Land Use in Switzerland Results of the Swiss Land Use Statistics

02Territory and Environment

002-0904 Land use in Switzerland Results of the Swiss land use statistics

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Land use in Switzerland Results of the Swiss land use statistics

Editors Geoinformation Section

Published by Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS) Neuchâtel, 2013 IMPRESSUM

Published by: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) Information: Anton Beyeler, tel: +41 (0)32 713 61 61 (d, e); Thierry Nippel, tel: +41 (0)32 713 69 76 (f, i) Authors: Christian Schubarth, IC Infraconsult AG; Felix Weibel, FSO Realisation: Thierry Nippel, Andreas Finger, Anton Beyeler Obtainable from: Federal Statistical Office, CH-2010 Neuchâtel tel: +41 (0)32 713 60 60 / fax +41 (0)32 713 60 61 / email: [email protected] Order number: 002-0904 Price: Free Series: Swiss Statistics Domain: 2 Territory and Environment Original text: German Translation: FSO language services Cover graphics: FSO; concept: Netthoevel & Gaberthüel, Biel; photograph: © Jakob Radlgruber – Fotolia.com Graphics/Layout: DIAM Section, Prepress/Print Copyright: FSO, Neuchâtel 2013 Reproduction with mention of source authorised (except for commercial purposes) ISBN: 978-3-303-02124-8 FOREWORD 05

Foreword

Urban agglomerations are growing, glaciers are melting, forest areas are ad- vancing and agricultural areas are decreasing in size. Switzerland’s landscape is changing, though at a different pace and scale depending on location. Where is change taking place? How fast is it occurring and how pronounced is it? Which types of land are increasing in size and which are shrinking?

The latest findings from the land use statistics, a system- extent to which trends prevailing in land use in Switzerland atic analysis of land use in Switzerland, outline the changes concur with spatial development objectives and targets for that have taken place over a 24-year period from 1985 to the economical use of land resources. This brochure high- 2009. This survey is therefore an essential tool for long-term lights the dominant trends in the land use of Switzerland. spatial monitoring. Moreover, it can be used to assess the 06 OVERVIEW

Overview

The landscape in Switzerland is changing. 15% of the country’s surface area is not used in the same way as it was in 1985. On the Central Plain, settlement and urban areas have grown at the expense of agricultural areas. In Alpine regions, most noticeable has been the expansion of forest and wooded areas.

Switzerland’s surface area offers a patchwork of different Change in land use has slowed types of uses. The land use statistics condense these into four marginally since 1997 broad designations: settlement and urban areas, agricultural areas, wooded areas (forest and woods) and unproductive Between 1985 and 2009, the total settlement and urban areas (lakes and rivers, unproductive vegetation, rocks and area expanded by 23.4%, with its proportion of the to- screes, glaciers and perpetual snow). Settlement and urban tal surface area in Switzerland rising from 6.0% to 7.5% areas, accounting for 7.5% of the surface area, represent the (Graph 2). Likewise a 3.1% increase in wooded areas oc- smallest designation, and agricultural areas, with a share of curred. In contrast, the total area of land devoted to agri- 35.9%, the largest (Graph 1). Wooded and unproductive a cultural uses shrank by 5.4%. A minor reduction of 1.1% reas occupy 31.3% and 25.3% of the land area respectively. in the total unproductive areas was also recorded. The proportion of land occupied by the four main cat- The expansion of settlement and urban areas (Central egories varies by bio-geographical region. In percentage Plain, Alpine valleys, Jura and North Flank of the Alps) took terms, settlement and urban areas in the Central Plain place almost exclusively to the detriment of agricultural region represent more than twice the national average, areas at low and intermediate altitudes. Similarly, the in- but such space is much scarcer in Alpine regions. Agri- crease in wooded areas came predominantly at the ex- cultural areas are above the national average in the Cen- pense of agricultural areas. This change chiefly occurred tral Plain region (49.5%) and in the Jura (43.4%) but well at high altitudes. A noticeable portion of expansion by below that average in the Western Central Alps (18.4%) wooded areas was also at the expense of unproductive and the South Flank of the Alps (12.7%). The propor- areas. tion of wooded areas is above the average in the Jura The 2009 land use statistics survey followed previous and the South Flank of the Alps (Ticino). In the central surveys of 1985 and 1997 as the third in a series of as- Alpine regions (Valais and Graubünden), the percentage sessments (for more information, please refer to page 23 is far lower than the national average. In contrast, this is of this publication). Most often, the new findings confirm where the highest proportion of unproductive land is lo- trends that had been detected in 1997, although it should cated (49.4%). The Central Plain region consists of 10% be said that the pace of change has slowed down. This ap- unproductive areas (most of which is lakes), while in the plies in particular to settlement and urban areas, which be- Jura the proportion is minimal. tween 1985 and 1997 grew by 13.0% but by only 9.2% 07 OVERVIEW 07

between 1997 and 2009. Regarding agricultural areas, the Most significant change in South Flank rate of decline slowed from 3.3% to 2.2%. Wooded areas of the Alps expanded by 2.2% between 1985 and 1997 compared to 0.9% between 1997 and 2009. Change in land use between 1985 and 2009 affected no less than 15% of Switzerland’s surface area. Particularly affected were the South Flank of the Alps (Ticino and Va lais) along with the Geneva-Lausanne and Zurich metropolitan areas (Map 1). Large contiguous areas that did not undergo variation were only located in high Alpine regions (Bernese, Valais and Graubünden Alps).

