other geoprojects have been realized.

2. LEGAL BASIS
A good overall view is given by JORDAN, P. (1999). The most relevant laws and articles relating
to geotope protection can be described as follows:
Federal Nature Conservation Act (SR 451):
Art. 1 „Purpose“: e.g. protection of landscapes and natural monuments
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Art. 5 „Inventories of objects of national significance“: e.g. the Federal Council has to set up inventories
of objects of national significance, like the Inventory of Landscapes of National importance
(BLN).
Federal Town and Country Planning Act (SR 700):
Art. 6–12 „Structure plans of the Cantons“: They set the guidelines for future development and
are basic tools for the coordination of spatial interests and impacts. Once approved, they are
binding for all authorities
Art. 14-18 „land-use plans“: They stipulate in detail the possible land-exploitation. The territory
has to be divided into different zones. The main types of zones are: zones for building construction,
zones for agricultural use and protection zones. Once approved, land-use plans are
binding for everybody.
Art.17 „Protection zones“: Protection zones can be designated for brooks, rivers, lakes and
their banks or shores, landscapes with outstanding natural or cultural values, natural or cultural
monuments and biotopes. Protection zones can be linked with nature conservation ordinances
which regulate in detail the specific protection needed. Approved nature conservation ordinances
are binding for authorities, land owners and others, depending on their specific regulations.
Instead of stipulating protection zones, other measures can be taken.
3. ORGANIZATION AND POLICY
Federal Office for Water and Geology (FOWG):
www.bwg.admin.ch
The FOWG is the Confederation’s competence centre regarding water use, water management,
hydrology, geology and natural hazards.
Within the FOWG the Geological Information Center is responsible for geotope investigation.
Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL):
www.umwelt-schweiz.ch
The SAEFL is the federal government’s centre of environmental expertise. The main responsibilities
are as follows: to provide a scientific basis for environmental protection measures; to
draft laws and ordinances; to promote sustainable development; to implement environmental
protection measures in cooperation with cantonal authorities, non-governmental organizations
(NGO’s) and other actors; to inform and advise the public, and last but not least, to promote
global cooperation through involvement in international environmental bodies.
Within the SAEFL the Division Nature and Landscape is responsible for the Swiss Landscape
Concept, the Inventory of Landscapes and natural monuments of National importance (BLN)
and geotope protection.
Federal Office for Spatial Development (FOSD):
www.are.admin.ch
The FOSD wants to make a fundamental contribution to sustainable spatial development in
Switzerland by playing a strategic leadership role. Amongst others it is pursuing the following
objectives: improvement of quality of life; sustainable development of urban and rural areas;

preservation of areas of outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity; balanced regional development
and spatial integration of Switzerland into Europe.
Relating to geoconservation the following tasks of the FOSD are of special interest: The implementation
of the Alpine Convention and the coordination of cantonal structure plans.
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Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT):
www.scnat.ch
The Academy is the most important platform for the dissemination and promotion of natural
sciences. Its core mission is to raise the awareness of the role that natural sciences play in
providing solutions to society's current and future problems. The Academy aims at: facilitating
interdisciplinary cooperation and scientific exchange; improving public and media awareness
and comprehension for natural sciences; encouraging the dissemination of scientific research
results; developing a swiss science policy; encouraging international scientific cooperation. To
fulfil these goals, the Academy supports hundreds of activities and events each year, like conferences,
symposia and public events.
The SAS comprises 44 national specialized societies. It is the mother organization of the
GEOforumCH.
GEOforumCH:
www.geoforum.ch
The GEOforumCH is the platform for geosciences of the Swiss Academy of Sciences and serves
as an interface between the various disciplines of geosciences, as well as between research,
practice,administrations, politics and the public. The missions of GEOforumCH are to
inform:
• researchers about developments in neighbouring disciplines
• researchers about needs arising from society and the practice
• practitioners about developments in the field of research,
• politicians about thematic priorities
• the public about themes pertaining to geosciences.
GEOforumCH also offers support to researchers for endeavours that require coordination between
research institutions, it identifies developments in geosciences which are of societal relevance
and it detects possible shortcomings in terms of research.
The GEOforumCH has several working groups. The Swiss Working Group Geotope being
one of them.
4. SITE SELECTION
Definition:
First of all the objects of an inventory have got to be clearly defined. In our case they are defined
as geotopes.
According to the definitions given in the Geotope Concept (STÜRM, B. 1994), the Strategy Report
of the Swiss Working Group (ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ 1995) and the
Landscape Concept Switzerland (BUNDESAMT FÜR UMWELT, WALD UND LANDSCHAFT 1998),
geotopes can be considered as follows:
Geotopes are distinct components of the landscape with an outstandig geological,
geomorpholocical or geoecological value. They are relics of, or give a good insight
into the Earth’s history, the evolution of live, climate or landscape

