The Estonian Ministry of Climate has submitted amendments to the Nature Conservation Act for consideration, and if approved, landowners will be obliged to control the spread of invasive plants, writes ERR News.
Until now, the Nature Conservation Act stipulated that landowners may not grow certain plants or allow them to enter the wild, but in the new version, the law will stipulate that they will have to actively engage in limiting the spread of certain invasive plant species. Merike Linnamägi, advisor to the Biodiversity Protection Department of the Climate Ministry, pointed out that the wording of the current version allows for interpretations.
Landowners will be obliged to control six plant species, including the common flower spike and three varieties of knotweed, which are widespread in Latvia as well. Andry Krass, chairman of the Estonian Landowners’ Association, believes that it is unrealistic to expect landowners to be able to recognize and control various invasive plant species themselves.
Control measures are also a financial burden. Last year, the average cost of combating hogweed reached 188 euros per hectare. Linnemägi noted that the six species included in the amendments to the law are relatively easy to control and, unlike hogweed, do not pose a health risk. She said that
the plants that landowners will have to control are easy to pull out or mow, but this should be done on a regular basis.
The advisor also admitted that although the sale of the plants included in the list has been banned for years, it is unrealistic to expect all landowners to know them: “For example, if someone has recently acquired land and doesn’t know its history, it would be wise to learn about these species and take a good look around the property to make sure they’re not present.”
The Landowners’ association is concerned about potential disputes between neighbors, as landowners may start reporting each other to avoid penalties. Krass said the question of whose fault it is that an invasive plant is on a property and who failed to act in time to prevent its spread will become very relevant.
The ministry indicated that it does not plan to immediately start inspections or impose penalties. The advisor explained that landowners will first be explained their obligations, provided with information on how to get rid of the plants, and given a deadline to fulfill their obligations. Only if the plants are not destroyed by the specified time will further steps be considered. One way could be for the state to get involved by hiring a company to destroy the plants and then collecting a service fee from the landowner.
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