Glarnerland starts campaign: Protect nature, enjoy tourism!

Glarnerland starts campaign: Protect nature, enjoy tourism!

In Glarnerland, known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, valleys and rich flora and fauna, a sense of responsibility for nature is required. With the growing popularity of outdoor tourism and free overnight stays in alpine areas, the challenges for nature and landscape protection have increased. In this context, Markus Marti, Managing Director of the Glarner Hiking Trails, emphasizes the urgency of emphasizing the responsibility to preserve the natural environment. In a comprehensive awareness campaign, Glarus hiking trails, SAC sections, Axpo, the canton of Glarus, Glarus communities and the Glarus farmers' association are working together to raise awareness of nature conservation, reports Glarus24.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and personal responsibility, as Senta Stix, head of the nature and landscape protection department, emphasizes. The focus is on rules of conduct that call on both guests and locals to take responsibility. This includes respect for wild animals, refraining from feeding them and keeping a distance from protected plants and fungi. Hiking and biking should only take place on marked paths and wild camping in protected areas is prohibited. Instead, it is recommended to stay overnight in huts and take rubbish with you in order to protect nature.

Education and behavioral instructions

In addition, it is pointed out that dogs should be kept on a leash, noise should be avoided and fires may only be lit at official fire pits. Protecting nature also includes responsible behavior when using the toilet in nature. Last year, specific protective measures were implemented at Oberblegisee and Panixerpass. This year there are restrictions at Muttenchopf in the Limmern area in order to carry out targeted measures to protect biodiversity.

The increasing demand for outdoor experiences presents both opportunities and challenges for the region. VISIT Glarnerland and private providers are currently examining new accommodation and adventure offers that can serve as attractive alternatives to wild camping. These measures aim to strengthen the region's economic situation and at the same time protect the environment in the future.

Biodiversity and nature in focus

This effort is supported by the commitment of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), which advocates for respectful coexistence between people and nature. In conjunction with the Nature and Heritage Protection Act (NHG) and the Swiss Landscape Concept (LKS), the FOEN promotes environmentally friendly behavior in tourism and leisure. Intact biodiversity and beautiful landscapes are not only essential for nature, but also for the attractiveness of tourism, leisure and sport. Leisure activities such as mountain biking or snowshoeing have an impact on nature, which is why appropriate behavioral guidelines and information boards are intended to raise awareness among visitors.

Wildlife rest areas play an important role in preserving the habitats of numerous animal and plant species that are sensitive to disturbances. Promoting sustainable development therefore also plays a central role in the Federal Council’s tourism strategy. The aim is to identify conflicts between tourism and biodiversity policy at an early stage and to promote dialogue between all those involved in order to integrate biodiversity in tourism, as the FOEN emphasizes. The FOEN provides further information about its campaigns, such as “Respect your boundaries – snow sports with consideration”, in order to promote nature-friendly behavior in the leisure sector, as well bafu.admin.ch shows.