The map shows, for Switzerland, the parks belonging to the three park categories as well as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites. For foreign countries, only the national parks with their respective buffer zones in the Alpine region are considered.The parks of national importance have beautiful countryside, rich biodiversity and high-quality cultural goods. The park communities, general public and cantons are committed to preserving these values, promoting their region’s economic and social development and using the parks sustainably. The federal government has supported the construction and operation of Swiss parks since 1 December 2007.

Parks that are characterised as biosphere reserves have to meet additional requirements of the UNESCO. The UNESCO world natural heritage award is, on the other hand, based on the world heritage convention. The thought behind it is that there exist cultural and natural goods of such exceptional universal value on the earth, that they in fact represent common goods and the heritage of all mankind. World heritage sites are designated by the world heritage committee of UNESCO following a proposal made by the country involved and after a process of evaluation. The Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region was the first world natural heritage site in Switzerland and in the entire alpine area. In 2003 the Monte San Giorgio area in the southern part of Tessin, joined the list of Swiss World heritage sites.

In the Swiss National Park, established 1914 in the Lower Engadine and the Müstair Valley, nature has absolute priority. The park is not accessible at night or in the winter, and in the summer, access is only along marked paths. The National Park has been a biosphere reserve since 1979.

Three park categories
As well as the Swiss National Park, the federal government supports three categories of parks of national importance. Every park category is designed in accordance with the region’s potential, the needs of the community and the possibility of sustainable use.

National parks have a larger core zone giving the native flora and fauna unspoiled living space and allowing nature to freely develop. A buffer zone absorbs disturbing influences. It also serves to manage the cultural landscape naturally, use resources sustainability, as well as for recreation, environmental education and scientific research.

Regional Nature Parks are partially populated, rural areas that are characterised by a high-level of nature, landscape and cultural values. They improve the quality of nature and the landscape as well as help to develop the regional economy in a sustainable manner.

Nature Discovery Parks are spaces near densely populated areas that offer pristine habitats for the native flora and fauna in their core area. The core zone is buffered by a transitional zone. This creates a range of education, experience and relaxation options and helps to improve the quality of life of the urban population.

The map shows, for Switzerland, the parks belonging to the three park categories as well as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites. For foreign countries, only the national parks with their respective buffer zones in the Alpine region are considered.