Art. 16
The aim of this Act, subject to the authority of the Confederation under Article 78 paragraphs 2-5 of the Federal Constitution, is:7
- a.
- to carefully manage and protect heritage landscapes and sites of local character, historical sites, and the country's natural and cultural monuments, and to promote their preservation and upkeep;
- b.
- to support the cantons in fulfilling their tasks in the fields of nature protection, cultural heritage protection and monument preservation, and to ensure cooperation with them;
- c.
- to support the endeavours of organisations active in the fields of nature protection, cultural heritage protection or monument preservation;
- d.8
- to protect indigenous flora and fauna, their biological diversity and their natural habitats;
- dbis.9
- to promote the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components through the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources;
- e.10
- to promote science and research and the education and training of experts in the fields of nature protection, cultural heritage protection and monument preservation.
6 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 1995, in force since 1 Feb. 1996 (AS 1996 214, BBl 1991 III 1121).
7 Amended by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 12 Oct. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009).
8 Amended by Annex No 2 of the Gene Technology Act of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 4803; BBl 2000 2391).
9 Inserted by the Annex to the FD of 21 March 2014 (Nagoya Protocol), in force since 12 Oct. 2014 (AS 2014 2629; BBl 2013 3009).
10 The amendment in accordance with the FA of 20 June 2014 on Continuing Education and Training, in force since 1 Jan. 2017, relates on to the French and Italian texts (AS 2016 689; BBl 2013 3729).