Environmentalists wanted stronger safeguards put in place to protect Switzerland's biodiversity, but they were defeated by voters who thought it too expensive.
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00:00A biodiversity initiative launched by nature and environmental protection groups in Switzerland
00:08did not succeed in a referendum held on Sunday.
00:11Over 60% of voters rejected the idea, which aimed to increase green spaces untouched by
00:17human development.
00:20Switzerland is renowned for its pristine lakes and majestic alpine peaks, but its plant and
00:24animal life is under great threat.
00:27The initiative called for public funding to encourage farmers to set aside lands and
00:31waterways to help wild landscape develop.
00:35It also would have prohibited the construction of new railway lines through protected dry
00:39meadows.
00:42Proponents pointed to threats to Switzerland's bees, frogs, birds and other wildlife, as
00:47well as dwindling natural resources.
00:50The federal government and many rural voters opposed the plan, arguing it was too expensive.
00:56About 630 million euros is already spent on biodiversity protection each year.
01:04Another proposal on pension reforms was also rejected in Sunday's referendums.
01:09The plan would have required employers and workers to raise their contributions into
01:13compulsory occupational funds, an idea widely opposed by unions.
01:20Referendums take place four times a year in Switzerland, far more often than any other
01:24European country.
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