Change in land use, 1985–2009 M 1 Main land use categories 1985, 1997 and 2009 G 1 per 2500 sample points

1985 6.0 37.9 30.4 25.6

1997 6.8 36.7 31.1 25.4

2009 7.5 35.9 31.3 25.3

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Settlement and urban areas Agricultural areas Wooded areas (forest and woods) Number of changes between the four main categories 1985-2009 Unproductive areas

0 – 50 51 – 100 101 – 150 151 – 200 201 – 470 Total area: 4,128,498 ha

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, Geoinformation, Neuchâtel 2013 Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO

Biogeographical regions of Switzerland M 2

Main land use categories 1985–2009 G 2

25% 23.4 Jura 20% 10.4% Central Plain 27.0% 15% North Flank of the Alps 10% 27.8% Eastern Central Alps 14.1% 5% 3.1

0% South Flank of the Alps -1.1 Western Central Alps 8.9% -5% 11.7% -5.4 -10% Settlement and urban areas Agricultural areas Share of Switzerland's surface area, in % Wooded areas (forest and woods) Unproductive areas < 10.0 10.0 – 19.9 ≥ 20.0 CH: 100

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FOEN © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 08 SETTLEMENT AND URBAN AREAS

Settlement and urban areas: more areas for housing, work, transportation and leisure

Between 1985 and 2009, settlement and urban space grew by almost one- quarter, outpacing the increase in population. Most of the development occurred in agglomeration belts.

Along with buildings, settlement and urban areas encom- and cemeteries (parks, cemeteries, playgrounds and sports pass all other types of installations relating to housing, facilities, garden allotments). Building areas together with work, leisure and mobility. Included in this designation are industrial and commercial areas account for nearly 60% also green spaces used for recreation. The land use statis- of settlement and urban space. Just under one-third has tics divide settlement and urban areas into five catego- been allotted to transportation (Graph 4). ries: industrial and commercial areas (manufacturing and Settlement and urban areas cover 7.5% of the surface trade), building areas (housing, public buildings, mixed-use area of Switzerland. In the Central Plain region, the pro- neighbourhoods, agricultural buildings including outdoor portion is 16.0%, which is more than twice the national areas, and gardens), transportation areas (roadways, rail- average. In Alpine regions, the figure is significantly less way installations, airports and airfields), special urban a (Map 4). reas (infrastructure such as power stations and waste-wa- ter treatment plants, dumps, temporary installations such as construction sites and gravel pits) and recreational areas

Expansion of transport infrastructure, construction of industrial enterprises and retail outlets on agricultural land (Conthey VS, 1980/1992/2004) SETTLEMENT AND URBAN AREAS 09

Largest variation in agglomeration belts In the period under review, building areas along with industrial and commercial areas each grew by slightly Between 1985 and 2009, total settlement and urban space above 30%, whereas transportation areas grew at only increased by 23.4%, with the rate of growth slowing half that rate (by just over 15%) (Graph 3). The strongest down from 13.0% between 1985 and 1997 to 9.2% be- growth was recorded for recreational areas and cemeteries tween 1997 and 2009. The highest growth took place in (37.5%). In contrast, special urban areas shrank by a to- agglomeration belts as well as metropolitan areas consist- tal of 13.2%, relating chiefly to the lower number of con- ing of several cities, e.g. between Geneva and Lausanne, struction sites and the natural rehabilitation of gravel pits. and between Olten and Zurich. In addition, rural areas in the Central Plain region, valley plains in Alpine regions and some zones in the Jura and the North Flank of the Alps New construction mainly on cultivated land were affected by the same type of growth (Map 3). In the Western Central Alps (Valais), growth between 1985 Almost all new settlement and urban space (just un- and 2009 reached 35.3% and was therefore considerably der 90%) was reconverted from agricultural areas. Only higher than the national average. 10% had previously been wooded (forests and woods) or

Settlement and urban areas, 1985–2009 M 3 Change in settlement and urban areas by category per 2500 ha (25 km2) 1985–2009 G 3

