Gemeingut Boden

Gemeingut Boden is an association based in Zurich that focuses on alternative forms of land ownership and use. The organization operates under the official title "Verein Gemeingut Boden," which translates to “Common Good Land Association.” Its principal aim is to promote and develop models where land is managed as a common good, rather than as private property. The association is led by Managing Director Pius Kobler, an engineer and educator with a background from ETH Zurich. Kobler’s leadership is marked by an emphasis on organizational innovation and purposeful business approaches. Members of the governing board also have ties to cooperative housing and community-oriented projects, indicating a networked approach to governance and decision making. Gemeingut Boden's activities include supporting housing cooperatives, exploring legal structures for communal stewardship, and raising awareness about the implications of land privatization. The organization is involved in facilitating workshops and publishing practical guides for groups interested in collective land management. Its website provides detailed documentation of case studies and legal templates, demonstrating a hands-on approach rather than purely theoretical advocacy. As of mid-2024, Gemeingut Boden has been involved in Zurich-area projects that transfer land into legal forms preventing speculation and promoting long-term, community-driven development. The scope of its work spans both direct project support and broader advocacy, collaborating with national networks such as “wohnbaugenossenschaften schweiz” (Swiss Housing Cooperatives). This dual focus allows the organization to influence both local land use and contribute to national discussions on sustainable, collective stewardship of land.