80% of the rivers in Switzerland are in danger – Help save them!

80% of the rivers in Switzerland are in danger
Help save them!

According to studies by the Swiss government and WWF, the state of rivers in Switzerland is alarming. Less than 4 percent of the Swiss rivers and streams are still in their natural state. Rivers are essential, for our drinking water and for protecting biodiversity. More than half of Switzerland’s fauna and flora are found around and in rivers. Rivers provide the only possible habitat for many endangered species. Without valid protection, 60% of Swiss fish will disappear, fish that we eat.

These studies demonstrate the urgency and scale of the problem. Without a radical and immediate change, we will lose a good portion of our clean water and food.

Humans are responsible

The main cause of water pollution is phytosanitary pesticides. In some Swiss rivers, the poisoning is 40 times higher than the norm.

These pesticides, whether herbicides, fungicides or insecticides, are mainly used in agriculture The mixture of the different chemicals seeps into the rivers, killing plants and animals that live there. This pollution is chronic and has been going on for decades.

Another reason is buildings. Factories, hydroelectric power stations or homes, near rivers release toxic products into the water during construction.

Rivers are often channelled or buried mand the alluvial zones are destroyed. 70 percent of the alluvial zones have already disappeared. Alluvial zones are essential. They serve as catchment in the event of flooding and filter water to make it drinkable.

The Swiss government iks studying how to restore waterways in Switzerland.

Two initiatives will soon be submitted to the people. The first proposes to ban the use of phytosanitary pesticides. The second wants to cancel subsidies to farmers who use them.

The WWF “Pearl River Plus” campaign for intact rivers. Currently only 4% of rivers have this label, but others are about to be certified. This campaign pushes for the re-naturalization of rivers. It calls for more protected areas, a lasting commitment to protection, restoration to a natural state and an end to all construction along rivers.

Some farmers already work without phytosanitary products, they surround their fields with hedges and leave natural areas. All these actions allow a return to a richer biodiversity. Beneficial insects and animals such as hedgehogs and ladybugs will help protect crops by devouring harmful insects.

What can you do?

Become a sponsor of the Alps at WWF or support other environmental organizations.

Work as a volunteer for organizations that protect the environment.

Favor food from organic farming.

Do not use phytosanitary products in your own garden.

Alternate the flora species in your hedge and let part of your garden return to nature, thus creating biodiversity shelters.

Use household products that are not harmful to the environment; and

Collect rainwater to water your garden, etc.

All together we can save Swiss rivers. By taking action, we increase our quantity of drinking water, we will continue to enjoy beautiful places for our leisure activities and we increase and protect the biodiversity that nourishes us.