40% 32.2 32.2 37.5 30%

20% 15.5

10%

-10% -13.2 -20% Industrial and commercial areas Building areas Change of settlement and urban areas 1985–2009, in hectares Transportation areas Recreational areas and cemeteries -14 – 20 21 – 40 41 – 70 71 – 120 121 – 259 Special urban areas Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, Geoinformation, Neuchâtel 2013 Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO

Settlement and urban areas, 2009 M 4

by biogeographical region

Settlement and urban areas by category 2009 G 4

8.2% 16.0% Industrial and 5.5% 7.8% commercial areas 6.4% Building areas 4.4% Transportation 1.7% areas Recreational areas

and cemeteries 4.7% 30.9% Special urban areas 3.3% 49.4%

Share of settlement and urban areas of the total surface area, in %

Total settlement and urban areas: 307,897 ha < 2.0 2.0 – 4.9 5.0 – 9.9 ≥ 10.0 CH: 7.5

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 10 SETTLEMENT AND URBAN AREAS

unproductive land (Graph 6). This can be explained by the total settlement and urban areas was a significantly higher fact that existing residential areas are for the most part sur- 23.4%. Correspondingly, settlement and urban areas per rounded by agricultural areas. Moreover, farming areas do inhabitant increased by approximately 20 m2 to 407 m2 not enjoy the same degree of legal protection as forests, (Graph 5). The major proportion of the increase concerned for which clearing must always be compensated. Most un- building areas. In keeping with the broad trends in settle- productive land is located in remote areas, making it inap- ment and urban areas, growth in the per-inhabitant vari- propriate for extensions of dwelling space. able was more marked between 1985 and 1997 than between 1997 and 2009. The rise in settlement and urban space per inhabitant Over 400 m2 of settlement and urban areas stemmed from several sources. One was increased personal per inhabitant demand for larger living areas. As such, apartments and single-family houses today have more rooms, and rooms In the 24 years between 1985 and 2009, the residential are larger than only a few decades ago. However, higher population of Switzerland rose by 17.5%, from 6.3 million personal incomes and new forms of cohabitation have to 7.4 million inhabitants. In the same period, growth in also led to increased requirements in terms of living space.

Settlement and urban space per inhabitant Industrial and commercial areas, 1985–2009 M 5

1985, 1997 and 2009 G 5 per 2500 ha (25 km2)

450 m2 Federal Council’s target value 400 m2 400 m2 350 m2 300 m2 250 m2 200 m2 150 m2 100 m2 50 m2 0 m2 1985 1997 2009 Building areas Change of industrial and commercial areas 1985-2009, in hectares Transportation areas Industrial and commercial areas -55 – -21 -20 – -6 -5 – 5 6 – 20 21 – 85 Recreational areas and cemeteries Special urban areas Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, Geoinformation, Neuchâtel 2013

Sources: FSO – Land use statistics; ESPOP (mean annual population) © FSO

Origin of new settlement and urban areas Development of industrial and commercial areas 1985–2009 G 6 1985–2009 G 7

1.0% 0.6% New settlement and urban Industrial and commercial 1.5% 5.3% 5.2% areas developed from: areas converted to: 3.9% 13.5% 3.4% 22.3% Residential areas 2.9% Orchard, vineyard and horticulture areas Other building areas 8.7% Arable land Transportation areas Meadows Special urban areas Farm pastures 31.9% Recreational areas and cemeteries 31.5% Alpine agricultural 16.3% areas Agricultural areas Woods Forest and woods 32.8% Forest Unproductive areas Unproductive areas 19.2%

Total new settlement and urban areas: 65,828 ha Total lost industrial and commercial areas: 2120 ha

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO SETTLEMENT AND URBAN AREAS 11

