Flemish-Brabant combats giant balsam along Molenbeek stream in Meise

The province of Flemish-Brabant has launched an initiative to control the spread of the invasive giant balsam plant along the Molenbeek stream in Meise. This exotic species rapidly colonizes waterways, displacing native plants and threatening the ecological balance.

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The giant balsam displaces plants that are naturally present and thus affects the ecological balance in and around the watercourse.

"The giant balsam displaces plants that are naturally present and thus affects the ecological balance in and around the watercourse," explained Pieter Van Pamel, a basin engineer overseeing the project. He emphasized the importance of native vegetation for providing diverse food sources, shelter, and shade for local wildlife. The proliferation of invasive species leads to a monotonous vegetation, harming biodiversity.

Beyond ecological concerns, the plant's dense growth can destabilize riverbanks, leading to erosion and hindering proper water drainage. Van Pamel warned that overgrown watercourses can experience reduced oxygen levels, negatively impacting aquatic plant life.

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A variation of native plants is necessary for the environment. It means a variation of food, shelter, and shade for animals.

Control efforts vary depending on the infestation's scale. Smaller patches are removed by hand, ensuring the entire root system is extracted. For more extensive growths, machinery is employed. Crucially, the plants are removed before they bloom to prevent the spread of seeds. If flowers are present, they are manually removed and bagged separately.

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A large amount of exotics can cause so much shade and instability that the banks erode and good water drainage is compromised.