Founded in 1956, the association BRYOLICH is devoted to the study and conservation of bryophytes and lichens and it supports research and education in bryology and lichenology especially in Switzerland. Approximately 250 individuals worldwide, both amateurs and professionals, held membership in the society.

Since 1992, BRYOLICH is a member of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SAS).
The aim of the "Swiss bryophyte mapping project NISM" initiated by a working group of BRYOLICH is to promote the knowledge of bryophytes in Switzerland and to ensure the protection and conservation of mosses and their habitats.