Shift by industry and commercial areas category includes construction and brownfield sites (empty to agglomeration belts buildings and cleared spaces that have yet to be assigned new functions). Between 1985 and 2009, new industrial and commercial areas was chiefly created in agglomeration belts near motorway intersections (A1/A3 Baden/Brugg, A1/A2 Oen Transportation areas growing more slowly singen/Härkingen/Rothrist, A2 in southern Ticino; Map 5). than traffic flows In particular, haulage and logistics firms, which require a considerable amount of space for warehousing and vehi- Roads and motorways account for roughly 90% of total cle storage, primarily established themselves in proximity transportation space. Between 1985 and 2009, all types of to motorway junctions and railway lines. transport infrastructure gained extra space (Graph 8). The area occupied by motorways grew by around one-third, New residential buildings, conveniently located for that of other types of road a full 13% and that of railways public and private trans- just under 3%. This analysis only counts uncovered instal- portation (Freienbach – lations, i.e. tracks inside tunnels are not included. Pfäffikon SZ, 1998/2010) Whereas the space devoted to roads (motorways and other types of road) grew by 14.7% as a whole between 1985 and 2009, the number of newly registered motor vehicles climbed by 64% and the driving performance (the number of kilometres travelled) of motorised road vehicles by 36%. This indicates that traffic flows have risen more sharply than the space set aside for this purpose. Surface area occupied by airports and airfields increased by 10.2% in the period under review through the expansion of pre-existing facilities. The shutdown of selected military airfields had hardly any effect on the overall space occupied by airports and airfields, as the corresponding infrastructure at the time of the survey had still not been dis- Contrary to the broad-based increase, in some places mantled or converted for the most part. the opposite trends could be observed – especially in inner- city areas and urban peripheries, which showed a steady downturn in industrial and commercial areas, most sig- Sealed surfaces make up more than half nificantly in a handful of cities (Zurich, Basel and Winter- of settlement and urban areas thur). This trend is principally attributable to shrinkage in traditional manufacturing sectors (e.g. mechanical engi- Recreational areas and cemeteries account for a relatively neering and textiles). Of the lost industrial and commer- small proportion (6.4%) of settlement and urban areas. Yet cial areas, 22.3% is occupied by housing (Graph 7). No the actual proportion of green space within settlement and less than one-third has become special urban areas. This urban areas is considerably greater because the outdoor

Transformation of industrial and commercial wasteland into housing estates and office buildings (Zurich ZH, 1982/1994/2007) 12 SETTLEMENT AND URBAN AREAS

areas of buildings as well as green strips along streets are Transportation areas by category counted as building area and transportation area respec- 1985, 1997 and 2009 G 8 tively. The degree of land sealing on settlement and urban 80 000 ha areas (i.e. the proportion of impermeable ground, corre- 70 000 ha sponding to buildings, asphalt or concrete surfaces) alto- 60 000 ha gether amounted to slightly more than 60% (Graph 10). 50 000 ha Thus, just under 40% of settlement and urban areas is 40 000 ha accounted for by green areas such as flowerbeds, lawns, 30 000 ha woods and private tree stocks. These areas are diverse and, 20 000 ha in some cases, have a high degree of biodiversity. 10 000 ha 0 ha Motorways Other roads Railway areas Airports and airfields Almost four times as much space occupied 1985 1997 2009 by golf courses Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO

Between 1985 and 2009, the space occupied by recrea- Recreational areas and cemeteries by category tional areas and parks grew by 37.5%, mainly on account 1985, 1997 and 2009 G 9 of the increase in public parks and sports facilities (Graph 9). The total area of golf courses grew exceptionally fast at a rate of 280%, with more than four-fifths of this growth Cemeteries accounted for by the 1997–2009 period alone. Growth in Garden allotments other sports facilities is attributable in particular to the in- Camping areas creased number of equestrian sports areas, with the surface Golf courses area of existing facilities furthermore being expanded. The increase in other sports facilities such as football pitches or Sports facilities swimming pools was far more moderate. Public parks

Expanded and upgraded 0 ha 2000 ha 4000 ha 6000 ha 8000 ha road (Riein GR, 1985 1997 2009 2000/2013) Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO

Degree of land sealing on settlement and urban areas 2009 G 10

Total settlement and urban space

Industrial and commercial areas Building areas

Transportation areas Recreational areas and cemeteries Special urban areas

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Buildings and greenhouses Other Consolidated surfaces coverings

Sealed surfaces = Buildings and greenhouses + Consolidated surfaces

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO AGRICULTURAL AREAS 13

Agricultural areas: encroachment by urban development and forests

More than one square meter of cultivated land is lost in Switzerland every second, taken over by housing or expanding woodlands. On the agricultural land that remains, a trend towards specialisation is discernible.

Agricultural areas encompass productive surfaces relating of agricultural areas, referred to as the cultivated land stock, to crop growing, livestock and fruit cultivation. Likewise in- two-thirds of which is situated in the Central Plain region and cluded in this designation are greenhouses, but not agricul- the North Flank of the Alps. The Jura and the Eastern Central tural buildings such as farmhouses, stables or sheds. With a Alps each account for no less than 10% of the total (Map 8). total surface area of 14,817 km2, agricultural zones represent the largest of the four major land use categories (35.9%). Meadows and farm pastures as well as Alpine agricultural Encroachment on agricultural areas areas each account for no less than one-third of agricultural by urban development and woodlands areas. The proportion of arable land corresponds to 27.5%. Orchard, vineyard and horticulture areas take up only 3.4% Between 1985 and 2009, cultivated land receded by an of the total agricultural space (Graph 12). average of 1.1 m2 every second in Switzerland. In short, The proportion of agricultural areas in the Central Plain the total agricultural area shrank by 5.4%, as a result of region (49.5%) and the Jura (43.4%) is well above the na- increases in settlement and urban areas and wooded ar- tional average (Map 7). By contrast, a relatively small propor- eas (forests and woods). The loss of agricultural areas tion of land is used for farming in the Western Central Alps was more pronounced in the 1985–1997 period (3.3%) (18.4%) and the South Flank of the Alps (12.7%). These re- compared with 1997–2009 (2.2%). gional variations are also reflected in the absolute distribution

