Ukrainians who buy and sell bouquets of snowdrops, crocuses and other primroses face a fine of 510 to 3,655 hryvnias.
This is a violation of the laws of Ukraine and the rules of trade. In addition, picking the first spring flowers is punishable by a fine of 340 to 510 hryvnias.
Primroses are unique plants that easily withstand frost. They "trigger" the awakening of nature and feed the first insects with nectar. Collecting flowers of snowdrops or dream grass interrupts the natural cycle, because the plants do not have time to produce seeds. Most of them are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Fines for flowers:
- from 510 to 1,700 hryvnias – for illegal acquisition, sale and distribution of objects of the plant world;
- from UAH 1,700 to UAH 3,655 for plants collected in protected areas or listed in the Red Book (with confiscation of plants);
- from 340 to 510 hryvnias – for deterioration of the growth environment of red-listed plants, illegal or illegal removal of them from the natural environment, as well as violation of growing conditions in specially created artificial conditions;
- from 510 to 850 UAH – for the same actions for officials.
In order to protect primroses, eco-inspectors have announced large-scale inspections of the places of collection and sale of ornamental plants, the ways of their transportation.
EcoPolitic earlier analyzed what is meant by the concept of "biological diversity", why it is important for our planet, what threatens it and how to preserve it.
