Seoul City to Eradicate Ecosystem-Disrupting Plants and Animals like Gashibak and Bigmouth Bass... 'Intensive Removal Period' Until August

1400 Personnel Deployed to 59 Major Ecological Sites Including Amsa Ecological Park and World Cup Park

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 1st that it will operate the "Invasive Species Intensive Removal Period" from May to August to effectively eradicate invasive flora and fauna that disrupt the balance of the natural ecosystem. This measure aims to prevent the spread of invasive wild animals and plants such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia (ragweed), Western water hemlock, Cissus japonica, Kudzu vine, and Red-eared slider turtles, and to protect native species.

Invasive species grow and reproduce rapidly and adapt well to new environments, leading to a decline in biodiversity including native species, which degrades the ecosystem's proper functions and causes socio-economic damage. Numerous studies have also reported that invasive species cause more severe damage due to climate change, environmental pollution, and habitat destruction.

Seoul plans to carry out intensive removal operations targeting young individuals of invasive plants at 59 major sites including Hangang Bamseom Island, Amsa Ecological Park, World Cup Park, Anyangcheon Stream, and Yangjaecheon Stream from May to August. Approximately 1,400 participants including city management personnel, companies, civic groups, and local volunteer organizations will be involved.

Furthermore, as systematic management is crucial for the continuously increasing invasive species, Seoul is disseminating the "Invasive Species Field Management Guide," which includes ecological characteristics, management methods, and optimal removal timing for major invasive species. Removal activities are conducted correctly after prior education on distinguishing invasive species from native plants in cooperation with companies, schools, civic groups, and local communities.

Yu Young-bong, Director of the Green City Bureau, stated, "We plan to work harder with specialized institutions to efficiently eradicate invasive species that are expanding their presence in urban areas at the appropriate time, and we hope for active interest and participation from local communities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.