The path to the next decade is paved

In order for the Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park to continue to bear the label "Nature Discovery Park - Park of National Importance", three comprehensive documents must be submitted to the Federal Office for the Environment: A supporting application from the Canton of Zurich, a management plan for the park (2020 to 2029) and a park contract. The latter was signed by all the sponsors of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation - the City of Zurich, the municipalities of the district of Horgen, Pro Natura Zurich and the Canton of Zurich - at a celebratory event a few months ago. The sponsors are thus pledging their solidarity and support for the park for the next ten years. The management plan is the result of the work and passion of the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation: it sets out the measures, objectives and procedures for the next ten years.

A nature discovery park offers animals and plants undisturbed habitats close to the city and visitors the opportunity to experience unspoiled nature. It always consists of two zones: In the core zone, nature is allowed to develop freely. In the transition zone, less stringent protection requirements apply to allow visitors to experience nature and relax.

The Zurich Sihlwald Wilderness Park is the first and so far only nature discovery park in Switzerland. It is located in the middle of the Zurich conurbation. For around 2 million people living in the greater Zurich area, Sihlwald is easily accessible by public transport. Thanks to this peri-urban location, which is exceptional in the world of Swiss parks, Sihlwald Nature Discovery Park can fulfill its role as a "starter park".

With the label, the Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation receives an internationally recognized seal of quality as well as important federal contributions for the operation of the park. The label is expected to be awarded by the federal government for the years 2020 to 2029 at the beginning of 2020.

Further information

Isabelle Roth
Deputy Managing Director and Head of Natural Forest,
Tel. 044 722 55 22 (head office)
isabelle.roth@wildnispark.ch