The federal inventory of landscapes and natural monuments of natural importance (BLN) contains a total of 161 objects with total area of approximately 7,806 km2, which represents around 19 percent of the territory of Switzerland.

Three different types of objects are included in the BLN:

The inclusion of an object in

• Unique objects, which are deemed exceptional on the basis of their beauty, distinctiveness, scientific, ecological or cultural-geographical significance. The Bernese Alps are an example from this category.
• Typical landscapes, i.e. surface forms that are particularly characteristic of a region, cultural-historical features and important habitats for fauna and flora. The glacial landscape between Lorzentobel and Sihl is an example from this category.
• Natural monuments such as erratic block groups, rock outcrops and typical landscape forms. These are elements of landscape protection in which the focus is on the overall appearance of the landscape. The erratic blocks near Monthey und Collombey are an example of this category.

the BLN means that it is particularly worthy of undiminished preservation or the maximum possible protection.

The BLN is a binding directive for federal authorities whose activities relate to the landscape (i.e. federal tasks) and for cantonal authorities to whom federal tasks have been delegated, for example when authorizing construction projects, granting concessions or approving federal subsidies.

If there are grounds for the assumption that a BLN object could be affected as a result of an intervention arising from a federal task, the relevant authority must request a report from the FCNC.