About wild garlic

 From March until the end of May, fresh wild garlic, a spicy herb that resembles lily of the valley in appearance and tastes like garlic, can be found. Due to its nutritional qualities, this plant is very popular among people. However, not all citizens are aware that wild garlic, or bear's onion, is a rare plant listed in the Red Book of Belarus, and its collection is prohibited.

It has become rare due to barbaric destruction. With the onset of spring, thousands of people comb the forests in search of the first beloved greens. It is the unrestricted collection by the population and trampling that has led to the reduction of the habitats of this plant species.

Due to historical reasons, as well as human economic activities, there are few places suitable for the existence of populations in Belarus. In addition, this species is very vulnerable to all kinds of anthropogenic interference. As noted, cutting leaves and trampling during harvesting as food and medicinal raw materials significantly impact the stability and productivity of populations.

In the Miory district, there are 8 protected habitats of wild garlic.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the Plant World," the unauthorized removal of wild plants belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus from their habitats, their illegal trade, as well as any other actions that may lead to their death, reduction in numbers, or disruption of their habitats, are prohibited.

Based on Part 1 of Article 16.8 "Violation of requirements for the protection and use of wild animals and wild-growing plants, belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, their habitats and growing places" of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, for the unauthorized seizure or destruction of wild animals belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, wild-growing plants belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, and their parts – a fine ranging from twenty to thirty basic units is imposed with or without confiscation of the tools and means of committing the said offense; for an individual entrepreneur – from twenty to one hundred and fifty basic units with or without confiscation of the tools and means of committing the said offense; and for a legal entity – from thirty-five to five hundred basic units with or without confiscation of the tools and means of committing the said offense.

In addition, for each kilogram of illegally collected (harvested) parts of wild-growing plants belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, the guilty parties will be obliged to compensate for the damage caused to the environment in the amount of 5.0 basic units.