The invasive flower species lupins has become a problem for many. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency describes the flower as a “threat to biological diversity” because it risks out-competing other plants. In addition, the flower contains alkaloids that are toxic to sheep and cattle.
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Here, the residents of the municipality can earn money by clearing weeds
In Hagfors, people have had enough. There, they have launched an app that encourages municipal residents to clear away the weeds, something that TV4 Nyheterna was the first to report on.
In addition to reducing the flower lupine population, the municipality wants to inform about its destructive nature.
– The concept can attract many. There is an opportunity to earn extra money in an easy way, but also that it is structured like a game, says Katarina Karlssonmunicipal ecologist at Hagfors municipality, to the canal.
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Lupins. Photo: Helena Landstedt/TT. Not only in Hagfors
In the app there are leaderboards and points systems that reward those who remove lupines. In addition, there are maps that show where the lupines are at the same time as the app calculates how much money there is to earn.
It is not only in Hagfors that this app has been used to motivate people to clear weeds. In Örebro and Storfors, tasks are distributed via the app.
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Put down SEK 55,000 – can add more money
– There is something about the reward system in our brain that makes us think that I can do a little more here, says Karlsson to TV4 News.
In total, the municipality has set aside SEK 55,000, which will be distributed to diligent weeders. If more people show interest, the municipality may consider spending more money on the project.
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