At its meeting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the government approved an amendment to the Government and Administrative Organization Ordinance. As a result, the former Office of the Environment will be reorganized and, effective August 1, 2026, split into two independent agencies: the Office of Environmental Protection and the Office of Forests, Nature, and Agriculture.

The reorganization will result in a clearer structure for existing areas of responsibility and a more targeted consolidation of responsibilities. In the future, issues such as water, fisheries, waste, noise, air, and climate will be consolidated within the Office of Environmental Protection. The areas of forestry, nature, landscape, hunting, and agriculture will be consolidated into the new Office of Forestry, Nature, and Agriculture.

This reorganization reflects the breadth of expertise and the growing importance of the respective responsibilities in the environmental, natural resources, and agricultural sectors. At the same time, it aims to simplify management structures, shorten decision-making processes, and strengthen services provided to the public, municipalities, the business community, and other stakeholders.

Continuity is ensured for ongoing proceedings and existing contacts. The relevant tasks will be carried out seamlessly and handled professionally.

As part of the organizational restructuring of the former Office of the Environment and its division into two independent offices, the former office leadership will also be dissolved. Regula Imhof is leaving the Office of the Environment as part of this reorganization.

The government thanks Regula Imhof for her work and her great dedication. She led the agency during a challenging period, addressing numerous complex issues with great care, expertise, and a strong sense of responsibility. She has done important work, particularly in areas that are socially, politically, and technically challenging, and has contributed to the agency’s continued development.

Until the leadership positions are permanently filled, Andreas Gstöhl, previously head of the Environmental Protection Division at the Office of the Environment, will serve as interim director of the Office of Environmental Protection. Anna Weber, previously head of the Forest and Landscape Division at the Office of the Environment, will serve as interim director of the Office of Forests, Nature, and Agriculture.

Deputy Head of Government Sabine Monauni emphasizes: “With this reorganization, we are creating clear structures for key issues of the future. Environmental and climate protection, the preservation of nature and the landscape, and sustainable agriculture and forestry will thus be given an even more focused organizational foundation within the state administration.”