Open eyes! Eye mobile starts in Upper Lusatia - environment at risk!

Open eyes! Eye mobile starts in Upper Lusatia - environment at risk!

In the coming weeks, the eye mobile will be traveling in Upper Lusatia to check the eyesight of citizens there. This is particularly important as many ophthalmologists in the area are not accepting new patients and long wait times have become the norm. The initiators want to ensure that local people have access to important eye examinations, such as saechsische.de reported.

But there is news not only in health. During a paddling trip on the Spree, a man from Bautzen discovered Japanese knotweed, a plant that is problematic for the ecological balance. This perennial plant originally comes from East Asia and has been cultivated in Europe since the 19th century. It blends strongly into the environment, which is particularly worrying as it is suspected that garden waste enters the Spree and has thus encouraged the growth of this invasive species. According to heilkraeuterwelt.com, 97% of people cannot properly assess the healing properties of knotweed, even though it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ecological challenges and solutions

With around 900 established neobiota species, including around 470 plants, Germany is facing a creeping threat. These plants can endanger the natural balance. Japanese knotweed falls into this category and its spread could be favored by changing climate, as cold winters have so far limited the growth of these species. Global trade has led to a dramatic increase in these species in Germany over the last 170 years, as the [Federal Agency for Nature Conservation](https://www.bfn.de/gebiets Fremde-und-invasive-arten) states.

In order to meet these challenges, the Bautzen district has already taken disaster protection measures. In addition, a comprehensive fiber optic expansion is being pushed forward in the Kamenz region, which should significantly improve the digital infrastructure. An initiative from the Bautzener Oberland was also funded with 1.5 million euros to support such projects and improve the quality of life of the residents.

The versatility of Japanese knotweed

Although Japanese knotweed is considered an invasive species, the positive aspects of the plant should not be ignored. It is valued in traditional medicine and offers numerous health benefits, including protection against free radicals and support for the cardiovascular system. Teas and extracts from this plant can have positive effects on health, although some safety aspects should also be taken into account such as avoidance in pregnant women and nursing mothers.

It remains exciting to see how the initiatives in the region will develop and how citizens react to the challenges. One thing is clear: there is a lot to do and the mix of health care and ecological awareness will shape the agenda in the coming months.