Nature protection area

Nature protection areas restrict uses of land or water to safeguard habitats, species, geological features, landscapes or ecological networks. In Switzerland, protection may result from federal inventories, cantonal or communal planning instruments, conservation orders or contractual arrangements. Effects vary: building limits, access rules, agricultural conditions, maintenance duties or bans on disturbance may apply. Designation must be coordinated with spatial planning, property rights and public interests such as flood protection or tourism. Compensation may be relevant where restrictions impose a legally significant burden.