More species added to the list of harmful invasive species
Finland’s national list of harmful invasive species was updated in August 2023. False spiraea, meadowsweet, sycamore, goldenrods (including the Canadian goldenrod, giant goldenrod and tall goldenrod) were added to the list.
The owner or holder of the property must ensure reasonable measures to eradicate or limit the spreading of invasive species on their property that have been stipulated to be harmful. The sale and growing prohibition of false spiraea and meadowsweet will enter into force after a transition period in 2025, but it would be a good idea to begin their eradication immediately.
The City of Espoo is making efforts to prevent harmful invasive species around and near valuable natural locations according to the recommendations in the management plans prepared.
More information on harmful and other invasive species and the methods of their prevention can be found at portal for invasive species(external link, opens in a new window).
Cooperation is important in prevention
In addition to the prevention measures, resident cooperation plays an important role in the prevention of invasive species. As such, the City of Espoo is encouraging its residents, associations, companies and educational institutions to organise volunteer events to fight invasive species.
A volunteer event is a wonderful way to improve the comfort of the living environment and take important action to support natural biodiversity. During the last days of the spring term, school children can weed out lupine and companies can organise volunteer works day as rosa rugosa recreational events, for example. You can also weed out invasive species with a smaller group or by yourself while having a walk, for example. In addition to this, you can participate in the prevention of invasive species through the Crowdsorsa(external link, opens in a new window) mobile game.
Volunteer events can be used to ward off Himalayan balsam, lupine and rosa rugosa. The best results are achieved when invasive species are eradicated early in the summer before they bloom. If necessary, the city will provide the waste bags and pick up any invasive species waste in areas managed by the city.
Instructions for organising volunteer events for weeding out invasive species are available here.