Expansion of plastic tunnels and greenhouses on arable land (Salmsach TG, 1984/1996/2008) 14 AGRICULTURAL AREAS

Overall, 54.5% of lost farmland was reused for settle- average in terms of percentage change. In the Jura and ment and urban development, chiefly among which build- the North Flank of the Alps, the cultivated area shrank by ings, industrial and commercial areas (Graph 13). The re- 3.0% and 3.7% respectively, whereas percentage change maining 45.5% was lost to wooded and unproductive land. in the Western Central Alps and the South Flank of the New wooded areas primarily occupied abandoned Alpine Alps was far higher than the nationwide average (10.7% agricultural areas situated at high altitudes. and 15.6% respectively). From an absolute standpoint, the Central Plain region showed by far the biggest shrinkage in territory (327 km2). The smallest variation was re- Largest decline in cultivated land in the corded in the South Flank of the Alps (86 km2) and the Central Plain region Jura (58 km2). On closer inspection, it can be seen that the largest In the Central Plain region and the Eastern Central Alps, decrease in agricultural areas took place in urbanised re- the contraction in agricultural areas between 1985 and gions, especially the Geneva–Lausanne and Zurich met- 2009 amounted to 5.6% (Map 9), in line with the national ropolitan areas (Map 6). The process was equally marked

Agricultural areas, 1985–2009 M 6 Change in agricultural areas by category 1985–2009 per 2500 ha (25 km2) G 11

0 km2

-50 km2 -33.3

-100 km2

-150 km2

-200 km2

-250 km2 -227. 2

-300 km2 -295.1 -295.1 -350 km2 Orchard, vineyard and horticulture areas Arable land Change of agricultural areas 1985–2009, in hectares Meadows, farm pastures Alpine agricultural areas -275 – -101 -100 – -51 -50 – -21 -20 – 20 21 – 53

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, Geoinformation, Neuchâtel 2013 Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO

Agricultural areas, 2009 M 7

by biogeographical region

Agricultural areas by category 2009 G 12

43.4% 49.5% Orchard, vineyard 3.4% and horticulture areas Arable land 37.5% Meadows, 30.3% 34.7% 27.5% farm pastures Alpine agricultural

12.7% 18.4%

34.4% Share of agricultural areas of the total surface area, in %

Total agricultural areas: 14,817 km2 < 25.0 25.0 – 34.9 35.0 – 44.9 ≥ 45.0 CH: 35.9

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 AGRICULTURAL AREAS 15

in the Rhone Valley (Valais) and urban areas in Ticino Increased specialisation and greater number canton. A moderate but extensive decrease was also of ecological compensation areas characteristic of the Fribourg/Broye Plain area. In the Central Plain region, where pressure from urban- A breakdown of lost cultivated land by usage type indi- isation is at its strongest, as well as the Jura, no less than cates that the largest absolute declines were seen in re- 90% of lost cultivated land was reused for the purpose of gard to arable land and Alpine agricultural areas (295 km2 settlement and urban areas. In the North Flank of the Alps each, Graph 11). Lost land in terms of orchard, vineyard and the Western Central Alps (Valais), the decrease in ag- and horticultural areas amounted to 227 km2. The de- ricultural areas was primarily the result of growth in set- crease in meadows and farm pastures amounted to a rel- tlement and urban areas as well. Only in the Eastern Cen- atively small 33 km2, with new areas to some extent off- tral Alps and the South Flank of the Alps did wooded areas setting space lost elsewhere. primarily replace agricultural areas. One significant reason for the size of differences in lost cultivated land by usage category has been the change taking place in farming practices. In the period between 1985

Cultivated land reserves, 2009 M 8 Loss of cultivated land, 1985–2009 M 9 by biogeographical region by biogeographical region

1869 km² 5521 km² 3.0% 5.6%

4303 km² 3.7% 1766 km² 5.6%

466 km² 15.6% 892 km² 10.7%

Agricultural area reserves, in km² Decrease in agricultural area, in %

< 500 500 – 999 1000 – 1999 ≥ 2000 CH: 14 817 < 5.0 5.0 – 10.0 10.1 – 14.9 ≥ 15.0 CH: 5.4

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013

Development of agricultural areas 1985–2009 G 13 Lost agricultural areas by category 1985–2009 G 14

Agricultural areas Orchard, vineyard converted to: 8.8% and horticulture areas 17.7% Building areas Arable land 29.4% Industrial areas Meadows 34.5% Transportation areas 20.4% Farm pastures Recreational areas Alpine agricultural 12.9% and cemeteries areas Special urban areas 5.2% Forest Woods 14.9% 8.6% Unproductive areas 10.6% 25.8% 4.8% 6.5%

Total lost agricultural areas: 107,933 ha Total lost agricultural areas: 107,933 ha

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO 16 AGRICULTURAL AREAS

Converted arable land into meadows and farm pastures, increasing representa- (Hemmental SH, tion of the latter within the breakout of total agricultural 1986/2010) areas. This development is based on new extensive cattle rearing. Likewise, there was an increase in ecological compensation areas, which are counted as wooded or unproductive areas as opposed to agricultural areas.

