Switzerland's natural resources include water, wood and fertile soils. WSL has, since its foundation, been involved in ensuring they are used sustainably.

Using wood, maintaining forests, protecting soils

Foresters want to know how to make optimal use of forests, in particular of their timber. The aim is to ensure this is economically feasible and is not interfering with the other forest functions, such as providing recreational areas for people, habitats for plants and animals, and protection against natural hazards, as well as safeguarding drinking water. We study the state and the development of Swiss forests and the kinds of human intervention that can influence them one way or another. On experimental plots we have therefore been recording tree growth and yield, in some cases for over 100 years. We also use state-of-the-art computer models and conduct complex surveys, such as the National Forest Inventory. The resulting insights can be fed into practice via software or Internet platforms, information leaflets or courses. We provide practical information about topics such as soil protection during the timber harvest, economic optimization of the chain of production for wood, potential use of wood for energy and the recreational value of a forest. 

Snow for sport and energy

Recreation' is also a keyword in discussions of the resource snow. In winter the Swiss tourist industry relies on the essential services that we provide at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF. We now have extensive information on how the natural snow cover in Switzerland has developed in recent decades. In joint projects with industrial partners, we are also exploring energy-efficient ways of producing artificial snow, of conserving snow during summer and of preparing ski runs. In the field of snow sports, SLF researchers are also studying the system "man-material-snow". Natural snow cover acts as a giant water reservoir, supplying water well into summer, and ensuring that hydro-electricity can then still be produced. We develop models to estimate how much water is stored in the snow and thus how much melt water is likely. These models are also useful in assessing the impact of climate change on the hydrological system. They yield valuable information that not only helps the electricity industry make decisions, but also helps to improve forecasts of spring flooding.

Through these activities WSL makes a valuable contribution to raising awareness about the need to use natural resources sensibly and sustainably in Switzerland. Sustainable