A robot is to be purchased in the Lviv region to eradicate hogweed without posing a risk to people
This is stated in a press release from the Regional State Administration.
It should be noted that Sosnowski’s hogweed is an invasive and dangerous plant. The sap of hogweed can cause severe burns, and its pollen can trigger allergic reactions.
Hogweed is widespread on the banks of rivers and streams, alongside motorways and railway lines, on the verges of country lanes, on abandoned pastures and fields, and in rubbish dumps; it often grows in built-up areas in parks, and even in flower beds.
The Lviv region is participating in the international Interreg NEXT Poland–Ukraine 2021–2027 project, aimed at protecting the biodiversity of cross-border territories in Ukraine and Poland from the spread of hogweed.
As part of the project, the plan is to completely eradicate hogweed populations in nine communities in the region by 2027, which are most affected by the spread of this plant.
The participating communities have been provided with petrol-powered hand mowers, battery-powered sprayers, equipment for cleaning protective gear, protective suits, gloves, goggles and masks. Some communities have already received tractors, mowers and ploughs to combat hogweed.
The next stage will involve the purchase of tipper trailers for all participating communities, as well as a remotely operated robot that will help eradicate hogweed without risk to people.
The Lviv Regional State Administration has joined in co-funding the project using the regional budget.
In addition, Polish partners are working on developing a mobile app that will allow residents to report the locations where hogweed is spreading. This will enable communities to respond more quickly and coordinate their efforts more effectively.
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