New agricultural areas added in specific locations

Contrary to broad developments, new agricultural areas were created in some localities. One such example is the increased area occupied by wooded pastures in the Jura (known as ”Wytweiden“). Many of these pastures have previously been counted as wooded areas, as the woodland itself exceeded a specific density. Around Lake Ge- and 2009, signs of both more intensive and more exten- neva, the Lower Valais region and southern Ticino, a slight sive land use were observable: mixed cultivations such as increase in orchard, vineyard and horticultural areas can field fruit trees were in many places replaced with special- be identified, resulting from the recultivation of land previ- ised growing. In addition, other arable land, greenhouses, ously used as gravel or waste disposal sites. In wine-grow- orchards and vineyards testify to more intensive cultivation. ing regions, some vineyards were extended over previously A large number of former arable land have been converted wooded or unproductive areas. WOODED AREAS 17

Wooded areas: more forests at high altitudes

Between 1985 and 2009, the total wooded area grew in size, resulting chiefly from expansion in high-altitude Alpine regions. In these areas, new forests and brushland took the place of abandoned mountain pastures. By contrast, in the Central Plain region and in the Jura, the area covered by forests remained stable.

Wooded areas in Switzerland account for 31.3% of the aggregate increase of 3.1%. As with settlement and urban total surface area. The land use statistics draw a distinc- areas as well as agricultural areas, the rate of change be- tion between actual forests (dense plantations of young tween 1985 and 1997 (+2.2%) was faster than in the sub- or fully grown trees), brush forest (thick scrubland con- sequent period between 1997 and 2009 (+0.9%). The area taining Alpine alders, mountain pine and species of wil- occupied by actual forests rose by 3.5% between 1985 and low) and woodlands (hedges and isolated tree popula- 2009. The growth rate for brush forest was 14.7%. In con- tions). Actual forest land accounts for almost 90% of all trast, the size of woods fell by 8.9% (Graph 15). wooded areas (Graph 16). In the Central Plain region as well as in the western and Eastern Central Alps, wooded areas make up less than one- Expansion of wooded areas driven chiefly quarter of the total surface area (Map 11). In the North by abandonment of mountain pastures Flank of the Alps, the proportion is well above one-third. In the Jura and the South Flank of the Alps, wooded a A large proportion of new wooded areas stemmed from reas represent in each case almost half of the total surface the discontinued cultivation of agricultural spaces. Mea area. Between 1985 and 2009, wooded area exhibited an dows and farm pastures as well as Alpine agricultural areas

Spread of damaged forest area, subsequently overgrown with young trees (Quarten SG, 1984/1996/2008) 18 WOODED AREAS

that are not regularly cut down or given as grazing land for est clearing. The special protective status assigned to forests is cattle become invaded by brush and scrub and, later, forests. justified by the variety of functions they accomplish. Besides This was particularly prevalent between 1985 and 2009 in timber (for energy production, as a building material and as mountain pastures, which because of poor yields stopped a basic resources in manufacturing), forests serve inter alia being cultivated (Map 10). A further reason for the growth for protecting against avalanches and rockfalls and stabilis- in wooded areas stems from the relatively high average tem- ing soil on steep terrain, as well as improving landscapes and perature in recent decades, which in turn encourages the fostering biodiversity (as a habitat to animal and plant life). emergence of brush forest on previously unproductive land. Natural hazards, such as the Lothar wind storm in 1999, may decimate whole sections of forest; and it often takes several decades for new trees to grow in the place of those Effective protection of forests uprooted. Nevertheless, the corresponding surfaces are counted as wooded area because, irrespective of the dam- Forest protection over the past 150 years has prevented a de- age, the land characteristics are still typical of forests and al- crease in wooded areas. To this day, the federal law on forest low for tree repopulation. Thus, land classified as forest area protection passed in 1876 requires compensation of any for- by the land use statistics may temporarily be devoid of trees.