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Classification:
In accordance with the suggestions of BERGER, J.P. & GRANDGIRARD, V. (1996) and the German
Working Group (AD-HOC-AG GEOTOPSCHUTZ 1996) the following type-classification is usually
applied:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Structural geologic - tectonic objects
Paleontologic objects, fossil sites
Mineralogic-petrographic objects
Geohistoric objects
Sedimentologic objects showing present day processes
Stratigraphic objects, type localities
Geomorphologic objects
Hydrogeologic objects
Criteria:
The geotopes of potential national significance were selected and evaluated for the Swiss Indicative
List (ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ 1999) with the help of the following criteria:
Integrity: degree of preservation of original characteristics.
Rarity: relating to an area of reference and depending on the type of geotope and its particular
characteristics.
Scientific value: e.g. witness of the Earth’s history, representativeness, exemplarity, didactic
value.
Other aspects: e.g. ecological value; visibility and scenic value; cultural, symbolic or historical
significance; accessibility, leisure value or touristic interest.
Method and Procedure:
First detailed guidelines were elaborated by the Working Group „Geotope BUWAL/LHG“ of the
Federal Administration within the scope of the concept for an official national geotope inventory
(GERBER, B. & GSTEIGER, P. 2000). They have been tested and refined within the project
„Geotope Inventory Canton St.Gallen“ (STÜRM, B. & HEINZ, R. & KELLER, O. ET AL. 2002). Until
now the national concept is unfortunately still waiting to be realized, even though the necessary
experience and knowledge would be available.
5. REGISTRATION AND PROTECTION
National Indicative List (ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ 1999):
(see: http://www.geoforum.ch/index.php?nav1=4&nav2=93&target=geotope/index.php )
It gives a first nationwide overview of geotopes which have the potential to be of national or international
significance. It contains 401 objects which reflect the enormous geodiversity of
Switzerland. This inventary has no legal status. It must be considered as an informal catalogue.
A first updating of the National Indicative List is in preparation.
Inventory of Landscapes of National Importance (BLN):
It consists of a wide range of different landscape-types. The main categories are: unique sites,
typical landscapes and natural monuments. Many BLN-objects have been designated from a
geological or geomorphological perspective and can be considered as geotopes or geotopeassemblages.
Issued by the Federal Council on the basis of Art. 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation
Act (see chapter 2), the BLN serves as a guideline with binding objectives for authorities
of the Helvetic Confederation. In order to obtain a wider ranging legal force, in particular
with regard to decision making on cantonal and local level, it has to be implemented by means
of town and country planning procedures.

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Cantonal geotope inventories:
Some cantons have established such inventories mainly for their own planning purposes. In order
to strengthen the effectiveness of the geotope inventories, few cantons have already integrated
them into their structure plans. Examples: Geotope Inventory (NAEF, H. & HOFMANN,
F. & HIPP, R. & KELLER, O. 1997) and Structure Plan of the Canton Thurgau (see:
www.raumplanung.tg.ch ), Geotope Inventory (STÜRM, B. & HEINZ, R. & KELLER, O. ET AL.
2002) and Structure Plan of the Canton St.Gallen (see: www.are.sg.ch > Bauen, Raum & Umwelt
> Raumentwicklung > Natur- und Landschaftsschutz > Geotope and: >> Raumentwicklung
> Richtplanung > Richtplankarte).
Local or regional geotope inventories:
Several municipalities have elaborated geotope inventories (by their own initiative or based on
cantonal stipulations) and some of them have designated corresponding geotope protection
zones in their land-use plans or established nature conservation ordinances (for further information
look at chapter 2).
6. MANAGEMENT and FACILITIES
There are instructive examples all over the country. The guide books “Geotope Fenster in die
Urzeit” (JORDAN, P. & AUF DER MAUR, F. 2002) or “Géotopes-Un voyage dans le temps”
(DECROUEZ, D. & JORDAN, P. & AUF DER MAUR, F. 2003) show a certain overview. In these
contributions a fascinating collection of geotopes with educational, scientific or touristic facilities
is illustrated.
Comparatively high level activity in the field of site management and exploitation of geotopes
for educational and touristic purposes can be observed in the established geoparcs “Gole della
Breggia” (see: www.parcobreggia.ch) and “Sarganserland-Walensee-Glarnerland” (see:
www.geopark.ch).
Further information on this topic can be provided by GEOForumCH (see: www.geoforum.ch )
7. CONCLUSIONS
In spite of the quite numerous efforts on national, cantonal, regional and local level the basis
and the position of geoconservation are still too weak to achieve the necessary awareness,
comprehension and effectiveness.
Significant weak points:
‣ The legal basis offers some good opportunities for geoconservation but it is not nearly as
good as the legal basis for bioecological purposes, e.g. : mainly „can“ formulations instead
of obligations are applied and equivalent terms like “biotope”, “biodiversity” are not legaly
anchored.
‣ Until now, an official national geotope inventory has not been established.
‣ Geotope protection is in general not yet sufficiently integrated into town and country planning
procedures and schemes. Therefore the capacity to influence and restrict future activities
which could affect the geological and geomorphological heritage is still rather poor.
‣ In contrast to bioloecological motivated nature conservation and landscape development,
geoconservation still plays a minor role in the public opinion and a comparable lobby
doesn’t exist.

