There are more problems raised in Latvia caused by the influence of the invasive plant species Sosnowskyi hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden) on the ecosystem. As a result, the biodiversity has been influenced unfavorably in Latvia and hogweed also poses a serious threat to human health.

The goal of the National Program 2006-2012 on localizing hogweeds prepared by „Environmental Projects” and the Ministry of the Environment is to introduce a coordinated system of loacalizing hogweeds in the country and decrease the spread of hogweeds as invasive weeds in Latvia.

The program provides for the development of hogweed localization, i.e., determining responsibilities and creating a punishment policy and system, attracting financial resources, clarifying the principles of division and administration, as well as drafting up regulations the recievers of support, addresing also the localization of hogweeds in places where land owner or users do not do it.

Resources from both the main budget of the state and the European Union Structural funds, and other sources are indicated as possible financial sources for carrying out this program.

The Ministry of the Environment has submitted the new program for the review of the State Secretaries on December 22.