Sustainable development in the NRP

The New Regional Policy for 2024–2031 is more closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy. It is an economic policy instrument that incorporates measurable sustainability targets, thereby contributing to sustainable, resilient and balanced regional economic development in mountainous areas, rural areas and border regions.

The Interreg project AlpTextyles aims to revitalize Alpine textile production and offer a sustainable alternative. — © AlpTextyles / Bellissimo

Further development of the NRP in line with the 2030 Agenda and the SDS 2030

In line with the relevant objective of Confederation's promotion activities, the NRP for the 2024–2031 multi-annual period is more closely aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the strategic priorities and key themes of the Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 (SDS 2030). The core objectives of the NRP are unchanged. The overarching objectives remain to strengthen the competitiveness of the regions and increase their value added, thereby creating and safeguarding jobs, promoting decentralised settlement and reducing regional disparities.

A sustainability concept for future-proof regional development

Between 2024 and 2031, the NRP is actively working to address the requirements and expectations of sustainable regional development. Based on a sustainability concept developed specifically for this purpose, the NRP supports economic performance in its target areas, strengthens the regions’ resilience to crises and creates prospects for sustainable development. At the same time, it promotes social solidarity through partnership-based cooperation with regional stakeholders, helps to safeguard natural resources and maximises their value. This also helps to reduce risks that may arise from the regions’ ongoing economic development.

From strategy to implementation: Measurable sustainability targets

Specific and measurable sustainability targets have been developed in line with the recommendations of the evaluation of the 2016–2023 multi-annual programme and in collaboration with the cantonal NRP units. Each sustainability target is accompanied by indicators and target values. The NRP programmes deliberately focus on a small number of realistic and meaningful sustainability targets, towards which they work through targeted measures within their areas of operation. This enables reliable, transparent and verifiable statements to be made regarding the NRP’s contributions to the SDS 2030. Possible measures include, for example, low-threshold support services for the development and implementation of projects relating to circular economy; or the site-specific enhancement of biodiversity and landscapes and in accordance with the Swiss Landscape Concept (LKS).

Integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into the established NRP instruments

With regard to practical implementation within the framework of the NRP programmes, the focus is on providing incentives and building capacity amongst stakeholders, whilst refraining from imposing bans or additional requirements that go beyond the existing legal framework – for example, under environmental and spatial planning legislation. The sustainability objectives are fully integrated into the NRP’s impact models, where they complement the regional economic objectives set out in the NRP programmes in accordance with their cantonal and regional priorities. This ensures that implementation takes place within the NRP’s tried-and-tested framework and using its proven instruments.

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