One of the main aims of Swiss forestry policy is the conservation of species diversity. In some regions many saproxylic species are nevertheless endangered owing to a dearth of sufficient old and dead wood structures. Consequently, special measures are called for to promote such species. The paper describes various direct measures, for example, the creation of old-growth islands, preservation of habitat trees and the passive accumulation of dead wood, but also lists measures to improve framework conditions such as embedding the themes of old and dead wood and biodiversity in foundation and further training courses for foresters or improving information aimed at the population as a whole. In the second part we present some conflicts concerning the aims together with possible solution approaches. The paper concludes with a series of open questions surrounding the theme of old and dead wood.

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