Switzerland Offers $60K Prize for Ideas to Clear Ammo from Alpine Lakes

Switzerland is currently facing a significant environmental challenge: thousands of metric tons of ammunition resting beneath its serene lakes. This hidden dilemma stems from a past belief that disposing of military munitions in lakes was a safe practice.

To address this ongoing issue, the Swiss government has launched an innovative approach. The Federal Office for Defence Procurement, referred to as Armasuisse, is offering a cash prize totaling 50,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $57,000) for the most effective proposals on how to extract the munitions.

This disposal practice occurred between 1918 and 1964, during which outdated military ammunition, along with surplus munitions and rejected batches, were unceremoniously dumped in various lakes across the nation. The government now recognizes that this decision, made with the intent of safe disposal, poses significant risks today.

The submerged munitions can be found at depths ranging from 150 to 220 meters in popular lakes such as Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and Lake Lucerne. In addition, Lake Neuchâtel holds around 4,500 tonnes of munitions, a result of extensive bombing exercises conducted by the Swiss Air Force over the years.

As the situation stands, Armasuisse is reaching out to experts from academia and industry for solutions that enable the environmentally friendly and safe recovery of ammunition from these deep lakes. The present concern is that extraction efforts could lead to accidental explosions and potential pollution that would further harm the lakes’ delicate ecosystems.

The idea competition kicked off earlier this month, with submissions open until February 6, 2025. Successful entries will be announced in April 2025. However, it is important to note that the winning proposals are not slated for immediate implementation; instead, they will act as a foundation for future research and development.

The estimated cost of any salvage operation to remove the ammunition is expected to run into billions, as reported by the BBC. This financial commitment highlights the scale of the issue and the complexity involved in safely addressing it.

As Switzerland takes this proactive stance in tackling an environmental challenge rooted in its history, the hope is that innovative thinking can pave the way for a cleaner and safer future for its stunning lakes.

Addressing historical environmental liabilities can be daunting, but Switzerland’s initiative to seek solutions not only demonstrates responsibility but also encourages a collective effort towards remediation. By inviting ideas from various sectors, the government aims to leverage a wide range of expertise to obtain viable strategies.

Ultimately, the chance to contribute to such an important environmental project is not only beneficial for the lakes but also provides an opportunity for researchers and innovators to make a meaningful impact.

In a world increasingly concerned with environmental sustainability, Switzerland’s commitment to removing hazardous materials from its beautiful landscapes is a step in the right direction. The outcomes of this competition might not only influence local ecosystems but could establish a precedent for similar operations worldwide, encouraging nations to confront their own historical environmental challenges.

This initiative serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our actions and the environment, as well as the importance of responsible stewardship of natural resources.

As the competition progresses, the world will be watching to see how Switzerland approaches this daunting task and what innovative solutions will emerge from this call for ideas.

Source: Business Insider