Art. 1

The aim of this Act, subject to the authority of the Confederation under Article 78 paragraphs 2–5 of the Federal Constitution, is:¹

1. to carefully manage and protect heritage landscapes and heritage sites, historic sites, and the country’s natural and cultural monuments, and to promote their preservation and upkeep;
2. 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;
3. to support the endeavours of organisations active in the fields of nature protection, cultural heritage protection or monument preservation;
4. ² to protect indigenous flora and fauna, their biological diversity and their natural habitats;
5. ³ 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;
6. ⁴ to promote science and research and the education and training of experts in the fields of nature protection, cultural heritage protection and monument preservation.