LET'S SAVE THE FIRST FLOWERS

With the arrival of spring, the first flowers appear in the forests – wood anemone, meadow pasqueflower or Siberian pasqueflower, noble liverleaf, snowdrops and squills, lily of the valley, and others. Belarus is home to many spring flowers, including species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, the collection of which is prohibited.

Mass collection of spring flowers by the public undermines their populations and their ability to vegetate. For many species, the annual collection of early-blooming plants with damage to the root system has caused a sharp reduction in their former distribution range.

The collection of spring flowers for subsequent sale has a particularly negative impact on them. By collecting and selling spring flowers, we destroy them, and by buying them, we encourage poachers. It is best not to touch rare spring flowers: they are more beautiful in their natural environment, and when picked, they quickly wilt. It is better to admire them in nature, preserving their beauty for future generations. Each of us refusing to buy endangered flowers will give them a chance to bloom every spring.

In addition, another plant, very popular among the people for its culinary qualities, is listed in the Red Book. This is a spicy herb that externally resembles lily of the valley and tastes like garlic – wild garlic or bear onion – a rare plant, the collection and sale of which are prohibited. It has become rare due to barbaric destruction. It is the unrestricted collection by the public and trampling that has led to the reduction of the habitats of this plant species.

The legislation of the Republic of Belarus provides for administrative liability for the removal of wild plants listed in the Red Book.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the Plant World", the unauthorized removal and transplantation 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 their removal and commission of other actions that may lead to their death, reduction in numbers, or disruption of their habitats, are prohibited.

Article 16.8 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses provides for penalties for the unauthorized collection and destruction of wild plants belonging to species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. This offense entails a fine ranging from 20 to 30 basic units for individuals, from 20 to 150 basic units for individual entrepreneurs, and from 35 to 500 basic units for legal entities.