Problem
As in other places in Europe, there are more problems raised in Latvia as well as caused by the influence of an invasive plant species on ecosystem. The most problematic and most damage causing species is, of course, Sosnowskyi hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi), which can spread out and survive not only in neglected fields and by the roadsides but also within the natural flora.

Hogweeds have become dominate in local phitocenosis unfavorably affecting its biological diversity. It may cause economice loss, as well as at the same time damage to people’s health . Up till now we have failed to develop a universal system of activities in order to stop the spreading of such aggressive plant species and decrease their negative impact. The Spread of hogweeds has been out of human control for many years already; it has multiplied itself in practically the whole of the territory of Latvia with the greatest density in the Madona and Cesis districts. The acceleration of the aggressive weed spread was facilitated by unkempt, unattended land.

It has been calculated that the total hogweed area occupies about 12000 ha of Latvian territory at the moment. Taking into account former research and trends of hogweed spread, UAL scientists predict that hogweeds will occupy 30000 ha of territory in 2010 unless there are certain measures taken to restrict them. Furthermore, hogweeds move from farmland to forests, river banks through to territories, which are harder to restrict.

Project realization time
Project is intended to realize within three months from 01.10.2005. until 31.12.2005.

The Project realization contains the following main tasks:
- To summarize existing information about the spread of hogweeds in Latvia, problems related to it and any experience in the extermination of hogweeds,
- To summarize the opinions of different institutions and choose the most optimal, effective version for achieving the goal i.e. the restriction of the hogweed spread and the threat posed by them
- To Develop the first draft of national program to restrict hogweed spread, within its framework:
- To Identify sub-goals, operational and political results, as well as the success indicators of the program;
- To Identify main activities to be carried out in order to achieve results;
- To Determine the responsible state institutions according to their competence and the necessary funding for carrying out certain activities;
- To Identify useful policy means and preconditions for restricting hogweed spread.

A Developed national program to restrict hogweed spread is intended for submittion at the Ministry of the Environment by December 30, 2005.

Project results
As a result of the project a state policy will be defined regarding the restriction of hogweed spread, including certain achievable results and their indicators in reducing the spread of this specie and threat, the responsibility and area of activity of every institution will be determined in implementation of hogweed extermination policy.

The Development of a national program is the first step towards the restriction of hogweed spread and thus it will also stop the destruction of the biological diversity and help maintenance of landscape in surrounding territories.