New Taipei's 'Little Flower Terminator Alliance' mobilizes 1,000 to clear vines and protect forests

New Taipei City has initiated its annual "Little Flower Mikania Control Month," rallying over a thousand volunteers for the "New Taipei City Little Flower Terminator Alliance" campaign. The effort aims to eradicate the invasive plant Mikania micrantha, notorious for its rapid growth and detrimental impact on local ecosystems.

Recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species, Mikania micrantha, often called the "green cancer," poses a severe threat to native flora. Its vines quickly spread, covering trees and shrubs, blocking sunlight essential for photosynthesis, and ultimately leading to the weakening and death of native plants.

The campaign targets eight key areas within the city, including the Laokou Trail and Dingfu Forest Trail in Linkou, the Wenshan Farm and Hemei Mountain in Xindian, the Cuihu Mountain Trail in Xizhi, the Rongye Golden Bamboo Farm in Bali, and the Sancai Lingzhi Farm in Shiding, and the Aripang Ecological Leisure Farm in Shimen. The removal efforts are integrated with environmental education and guided ecological tours, mobilizing agricultural volunteers, corporate groups, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and local communities.

New Taipei City's Agriculture Bureau Director, Chen Hsi-hui, emphasized that the control of Mikania micrantha requires more than just removal. "Mikania micrantha control work cannot stop at one-way 'removal'; we must also emphasize long-term 'restoration,'" he stated. Alongside the eradication efforts, the bureau will plant indigenous tree seedlings in suitable areas to restore vegetation cover and enhance forest resilience, preventing the re-spread of invasive plants and promoting a healthy ecological cycle.

Additionally, the bureau highlighted that the residual parts of Mikania micrantha can be processed into products like laundry detergent. The campaign underscores a collaborative approach, uniting government agencies, district offices, farmers' associations, young farmer associations, and various businesses and organizations in a joint effort to protect New Taipei City's mountain forests and ecological environment.

“

Mikania micrantha control work cannot stop at one-way 'removal'; we must also emphasize long-term 'restoration,'