Strategy for natural history collections in Switzerland

The Strategy for natural history collection in Switzerland 2025-2035, the first of its kind in Switzerland, is a nationwide approach to maintain, to enhance and to use natural history collections.

Developed by and for natural history institutions in Switzerland, the strategy has been endorsed by the Directors or senior managers from 37 Swiss institutions or entities. The signatory institutions engage in a concerted approach based on 6 pillars and 52 key activities covering natural history collection management and use, specimen digitisation, data availability, accessibility and interoperability as well as training and education.

The proposed activities are divided into joint actions to be undertaken collaboratively from within the community or with strategic partners, and institutional actions to be undertaken by the institutions themselves, based on their available resources.

The signatory institutions will thus address their shared issues and develop common research goals. Common initiatives will be fostered and funding consolidated. In this way, the signatory institutions intend to fully valorise the resources of natural history collections in Switzerland for science and society.

Authors Dr Michelle Price, Dr Alice Cibois, Dr Peter Wandeler, Dr Pia Stieger Cecchini