Bucharest launches ambrosia removal drive in Văcărești Natural Park

The Bucharest City Hall, together with the Stop Ambroziei association and volunteers, began a series of clean‑up operations in Văcărești Natural Park to eradicate ambrosia, an invasive and highly allergenic plant. A mature ambrosia plant can release up to 8 billion pollen grains and 30,000 seeds, creating a serious public‑health hazard for allergy sufferers, who may experience severe respiratory symptoms.

Under Romanian law, landowners are required to eradicate ambrosia before it flowers, and local authorities can impose fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 lei for individuals and 10,000 to 20,000 lei for companies that fail to comply. Residents who notice ambrosia in their neighbourhoods are urged to file complaints with their city hall, which must verify the claim and enforce removal.

Cleaning actions are scheduled on Saturdays throughout June, with the aim of gradually clearing the 180‑hectare park, though the effort cannot be completed in a single day.