Birds, bees and ballots: Swiss voters to decide on plan to bolster country’s fragile biodiversity

Associated Press

GENEVA (AP) — Swiss voters have cast the final ballots on a proposal to increase protections for the Alpine country’s cherished plant and animal life. The Swiss public broadcaster SSR, citing exit polls after the end of voting at noon Sunday, reported the plan was rejected. Final official results are expected later Sunday. The biodiversity initiative called for setting aside more land and waterways as protected areas. Supporters said that about a third of Switzerland’s fauna and flora are threatened or has already vanished. Critics insist passage would cost too much and crimp economic development prospects.