30. June 2025

Green spaces instead of asphalt: take part in the unsealing competition

30. June 2025

Green spaces instead of asphalt: take part in the unsealing competition

Sealed surfaces such as asphalt or paving stones prevent nature from flourishing. The Sarganserland-Werdenberg region's specialist environmental group is therefore calling for unsealing. Landowners in four municipalities can submit projects and, with a little luck, win up to CHF 3,000.

Adapting to climate change requires, among other things, that as much soil as possible is unsealed. This means that areas that have been covered with asphalt, concrete or other materials should be uncovered again so that the soil can absorb water, plants can grow and natural processes such as rainwater infiltration can take place.

Unsealing helps:

  • avoid flooding and heat islands
  • improve the microclimate
  • promote biodiversity.

Private landowners are also called upon to take action!

Regional specialist group launches unsealing competition

The Sarganserland-Werdenberg region's specialist environmental group is launching a regional unsealing competition. All owners of existing properties in the municipalities of Flums, Wartau, Gams and the town of Buchs are invited to submit their projects.

Examples of suitable projects are

  • Sealed forecourts
  • Removal of parking spaces that are surplus to building regulations
  • Unnecessarily wide entrances and driveways (taking into account trailing bends and visibility zones)


Important:
The area to be unsealed must be at least 10 square meters in size and completely greened.

Gain financial support for your project

In Flums, Wartau, Gams and Buchs, one project each will be drawn by lot to receive a contribution of CHF 3,000 (but no more than the actual project costs). If the project is implemented by the end of 2025, the guaranteed amount will be paid out in full. Projects can be submitted until 31 August 2025. The detailed conditions of participation can be found in this flyer.

Committed to a region worth living in

The Sarganserland-Werdenberg region works in various specialist groups on topics that are relevant to the future and cross municipal boundaries - from education, transport and spatial planning to environmental and energy issues. The aim is to sustainably improve the quality of life for the population and to further develop the region together. Discover your opportunities in our Sarganserland-Werdenberg region: www.rsw.ch/heimat.

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