Legally, the concept dates back to September 10, 1898, when the Federal Law on the conservation of monuments and works of art with historical or artistic interest was passed.
The Federal Law on the Protection of Nature and Landscape (LPN) was passed on 1 July 1966.
It defines among others the scope of protection, the means and the support of the Confederation and the penal provisions for violations.
Section 4 describes the objects involved:[1] Regarding the landscape and local features, sites evocative of the past, natural wonders or monuments as art.
[2][3] The cantons also have their own regulations that define the different procedures, departments and services of the Township responsible for matters relating to the protection of nature and monuments.