Spread of Sosnowsky's hogweed

The spread of Sosnowsky's hogweed is one of the significant problems in the region, which is the most infested in the Republic of Belarus. The Vitebsk region accounts for about 80% of the area where this plant grows in the republic. Targeted work is being carried out in the region to combat invasive plant species.

Annually, approaches to organizing and conducting work to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed are improved, taking into account the practice of using herbicides on various land categories, as well as compliance with their application technology.

Systematic work to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed has been organized in the Vitebsk region.

In all districts and the city of Vitebsk, measures to limit the spread and numbers of invasive plant species for 2026 have been developed and approved.

By the order of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee dated February 13, 2026, No. 34r, measures for tidying up the land and improving the amenities of populated areas for 2026 have been approved. The measures establish tasks for carrying out work to combat invasive plant species by mechanical, combined, and chemical methods, as well as by land use categories.

Based on the results of the work carried out in June 2026, in the Vitebsk region, work to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed was completed on a total area of 4562.0801 hectares, including 4501.4673 hectares by chemical method, 56.8128 hectares by manual or mechanical method, and 3.8 hectares by plowing and sowing.

For the purpose of monitoring the timely execution of works and compliance with their technological processes, the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, as of 25.07.2026, carried out technical (technological, verification) measures, based on the results of which 429 orders were issued to land users. For untimely measures taken to combat Sosnowsky's hogweed, 74 protocols were drawn up for a total amount of 39,418 rubles. 33 warnings were issued to legal entities and individuals.

Combating Sosnowsky's hogweed is extremely important for protecting human health, preserving nature, and maintaining order on the land. The main reasons for eradicating this dangerous weed are: protection from severe burns, preservation of local plant species, and prevention of new territory encroachment.