The amendments were adopted to allow local authorities to implement more effective measures to combat invasive species, including the Spanish slug and Sosnovsky's hogweed, in their territory. Among other things, they establish a list of invasive species in Latvia and instruct the Cabinet of Ministers to develop measures to limit the spread of these species.
The management measures for the species included in the Latvian list of invasive species will be determined by the municipalities in their territory. They will be able to choose the most appropriate set of measures from the invasive species control plans drawn up by the government.
The owner or user of the land will be obliged to take measures to manage the invasive species to prevent its further spread.
The species included in the Latvian list of invasive species will be monitored by the Nature Conservation Agency.
The Cabinet of Ministers has until February 28 2025 to draw up the regulations.
