The silver fir: an important tree for the future

Climate change not only affects people and animals, but is also placing our forests in a precarious position, with coniferous trees such as the native spruce being hit particularly hard by the changing conditions. One tree, however, is demonstrating its robust nature: the silver fir. You can use BENEVITA community coins to help WWF plant and maintain new fir stocks in Switzerland.

Overview

Our forests are facing tough times

Our ecosystem is sensitive and is reacting to the climate crisis. That is also true for Switzerland's forests. Higher temperatures, drier periods and increasingly violent storms are all having an impact, primarily on coniferous trees such as the spruce. This tree species unfortunately faces an uncertain future, with negative consequences for our forest stocks and for protected forests in particular. But there is an alternative.

The silver fir, also native to Switzerland, is an adaptable survivor. It is less susceptible to higher temperatures and more resistant to drought, has a more solid and deeper root system and recovers faster than related types of tree. As a result, the silver fir is rightly considered to be a tree of the future and the backbone of many forest ecosystems. However, it is not protected against damage from insects, wild animals and natural events. The current BENEVITA donation project aims to address this situation.

What your community coins can achieve

On "Tannätag" (fir day), WWF and volunteers come together to support the silver fir – primarily in the mountain cantons where the tree is most at home. The nature missions involve planting young trees and installing individual protective shields to keep out hungry wildlife, and also maintaining the areas planted in the previous year. For example, the trees planted in the previous year are checked for pest infestation and their protective shields cut off to enable them to grow and flourish.

Would you like to lend a hand yourself? The next "Tannätag" will take place in Grüsch, in the canton of Graubünden, on 19 October. Visit the WWF website for further information and to find out how to register.

Why forests are important

They produce oxygen
Trees generate oxygen, which we humans need in order to breathe. At the same time, they store carbon dioxide and clean the air by removing pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and ammonia.
They are habitats
Native animal species are reliant on forests, which provide them with both protection and food. A host of other plants also live among the trees, including many valuable medicinal herbs.
They supply resources
From furniture to house construction, wood is an important natural material that can be constantly replanted. As such, forests guarantee the sustainable use of materials.
They provide protection against environmental risks
Trees absorb water and moisture and can therefore help prevent flooding. In addition, their roots help reduce the risk of landslides. Forests also act as a protective shield in the event of avalanches or rockfalls.
They boost wellbeing
Forests have a stimulating effect on our nervous system and assist with recovery and regeneration. The traditional Japanese practice of forest bathing is also becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Why not try it for yourself?

Previous successful projects

These WWF projects were accomplished through or with the help of your community coins.

Your community coins supported WWF's educational and political activities. The donations also supported efforts to promote renewable energy as a replacement for fossil fuels. All these measures may help to reduce glacial melting.

More about this project
Protecting native wild bees with BENEVITA: Your contributions enabled the WWF project “Nature creates connections” to successfully plant hedges, look after pastures and biodiverse meadows, and conduct public awareness campaigns.

More about this project

For the health of mankind and the environment

Man and his environment in perfect harmony - an intact natural world has a direct, positive influence on our wellbeing. That's why SWICA, as a healthcare organisation, supports WWF's environmental work. Read more about our partnership on our website.

Find out more

Benefits of BENEVITA

Live healthily with BENEVITA

Physical fitness, a balanced diet and regular relaxation are important for a healthy lifestyle. BENEVITA is a health coach and bonus programme that supports your personal commitment in these areas of health.

Donate to nature projects as a community

When you complete challenges in the BENEVITA app, in addition to the points you can swap for generous discounts, you also receive community coins that you can pool with those of other users and donate to selected WWF projects.

BENEVITA challenges with WWF

How to actively help protect nature and biodiversity. WWF presents exciting challenges in the BENEVITA app: create a paradise for wild bees in your garden or find out how to travel sustainably.

Live healthily with BENEVITA

Physical fitness, a balanced diet and regular relaxation are important for a healthy lifestyle. BENEVITA is a health coach and bonus programme that supports your personal commitment in these areas of health.

Donate to nature projects as a community

When you complete challenges in the BENEVITA app, in addition to the points you can swap for generous discounts, you also receive community coins that you can pool with those of other users and donate to selected WWF projects.

BENEVITA challenges with WWF

How to actively help protect nature and biodiversity. WWF presents exciting challenges in the BENEVITA app: create a paradise for wild bees in your garden or find out how to travel sustainably.