1 Environmental Policy and its Enforcement
1.1 What is the basis of environmental policy in your
jurisdiction and which agencies/bodies administer and enforce
environmental law?
According to article 73 of the Federal Constitution
("BV"), the Confederation and the Cantons shall endeavour
to achieve a balanced and sustainable relationship between nature
and its capacity to renew itself, and the demands placed on it by
the population. Pursuant to article 74 BV, the Confederation is
responsible for the legislation on the protection of the population
and its natural environment against damage or nuisance and it shall
ensure that such damage or nuisance is avoided. The Cantons are
primarily responsible for the execution of the relevant federal
regulations, but they may also enact implementing rules where
federal law so provides. The Federal Constitution contains further
provisions regarding protection of the water, forests as well as
natural and cultural heritage