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Outlook:
The basis and the achieved effectiveness of conservation measures, as well as site management
and the educational and touristic exploitation of geotopes are varying stages of development
from canton to canton and from municipality to municipality. The fact is, that a lot of
geotopes of national significance are neither protected, nor managed nor made available for
educational, touristic or other purposes. Nevertheless some good examples and initiatives give
rise to hope.
In order to strengthen the effectiveness of the BLN Inventory (see chapter 5), a revision has recently
been initiated. This project offers a good opportunity for a more systematic and sophisticated
integration of geoconservational aspects. It could improve the general position of geotope
protection and thus contribute to fill in existing gaps. The revision of the BLN is at present the
only real strategic option to be seen on national level.
8. REFERENCES
AD-HOC-AG GEOTOPSCHUTZ (1996): Arbeitsanleitung Geotopschutz in Deutschland, Guidelines
of the Geological Surveys of the German Federal States, Angewandte Landschaftsökologie
Heft 9. - Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Bonn-Bad Godesberg.
ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ (1995): Geotope und der Schutz Erdwissenschaftlicher
Objekte in der Schweiz: Strategiebericht. - Fribourg.
ARBEITSGRUPPE GEOTOPSCHUTZ SCHWEIZ (1999): Inventar der Geotope Nationaler Bedeutung.
- Geologica Insubrica Vol. 4/1: 25-48, Lugano.
BERGER, J.P. & GRANDGIRARD, V. (1996): Inventaire des Géotopes d’Importance National.
Arbeitspapiere und Datenbank.- Schweizerische Akademie der Naturwissenschaften, Arbeitsgruppe
Geotopschutz Schweiz, Fribourg.
BUNDESAMT FÜR UMWELT, WALD UND LANDSCHAFT (1998): Landschaftskonzept Schweiz
(LSK). - Bundesamt für Umwelt, Wald und Landschaft / Bundesamt für Raumplanung (Hrsg.).
Reihe Konzepte und Sachpläne (Art. 13 RPG). BRP, Bern.
DECROUEZ, D. & JORDAN, P. & AUF DER MAUR, F (2003): Géotopes – Un voyage dans le
temps – Editions MPA.
GERBER, B. & GSTEIGER, P. (2000): Konzept für den Schutz der Geotope von Nationaler Bedeutung.
- Bundesamt für Umwelt, Wald und Landschaft (BUWAL), Arbeitsgruppe Geotope
BUWAL / LHG, Bern. Unveröffentlicht, deponiert beim BUWAL.
JORDAN, P. (1999): Geotope – die Rechtliche Situation in der Schweiz. - Geologica Insubrica
Vol. 4/1: 55-58.
JORDAN,P. & AUF DER MAUR, F. (2002): Geotope Fenster in die Urzeit – Ott Verlag Thun.
NAEF, H. & HOFMANN, F. & HIPP, R. & KELLER, O. (1997): Das Geotop-Inventar im Kanton
Thurgau. - Amt für Raumplanung des Kantons Thurgau, Frauenfeld.
STÜRM, B. (1994): The Geotope Concept: geological nature conservation by town and country
planning. - O’Halloran, D., Green, C., Harley, M., Stanley, M., & Knill, J. (eds), Geological
and Landscape Conservation. Geological Society 27-31, London.
STÜRM, B. & HEINZ, R. & KELLER, O. ET AL. (2002): Geotopinventar Kanton St.Gallen. –
St.Gallische Naturwissenschaftliche Gesellschaft (NWG), St.Gallen.

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9. CONTACT ADRESSES
Dr. Peter Jordan
President Swiss Working Group Geotope
Rainstrasse 33c
CH-4528 Zuchwil
e-mail: peter.jordan@tiscali.ch
Prof. Jean-Pierre Berger
Secretary Swiss Working Group Geotope
Institut Géologie
Université de Fribourg
Pérolles
CH-1700 Fribourg
e-mail: jean-pierre.berger@unifr.ch
Dr. Pierre Dèzes
Secretary GEOForumCH
Schwarztorstrasse 9
CH-3007 Bern
e-mail: geoforum@scnat.ch
Christian Preiswerk
Swiss Academy of Sciences
Schwarztorstrasse 9
CH-3007 Bern
e-mail: preiswerk@scnat.ch
Hans Schneider
Division Nature and Landscape
Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL)
CH-3003 Bern
e-mail: hans.schneider@buwal.admin.ch
Dr. Peter Heitzmann
Federal Office for Water and Geology (FOWG)
Head of Geological Information Center
CH-3003 Bern
e-mail: peter.heitzmann@bwg.admin.ch
___________________________________________________________________________
Author: Dr. Bruno Stürm, Swiss Working Group Geotope, Bruggmühlestrasse, CH-9403 Goldach
(Switzerland)