The research project spatial demands of society investigates the needs and requirements towards landscape use and future spatial development among the general population, in order to provide a base for land use planning in (Swiss) sub- and peri-urban regions experiencing a high level of building and development pressure.

Available languages: German English

Different spatial claims may lead to conflicts between different usages. Our project explores, how such land use conflicts emerge and how they can be resolved or avoided. Out of that, we derive strategies and measures for conflict management and we will develop a guideline for the praxis.

Available languages: German English

Disturbances through increased recreation activities have an impact on wildlife populations, especially in winter. The nation-wide campaign “Respektiere deine Grenzen” tries to minimize the conflict between winter sports and wildlife populations in the Swiss Alps. This project analyses the outcome of the campaign.

Available languages: German English

Allotment gardens are a special type of urban green and play an important role in modern urban environments both for the ecosystem and for the society. The study of the WSL investigates the effects of allotment gardens on the well being and physical and social health of their users. Different health’s aspects are associated with allotment gardens and with gardens in general. These aspects are however only marginal empirical tested.

Available languages: German English

The return of large carnivores such as wolf and lynx in the Alps leads to conflicts with the local population. The goal of this project is to present practical conservation and management options for wolf and lynx in the Alps.

Available languages: German English

In this project we evaluate the revitalization of the Chriesbach from a social point of view. It will especially be analyzed in how far the social goals (e.g., usage and acceptance of a green corridor and an open-air laboratory) are achieved. The results will be used for scientific purposes as well as for generating implications for practice.

Available languages: German English

The implementation of local growth management measures seems to have reached its limits, which can be ascribed to the strong federal structure of the Swiss political system and strong municipal autonomy. The result of some recent popular referendums at the national and cantonal levels has demonstrated the need for counter measures.

Available languages: German English

In Switzerland exist around 600 km of avalanche protection constructions, mainly between 1800m and 2500m of altitude. Two pilot creations in Bellwald (VS) test whether avalanche protection constructions are suited as carriers of photovoltaic panels and for producing electric power. In our project we evaluated with qualitative and quantitative methods how local tourists and local inhabitants perceive these pilot creations and, more generally, to which degree they accept solar panels in different environmental settings.

Available languages: German English

The main objective of this project is to analyze the significance of landscape characteristics and landscape quality for the choice of residential location. The impact of different landscape variables on apartment rental prices is estimated using a comprehensive hedonic property value model. The econometric estimation of landscape values can contribute to informed decision making of the involved agents and to an increased awareness of the locational factor landscape.

Available languages: German English

This EU FP7-project aims at promoting a culture of risk prevention against natural hazards. To achieve this goal benefits and costs of different prevention measures are compared, and the effectiveness of risk communication within these measures are evaluated.

Available languages: German English