Evaluation of ecological measures: the landscape of three regions in Switzerland

Biodiversity, the diversity of life at all scales, is a characteristic feature of our planet and a precondition for human life. However, only during the last two decades biodiversity has become an important research topic. Scientific projects deal with the measurement of biodiversity, the factors that affect biodiversity and with effects biodiversity itself has on ecosystems and other variables. The topography of Switzerland is very complex and the ecological conditions vary over small scales. This probably explains the large local biodiversity. Since human population pressure and economic activity are also particularly high in Switzerland, our country has a special responsibility to develop a comprehensive strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. At the same time, it could play a major role in global biodiversity policy.