2021

2023

The invasive alien species (IAS) or bio-invaders are species of animals or plants, which are not native to a certain area. They are fugitives from e.g. gardens or transport vehicles. The plants are not respecting the borders of the countries, so the problem is common for Leningrad region, City of St. Petersburg and South-East Finland. There is also national legislation aiming at preventing the damages and harms caused by the invasive alien species to the original species and biodiversity of the environment. In this project, the focus is in tackling the problem of uncontrolled spreading of harmful alien species, especially, hogweed. The spreading of hogweed has already caused severe problems. Due to its invasive character (the ability to displace other plants and grow by 10% every year) and the inability of urban and local residents to distinguish it and fight it right and on time, people often get serious injuries and burns. The overall objective of this project is to secure natural biodiversity, safe, pure and clean environment by preventing the spreading of the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the Programme area, South-East Finland - Russia ENI CBC area. The specific objectives of the project are: (1) to raise awareness of safe prevention and elimination of hogweed among local communities in City of St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region and South-East Finland, (2) to raise awareness of prevention of IAS, especially hogweed, among pupils in the schools and college students in the City of St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region and South-East Finland, (3) to develop and pilot new ways to mow down, collect, sort and store hogweed safely and eliminate it in right season in the experimental area in Pushkino and (4) to find out methods and technologies for hogweed utilization and processing.