Biodiversity for small towns ¶

How can small towns promote biodiversity in their urban environment, even though they often have few resources to do so?Can resource sharing between small and large towns be encouraged?

There are significant differences in the resources available between municipalities (we are focusing on towns). Small towns often do not have a person responsible for biodiversity, so whether the issue is addressed at all depends heavily on the commitment of individuals. In contrast, large towns often have extensive materials and would like to make them available to smaller towns, but do not know how to organise access.

The aim of the working group is to develop strategies and formats for embedding biodiversity in the planning of small towns – despite often limited resources and a potential lack of responsibilities. We are investigating how exchange and coordination between large and small towns can be promoted. Existing support services offered by the canton and federal government should be made more visible, and new approaches such as planning according to spatial identities and functional regulatory areas rather than political boundaries should be examined.

The working group will start in March 2026 and is expected to be completed in September 2026.