Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) of Switzerland is tasked with the sustainable management of key natural resources including soil, water, air, and forests. Its responsibilities encompass protecting the country from natural hazards, preventing excessive environmental impacts that could harm human health, and conserving biodiversity and the quality of the landscape. Additionally, FOEN is actively involved in shaping international environmental policy. The office provides comprehensive data and mapping tools including a Web-GIS platform that offers location-based environmental information, data sets, and services. FOEN conducts monitoring programs and manages extensive environmental data and geodata resources. It regularly publishes national and international reports on the state of the environment. Recent thematic focuses include integrated risk management of gravitative natural hazards, partnerships to enhance forest contributions to drinking water quality, and documentation on Swiss parks. The organization is also engaged in informing governmental bodies and stakeholders through media releases and environmental alerts, such as flood alerts and forest fire danger warnings. The FOEN is part of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications and can be contacted via its office in Ittigen. Its communication channels include social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, allowing it to disseminate information widely and promote awareness on environmental issues. The FOEN’s framework supports proactive environmental governance aimed at ensuring a sustainable and livable environment present and future.