The purpose of the present Law is to protect and conserve alpine regions as living and recreational space for human beings, animals and plants as well to ensure a secure cultivation. Moreover, the Law regulates the use of such regions for tourism and the improvement of alpine industries. Special attention shall be paid to sustainable development of the environment, and in particular to the conservation of the groundwater and the related potable water supply. Article 4 establishes that alpine regions s shall be cultivated harmoniously and environment-friendly; endemic plants shall not be endangered. The grazing of sheep requires the authorization of the relevant agricultural office. Organic fertilizers shall not be used. The use of commercial fertilizers is allowed only within a of a soil improvement programme. No hazardous substances classified as being higher than 5 shall be employed in alpine regions. The text consists of 18 articles divided into 6 Parts as follows: General provisions (I); Basic rules concerning exploitation of alpine regions (II); Contributions and subsidies (III); Alpine regions of the Canton (IV); Right of appeal and criminal prosecution (V); Implementation and final provisions (VI).
Alpine Law.