Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia is currently one of the worst invasive alien weed plants, spread almost all over the world. Its invasiveness manifests din a series of harmful impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, human health and the economy.
In order to draw attention to the need for timely suppression, the first Saturday of summer Saturday is marked as an International Ambrosia Day. At that period, the plant is in the early vegetation stage which provides enough time for education, initiation and active involvement into pre-flowering activities.
The ragweed is widespread in Croatia and it is on the List of Alien Invasive Species.
Unfortunately, even in the Plitvička Jezera National Park, in the habitats that are influenced by humans (along roads, paths, on arable and abandoned areas), this invasive plant has found and is still finding its place by suppressing species that naturally occur there.
How can you help?
Act conscientiously towards observed ragweed plants, destroy them on small areas of private property, record and report areas overgrown with ragweed to the Expert Service of the Park strucna.sluzba@np-plitvicka-jezera.hr and the Institute for Environmental and Nature Protection https://invazivnevrste.haop.hr/.