Wooded areas, 1985–2009 M 10 Change in wooded areas by category 1985–2009 G 15 per 2500 ha (25 km2) 20% 14.7 15%

10%

5% 3.5

-5%

-10% -8.9 -15% Forest (excluding brush forest) Woods Brush forest

-70 – -21 -20 – 20 21 – 50 51 – 100 101 – 304

Wooded areas, 2009 M 11

by biogeographical region

Wooded areas by category 2009 G 16

47.4% 24.3% Forest (excluding 7.1% brush forest) 5.2% Brush forest 33.9% Woods 23.4%

49.1% 23.0%

87.7% Share of wooded areas of the total surface area, in %

Total wooded areas: 1,293,062 ha < 25.0 25.0 – 44.9 ≥ 45.0 CH: 31.3

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 WOODED AREAS 19

Forest growth mainly at high altitudes Increase in forest areas by bio-geographical region 1985–2009 G 17 A total of 97.5% of wooded areas emerging between 1985 and 2009 (462 km2) are located in Alpine regions Jura 493

(Graph 17). The highest rate of growth was observed in Central Plain 747 the western and Eastern Central Alps, together with the North Flank of the Alps 12,713 South Flank of the Alps, with each expanding by close to 10%. In the North Flank of the Alps, growth was 3.7%, Western Central Alps 8,813 which was broadly in line with the national average. In Eastern Central Alps 10,511 14,179 the Jura and Central Plain region, however, the increase South Flank of the Alps was 0.3%. In the 1997–2009 period, forest areas in these 0 ha 4,000 ha 8,000 ha 12,000 ha 16,000 ha two regions even shrank by 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. As a general principle, the higher up, the sharper the Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO relative increase in forest area between 1985 and 2009 (Graph 18). Whereas the growth rate at low altitudes was Increase in forest areas by altitude 1985–2009 G 18 minimal, between altitudes of 1800 and 2200 meters, it was 23.1%; above 2200 meters, it was as much as 37.9%. > 2200 2001–2200 m 23.1 37.9 1801–2000 m 16.1 Strong momentum in terms of woods 1601–1800 m 9.7 1401–1600 m 7. 2 1201–1400 m 4.9 Between 1985 and 2009, total woodland space shrank by 1001–1200 m 2.7 8.9% (Graph 19). In total, 17,519 ha of woodland disap- 801–1000 m 1.4 peared, partly offset by a 8,600 ha increase (Graph 19). 601–800 m 0.5 Most of the lost areas affected low altitudes. Clearing of 193–600 m 0.4 woods was mainly carried out to forestall encroachment 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% by trees resulting ultimately in a conversion to (legally Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO protected) forest. High altitudes exhibited an increase in woodland, especially on former Alpine agricultural areas Increase and decrease of woods 1985–2009 G 19 and unproductive land.

5,000 ha Forestation on fallow 3,790 2,364 agricultural land 2,500 ha 1,855 591 (Eisten VS, 1985/2011) 0 ha -410 -2,500 ha -2,279 -5,000 ha

-7,500 ha

-10,000 ha

-12,500 ha -14,830 -15,000 ha Woods taking place of: Woods developed into: Alpine agricultural areas Settlement and Brush forest, urban areas scrubland Non-alpine Unproductive vegetation agricultural areas Bare land Forest

Unproductive areas: recession of glaciers by one-quarter

Unproductive areas are primarily located in Alpine regions. All in all, their surface area decreased slightly between 1985 and 2009, with forest growing in their place. Shrinkage of glaciers gave rise to new bare land. Rivers increased their overall surface area in the Central Plain region.

Slightly over one-quarter of Switzerland’s land area is un- Stable proportion of unproductive areas productive. The land use statistics divide this main category into five classes (Graph 21). The largest proportion (close to The area occupied by unproductive land has not changed 45%) is bare land (rocks and screes). Unproductive vegeta- substantially in recent years. Nationwide, the correspond- tion accounts for close to 28%, while lakes and rivers repre- ing area diminished by 1.1% between 1985 and 2009. The sent 13.6% and 3.3% respectively. Approximately 11% of largest decline occurred in the South Flank of the Alps (Ti- the total unproductive area is occupied by glaciers and per- cino) as well as the Western Central Alps (Lower Valais) petual snow. The vast majority of unproductive areas are lo- and the Vaud Alps (Map 12), where former unproductive cated in the Alps. In the Central Alpine regions, they occupy areas were replaced by wooded areas. Occasionally an in- approximately half the surface area. This proportion for the crease in unproductive areas was actually observed, most South Flank of the Alps and the North Flank of the Alps is notably in the Eastern Central Alps, in the North Flank of one-third and one-quarter respectively. By contrast, the pro- the Alps and in the eastern part of the Central Plain re- portion of unproductive areas is a mere 10% in the Central gion.The breakdown of increase/decrease in unproduc- Plain region (much of which consists of lakes). In the Jura, tive areas shows that, primarily, glaciers gave up ground the percentage is even lower at 1% (Map 13). (Graph 20), with their total surface area receding by more

