Evaluation of measures for promoting structural improvements in forestry operations

The financial settlement between the Federal Government and the cantons was reassessed for the period 2008–2011. For the purpose of a more efficient use of resources, the nature, scope and financing of the forestry incentive programme was put back on track by means of a programme agreement between the cantons and new global financial assistance. On expiry of the first financing period, the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) wanted to check how effective and efficient the measures implemented in the area of forestry during the first financing period had been.

In accordance with the Forestry Act, the Federal Government offers financial assistance for improvement of the forestry management conditions. In order to find out more about the effects of the programme, the programme-related agreements, the cantonal participation and the financing volumes for the first NFA period were examined. The implementation activities and reactions of the target groups to the programme were analysed in six selected cantons. The implementation activities were represented using case studies and an overall assessment was made of the effects and measures.