Operation “Primrose” is being held again in Transcarpathia

The annual operation "Primrose" launched in Transcarpathia

Every year, in spring, there is a massive trade of early-flowering plant species, including those listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, which are rare and endangered. Because of a high decorative value and early period of flowering of such plant species, large amounts of them are exported to big cities of Ukraine, Slovakia and Hungary. The massive collection of early-flowering plants leads to the destruction of populations of individual species.

To save the species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, the Ministry of Natural Resources annually initiates operation "Primrose", which aims to prevent illegal collection, sale and export of rare plant species outside Ukraine. State inspectors on environmental protection, law enforcement officers for forest protection, public organizations, mass media take part in this campaign.

Citizens, who illegally collect and sell primroses, will be brought to administrative responsibility. So. according to Art. 88-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, breach of the order for the purchase or sale of objects of flora entails a fine ranging from thirty to one hundred untaxed minimum incomes of citizens (from 510 UAH to 1700 UAH) with confiscation of the objects of flora. The same acts committed within the territories and objects of nature reserve fund listed in the Red Book of Ukraine or which are protected under international treaties of Ukraine are punishable by a fine ranging from fifteen hundred to two hundred untaxed minimum incomes (from 1700 UAH to 3655 UAH) with or without confiscation of animals or plants.

Therefore, we appeal to all conscientious citizens with a request not to collect and purchase plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. Because, even by buying the primrose, we automatically become accomplices of unscrupulous persons who unlawfully sell it. So, let’s protect the environment and the natural heritage of Ukraine for future generations together!

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the primroses, go to the Botanical Garden in Uzhgorod: the "saffron" spring has started there.