The WSL and SLF are engaged in research to measure and pinpoint the country's snow and water resources, and to forecast future variances giving due consideration to the impact of climate change. A conference on this subject for practitioners and researchers took place at the end of November.

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Landscape genetics combines landscape ecology and population genetics, enabling connections to be made between the dispersal of plants and animals on the one hand and landscape elements that act as barriers or corridors on the other. Landscape genetics therefore provides a relevant basis for the planning and implementation of nature conservation measures.

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In spring 2012 WSL established the Landscape Research Center which has the following aims: disseminate knowledge to stakeholders working in landscape management, act as a link between researchers at WSL and other scientists, promote research and teaching in Landscape Research.

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The new WSL research programme Room for People and Nature is examining the future development of intensively exploited regions, and intends to formulate basic principles for managing them in a sustainable way. It is being established and implemented in close collaboration with practitioners.

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Urban sprawl in Switzerland has more than doubled since 1950. Its effects in the long term are alarming. A new method for measuring urban sprawl serves as an instrument to enable more objective discussion among policy-makers and politicians, to assess planning scenarios and to check the effects of urban sprawl prevention measures.

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