Playing the woods, sensibly?

I would like to invite my friends to a big tactical game in the forest. Just for fun, among ourselves, with a few obstacles, smoke (organic, of course) and victory cries. If it catches on – who knows? – I'll try to launch my own outdoor adventure concept. But before organising all this, I'm obviously wondering whether a permit is necessary, even for this first private outing?

Mr Vernier

Yes, even a simple game between friends may require authorisation when played in the Geneva forest.

In Switzerland, and particularly in Geneva, forests are protected by strict legislation. According to the cantonal forestry law (LFo) and its regulations (RForêts), any organised activity in the forest, even recreational activities, must comply with the principles of conservation of the natural environment. Free access to forests is guaranteed for pedestrians, but this does not mean that anything goes.

When an activity goes beyond the ordinary, particularly when it involves setting up equipment, group movements off the beaten track or potential disturbance to wildlife, it may be considered a large-scale event within the meaning of Article 14 LFo. This classification applies in particular when one of the criteria in Art. 23 RForêts applies: the presence of more than 50 people; the installation of temporary structures such as tents, caravans, refreshment stands or toilets; combat games and/or the use of projectiles. In this case, Article 19 LFo stipulates that authorisation from the cantonal forest inspector is required, as well as the agreement of the owners and municipal authorities concerned.

The Federal Court reiterated that even a one-off activity, if structured, may be subject to authorisation. It thus upheld the ban on a company organising laser tag games in the forest on the grounds that this constituted non-forestry exploitation that undermined the functions of the environment.

In short, for a large-scale game between friends, it is best to check with the cantonal forestry inspectorate. And if you plan to make it a professional activity, authorisation will be essential and must be accompanied, depending on the case, by a building permit, an environmental impact assessment, or even compensation if permanent installations are planned.

The forest is welcoming, but not lawless: in order to enjoy it legally, the game must sometimes first go through the authorisation process.