A secure setting in which to live and do business is a prerequisite for prosperity and quality of life. However, there is no such thing as absolute security. Natural events can threaten people, material assets and a country’s economic vitality, as demonstrated by recent loss events such as the floods of 2005. By implementing this strategy, Switzerland will secure its living and economic environment for the long term.
The 2018 strategy “Management of risks from natural hazards” supersedes the “Protection against natural hazards” strategy from 2004. Proven elements of the 2004 strategy such as the integrated risk management approach will be further pursued and developed. In the updated strategy 2018 PLANAT defines targets for managing risks from natural hazards and sets out the guiding principles for their achievement. To provide adequate protection against natural hazards such as floods, hail, storms or earthquakes, Switzerland must do more than increase its resistance so that damage can be reduced to a tolerable level. It is also important that the country rapidly regains functional capacity after an event. Finally, Switzerland must be prepared and able to adapt to changing boundary conditions such as heat waves and increasing heavy rainfalls.
The updated strategy is consistent with other national and international strategies, including for example “Sustainable Development 2016-2019” published by the Federal Office for Spatial Development, “Adaptation to climate change 2012/2014” published by the Federal Office for the Environment and the “Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” published by the UNO.
The natural hazard strategy 2018 is directed at all whose activities and decisions influence the management of risks from natural hazards. These include politicians and authorities at all levels, planners, building owners and insurance companies. Every person and every institution bears risks from natural hazards – both for themselves and for society. In addition, everyone has influence over the risks through their actions and behaviour. In order to achieve the envisaged targets, it is therefore important for everyone to act together in a spirit of solidarity.
- Switzerland addresses natural hazards with a risk-oriented approach
- Switzerland practices a comprehensive risk culture
- Integrated risk management involves all actors
- Natural hazards are managed in a spirit of solidarity
- Knowledge of natural hazards and risks is up-to-date and accessible
- Risk management takes into account all aspects of sustainability