Role of the protection forest in integrated risk management
Half the Swiss forests play a role in protecting against natural hazards. After a historical overview of the strategy of protection against natural hazards and of the development of the protection function of the forest, the authors, basing the analysis on the modern definition of integrated risk management, demonstrate, on the basis of evidence, that protection forests may be considered as a protective measure for integrated risk management. Some complementary analysis is necessary, including the assessment and quantification of the protection function, strengthening the role of forest planning, quantifying the cost-benefit ratio, and clearly defining the legal responsibility of the forest owner.