Extension of river bed through flooding and construction of a protective dam (Giswil OW, 1980/1993/2006) UNPRODUCTIVE AREAS 21

than one-quarter between 1985 and 2009. On the whole, More space occupied by rivers area occupied by unproductive vegetation shrunk as well, despite the increase in some places resulting from the Unproductive areas increased in the Central Plain region, abandonment of mountain pastures. The area occupied by although this was very localised and occurred primarily in rivers, lakes and bare land has increased in recent decades. the eastern half. Very often new space corresponded to unproductive vegetation or rivers arising from selective measures to create semi-natural habitats, or as a result of Screes in place of glaciers soil and rock displacement due to flooding. Space claimed by the increased size of rivers was mostly The area occupied by glaciers contracted by no less than agricultural or forest areas previously (Graph 22). Con- 390 km2 between 1985 and 2009. For the most part, versely, woods grew on land that had previously been melted ice gave way to vegetation-less screes and rocky occupied by rivers. These changes conveys some of the areas, along with isolated lakes and streams (Graph 23). dynamic involved with freely flowing waterways: flood Bare land corresponds in many cases to a temporary state waters sweep away river banks together with forests and prior to growth in unproductive vegetation. woods; then the bare land that is left is repopulated by

Unproductive areas, 1985–2009 M 12 Change in unproductive land by category 1985–2009 G 20 per 2500 ha (25 km2)

10% 7. 2 5% 2.9 0.2 0% -1.8 -5%

-10%

-15%

-20%

-25% -25.5 -30% Lakes Bare land Rivers Glaciers Change of unproductive areas 1985–2009, in hectares Unproductive vegetation

-170 – -51 -50 – -11 -10 – 10 11 – 50 51 – 139 Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, Geoinformation, Neuchâtel 2013

Unproductive areas, 2009 M 13

by biogeographical region

Unproductive areas by category 2009 G 21

1.1% 10.2% Lakes 10.9% Rivers 13.6% Unproductive 24.2% 3.3% vegetation 44.6% Bare land Glaciers 33.5% 55.3% 27.6% 44.6%

Share of unproductive areas of the total surface area, in %

Total unproductive areas: 1,045,870 ha < 20.0 20.0 – 29.9 30.0 – 39.9 ≥ 40.0 CH: 25.3

Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO Source: FSO – Land use statistics © FSO, ThemaKart, Neuchâtel 2013 22 UNPRODUCTIVE AREAS

brush and woodland. The decrease in river space in fa- Increases and decreases in river surface area vour of transportation areas resulted from the culvertisa- 1985–2009 G 22 tion or the rerouting of watercourses for the purposes of 500 ha infrastructure, and from the covering of watercourses by 391 400 ha the construction of bridges and viaducts. 318 315 300 ha 209 Emergent vegetation 200 ha following glacial recession 100 ha (Gadmen BE, 1995/2009) 11 31 0 ha -25 -100 ha -92 -200 ha -210 -300 ha Rivers taking place of: Rivers developed into: Non-alpine agricultural Transportation areas areas Other settlement and Alpine agricultural areas urban areas Woods Forest Lakes Unproductive vegetation Bare land

Lost glaciers by category 1985–2009 G 23

0.3% 1.4% 0.2% Disappearing glaciers turned into: Screes, sand Rocks 36.0% Lakes and rivers Unproductive vegetation 62.1% Other

Total lost glaciers: 39,184 ha

How does the land use statistics work? The land use statistics determines the land cover and land use of every hectare of Switzerland by the interpretation of aerial photographs. A total of 72 basic categories have been defined. To date, three standardised surveys have taken place using aerial images from 1979–1985, 1992–1997 and 2004–2009. The periodicity is therefore 12 years. These three periods have simply been referred to as 1985, 1997 and 2009 in this report as well as in the maps and charts. The basic categories have been aggregated into 17 classes and 4 main categories.

Data and information from the land use statistics Data and information on the methodology of the land use statistics are available online and in periodic publications. Web: www.landuse-stat.admin.ch Email: [email protected]

Photo credits Aerial photographs: swissimage © 2013 swisstopo (BA130312) Photographs: © Land use statistics Lead photographs: p. 5 Foreword: Silvaplana – Surlej (GR) p. 6 Overview: Rhone valley near Ardon, Vétroz and Conthey/peak of Diablerets (VS) p. 8 Settlement and urban areas: Bern old town (BE) p. 13 Agricultural areas: Seewald Gampelen (BE) p. 17 Wooded areas: Uaul da Vergera Disentis (GR) p. 20 Unproductive areas: Baldeggersee Hochdorf (LU) The Federal Statistical Office’s land use statistics provide data on the situation and changes with regard to land use in Switzerland between 1985 and 2009. This publication contains information on the main national results in the categories of settlement, agriculture, wooded and unproductive areas.

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