You got that plant in the garden? You can pay up to PLN 1 million!

dailyblitz.de 3 months ago

Many gardening enthusiasts do not realize that having certain plants in home gardens may lead to severe financial penalties, reaching even PLN 1 million. Polish government prohibiting cultivation invasive alien species (IGO)which pose a serious threat to native flora and fauna. Violation of these rules may consequence not only in advanced fines but besides in criminal liability.

What are invasive alien species?

Invasive alien species are organisms that have been introduced into a fresh environment where spread uncontrollablely, displacing native species and disrupting the balance of ecosystems. In Poland, this problem is serious adequate to introduce list of prohibited plantswhose cultivation, sale or even possession is strictly prohibited.

List of forbidden plants in Poland

To the most celebrated invasive plant species Poland includes:

  • Barszcz Sosnowski (Sosnowskyi heracleum) — a plant with strong burning properties which poses a hazard to human health.
  • Japanese rustler (Fallopia japonica) is simply a species with aggressive growth, displacing native plants and hard to fight.
  • Flaps (Echinocystis lobata) — vines rapidly spreading along rivers and wetlands competing with native vegetation.
  • Rose pistachio (Pistia stratiotes), known as water lettuce – a floating plant, popular in ponds, the cultivation of which is prohibited from August 2, 2024.
  • Round-leaved choke (Celestrus orbiculatus) – beech with decorative appearance, the possession of which will be illegal from August 2027.

Raw penalties for the possession of prohibited plants

In accordance with the applicable provisions, cultivation, sale, transport or holding of invasive alien species without appropriate authorisation may consequence in:

  • Financial penalty au PLN 1 million.
  • Penalty of imprisonment from three months to 5 years.

A decision to impose a punishment shall be taken Regional Environment Director appropriate to the location of the infringement.

How to avoid consequences?

To avoid severe sanctions:

  1. Identify plants in your garden – make certain you do not have species considered invasive.
  2. Regularly monitor IGO list – regulations can change, so it is worth keeping up with current regulations.
  3. In case of doubt, consult experts – Environmental or botany specialists will aid identify and remove unwanted species.
  4. Report presence of invasive species – if you announcement in your surroundings plants considered invasive, delight inform competent municipal office or Regional Environment Directorate.

Why is it so important?

Invasive alien species pose 1 of the top threats to biodiversity. Their presence leads to displacement of native species, changes in the structure of ecosystems and causes crucial economical losses. Data General Environment Directorate-General (GOD), yearly losses caused by IGOs worldwide are around $100 billion.

Holding in a garden of plants considered invasive may lead to serious legal and financial implications. To avoid penalties even reaching PLN 1 million, it is worth checking carefully what species are in our surroundings and remove those prohibited. Maintaining compliance not only protects us from sanctions, but besides contributes to Protecting native nature and maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

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You got that plant in the garden? You can pay up to PLN 1 million!

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