New strategy "NBC Protection Switzerland
The Federal Commission for NBC Protection (KomABC) has fundamentally revised the strategy "NBC Protection Switzerland". The strategy takes into account new technological developments and global changes in the security situation, but also the increased risk of epidemics. In the NBC area, the new strategy is intended to serve as a basis for the long-term protection of the population, the environment and Switzerland as a living and economic area.
The threat and hazard situation in the area of nuclear, biological and chemical events (NBC protection) has intensified worldwide in recent years. This is due to new developments, for example in the field of biotechnology, but also to the accumulation of nuclear, biological and chemical events. According to the Federal Commission for NBC Protection (KomABC), these include the reactor accident in Fukushima, the chemical weapons attack in Salisbury, UK, the Ebola outbreaks in West and Central Africa, and the use of chemical warfare agents in Syria. Against this background, the KomABC updated its "NBC Protection Switzerland" strategy from 2007 with the involvement of partners from the federal government, cantons and third parties.
Four thrusts
Four central thrusts shape the new strategy: "Simplify NBC protection", "Network services", "Strengthen and expand capabilities" and "Raise awareness, motivate and inform". The aim, he said, was to increase efficiency in preparedness and in the management of NBC incidents. Initial findings from the COVID-19 crisis confirm the central importance of these priorities, according to the federal government's media release. With the new strategy, Switzerland has a comprehensive set of guidelines for improving NBC protection in Switzerland for the coming years.
The strategy is aimed at organizations and individuals who are entrusted with tasks to protect people, animals, the environment or property in the NBC area. According to the information provided, these include politicians, authorities at all levels, planning bodies, safety officers, emergency services, emergency organizations, hospitals and other bodies from industry and science.
Source: Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport
Who is the KomABC?
The Federal Commission for NBC Protection (KomABC) is a permanent, extra-parliamentary administrative commission within the meaning of the Government and Administration Organization Ordinance (RVOV) of 25 November 1998. KomABC advises the Federal Council, the federal emergency response agencies and the cantons. Its members bring experience and expertise from the federal government, the cantons, research, industry and operational organizations. The KomABC is administratively affiliated to the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) and is supported by a scientific secretariat at Spiez Laboratory.
