Postbus in Swiss Parks colours goes on tour
Bern, 19.05.2014 - The exterior shows images of Swiss Parks, while inside the bus, passengers are surrounded by images of woods and meadows. A Postbus decked out in a Swiss Parks theme has begun its tour of Switzerland. The vehicle, representing the new partnership between the Swiss Parks Network, PostBus, and the Federal Office for the Environment, aims to promote travel by public transport to the 20 park regions. - Press release of Swiss Parks Network, PostBus and Federal Office for the Environment FOEN.
PostBus is the public transport partner of Swiss Parks, which has been operating as a network since 2007. PostBus Switzerland Ltd and Swiss Parks Network highlighted this partnership today, Monday, 19 May 2014, at a public event held at the Bundesplatz, Berne. The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), as owner of the Swiss Parks brand, supports this partnership. The Swiss Parks Postbus is a roving ambassador: the outside is covered with photos of Swiss parks, while inside, passengers can smell the forest air, walk on a meadow-patterned floor, and can explore the info wall showing a map of all 20 Swiss parks.
The special vehicle will be used as a route bus in the different regions until 31 October and will serve as a shuttle at events encouraging people to take a trip to the natural parks. The special bus will be at the centenary celebrations of Swiss National Parks in the Zernez region (Graubünden) on 1 August and at the Locarno Film Festival (Ticino). Head of PostBus Daniel Landolf, Swiss Parks President Stefan Müller-Altermatt, and FOEN Deputy Director Franziska Schwarz unveiled the Swiss Parks Postbus together at the Bundesplatz in Berne.
From hiking across natural and cultural landscapes to regional delicacies
The parks are well connected to the public transport system. «PostBus plays an important role in bringing people to the parks,» says Daniel Landolf. This helped trigger the idea of the «Visit Swiss Parks with PostBus» initiative. The campaign highlights the diverse activities Swiss Parks can offer visitors. With information via the Swiss Parks app, the Internet, Facebook and posters in the coming months, there will be increased promotion of the numerous excursions available and other promotional activities such as a photo competition and special offers with discounts.
The 20 Swiss Parks and their network
The Swiss Parks Network's main means of communication is via its website, www.paerke.ch, which is available in four languages. It has an interactive map which gives visitors information on activities and tourist facilities in each of the 20 parks, complemented by a photo gallery. The GPS-based smartphone app, Swiss Parks, invites visitors to discover the highlights and hiking trails in the park regions. Founded in 2008, the Swiss Parks Network is an umbrella organization representing the interests of the parks. Network President, Stefan Müller-Altermatt, a member of the National Council and biologist, co-founded the Naturpark Thal (in the Canton of Solothurn). There are currently 16 fully operational parks in Switzerland, with a further 4 in the process of being established. The four candidates are the Adula (Graubünden/Ticino) and Locarnese (Ticino) National Parks and the Neckertal (St. Gallen/Appenzell Ausserrhoden) and Schaffhausen Regional Natural Parks (see enclosed map).
«The most important aspects of each park are the beautiful landscapes typical of the region, its biodiversity and important cultural assets. Especially important is the fact that the people are committed to the sustainable development of their region», says Stefan Müller-Altermatt. This is how the parks play a leading role in maintaining the natural diversity and beauty of Switzerland in a way that can be experienced at first hand.
The Confederation's parks policy
The Federal Office for the Environment, FOEN, supports the establishment and operations of Swiss Parks. If a park meets the federal criteria to be considered a site of national importance, it receives the protected park label. Parks can apply for funding for services such as environmental education or facilitating the appreciation of nature and landscapes. As the owner of the registered trademark «Swiss Parks», FOEN also has the statutory mandate to publicize the brand and the parks. «That is why FOEN is lending its full support to the cooperation between the Swiss Parks Network and PostBus, as the Swiss Parks transport partner,» said FOEN Deputy Director, Franziska Schwarz at the launch ceremony at the Bundesplatz, Berne.
Photo captions
Photos of today's launch at the Bundesplatz, Berne, will be available for download from 2.00 p.m. today, 19 May 2014, on the www.postbus.ch, www.paerke.ch/en and www.foen.admin.ch media portals.
Address for enquiries
Media Section
Telephone: +41 58 462 90 00
E-mail: medien@bafu.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
https://www.bafu.admin.ch/en
