Exotic plants destroy local environment

Dubai: Smuggling foreign plants or seeds into the UAE by hiding them in your luggage to sow in the back garden could have unexpectedly bad effects on the local environment.

Invasive species or species not acclimatised to this region need more water to survive and could be carrying bugs and diseases in the soil.

The common Mesquite tree in the northern emirates originates from South America and Mexico and is considered a weed in Asia because of its noxious invader properties. In Australia it is known to have colonised more than 800,000 hectares of arable land.

The Ministry of Environment and Water has launched a campaign to educate people on what exotic plants and domestic animals they need permits for before bringing them into the UAE, or for passing through the country.

The ministry will be distributing brochures and photos to explain the dangers of plant and animal diseases.