Thomas Erikson and Gheorghe Hajder
During the meeting, the parties reviewed the priorities of the new National Program on Climate Change and Environmental Protection for 2028-2032, which is currently under preparation.
Focus on forests, waste and decarbonization
According to the Environment Ministry, the new program is planned to include projects on reforestation, waste management, decarbonization of the economy, pollution prevention and water management.
Special attention was paid to existing projects aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving the national climate policy.
Gheorghe Hajder highlighted the importance of the strategic partnership with the Green Climate Fund and thanked the organization for the support provided to Moldova in the implementation of climate change adaptation measures.
Moldova Green Shield project
One of the key topics of the talks was the conceptual project Moldova Green Shield, which aims to increase the climate resilience of semi-arid areas in the south of the country.
The sides also discussed a number of initiatives that are being evaluated or prepared for financing. These include projects on energy efficiency, making the health system more resilient to climate risks, developing sustainable financial mechanisms and increasing carbon sequestration in the forestry sector.
In addition, the need for technical support for accreditation of national institutions under the Ministry of Environment was discussed, which would increase access to international climate finance.
Financial sector looks forward to new environmental investments
On the same day, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Alyona Rusnak and GCF Director Thomas Erickson held a meeting with representatives of the Investors Association and the financial and banking sector.
The participants discussed opportunities to attract investments in environmental projects, development of sustainable initiatives and mechanisms to accelerate the green transition in Moldova.
A separate topic was the accreditation of private organizations interested in gaining access to international sources of financing for environmental projects. According to the participants of the meeting, this will increase the ability of the private sector to develop and implement projects in accordance with international standards.
At the end of the talks, the sides confirmed their intention to expand cooperation in the field of climate policy and environmental protection, as well as to develop projects aimed at increasing Moldova’s resilience to the consequences of climate change.
