Unwanted plants removed in Svalbard

LongyearbyenLongyearbyen. Svalbard.Photo: Jon Olav Nesvold / NTB scanpix

Queen Anne’s Lace, northern dock, and the meadow buttercup are plants that are not native to Svalbard. Therefore, they are being removed by the Governor’s order, and the work appears to be yielding results.

This year, Queen Anne’s Lace was removed in Barentsburg, where the Governor is collaborating with Trust Artikugol.

“Last year there were two plants, compared to there being two large sacks in 2013. This shows that efforts are effective,” a press release reports.

Northern dock has also been removed outside the governor’s office and meadow buttercups from Longyearbyen kindergarten.

All these plants are alien species that may displace native species and alter local ecosystems. Therefore, the Governor wants to remove them before they become a problem.

 

Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today