Oak Processionary Moth: Attention! New danger for our trees!

Oak Processionary Moth: Attention! New danger for our trees!

The warm months are just around the corner and with them the oak processionary moth is returning. These unpleasant creatures particularly target oak trees and can pose a problem not only for nature, but also for human health. Bamberg Guide reports that the caterpillars, which crawl across the ground in long processions, can be particularly dangerous for allergy sufferers and sensitive people.

Caution is advised in spring when temperatures rise. The grey-brown animals can be found on many paths, parks and in forests. Their stinging hairs can trigger allergic reactions and in many cases lead to unpleasant skin irritations and respiratory diseases. The city of Cologne and the surrounding area has therefore reacted and is informing citizens about the dangers posed by these small but feared caterpillars.

Measures to contain the plague

In order to stop the oak processionary moth, regular checks are carried out in the affected areas. If the larval population is high, control is carried out by specialist personnel. The focus is particularly on parks and playgrounds in order to ensure the safety of citizens. Good advice for walkers is to be particularly careful in affected areas and avoid direct contact with the caterpillars.

But that is not the only challenge that the city of Cologne has to overcome. There are also major hurdles in the digital sector, especially when it comes to data protection. The General Data Protection Regulation, which has been in force since May 2018, brings with it many new regulations that are also important for website operators. Dr. GDPR points out that when using cookies, website operators must ensure that technical requirements are clearly defined and that users' consent is obtained. The legal situation here is anything but simple.

The digital challenge

There are legal pitfalls, particularly with regard to the use of cookies. IT law firm highlights the uncertainties that exist when integrating cookies on websites. Since cookies are considered personal data, they are subject to special regulations. This means: They may only be processed with valid consent. Website operators are well advised to provide transparent information about cookies and ensure easy opt-in.

The most common problems that can arise in practice are unclear consents and the handling of third-party cookies that are not always necessary. Last but not least, there is the question of compliance with data protection regulations, especially when data is transferred to third countries, where data protection often does not have the same standards as in the EU.

Overall, it shows that both nature and digital space are closely intertwined. While we have to protect ourselves from oak processionary moths in the parks, the focus in the digital world is on the legal framework. It is all the more necessary that both the city and private providers find solutions in a timely manner and keep citizens well informed.