Moldova Plans to Expand Protected Areas to 10% of Its Territory

There are plans to expand protected natural areas to cover 10 per cent of the country

At the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17 conference in Armenia, Moldova presented its plans for the protection of natural resources, the expansion of protected areas and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Among the priorities are the continuation of the national afforestation programme and the restoration of wetlands and damaged land in 15 districts across the country.

Gheorghe Hajder

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Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder, who is attending the conference, spoke about the challenges facing Moldova in the field of nature conservation. In particular, he drew attention to two major crises on the Dniester River that occurred within the space of a few months: oil pollution and falling water levels.

According to the minister, these events have threatened the river’s ecosystems and demonstrated the importance of protecting natural resources for public safety.

“Nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive without nature. We must move from promises to action and fulfil the commitments we have made,” said Gheorghe Hăjdăr.

Protected areas and ecosystem restoration

During the conference, Moldova presented the measures set out in its national biodiversity conservation policy. A new biodiversity programme has been approved in the country, one of the aims of which is to increase the area of protected natural areas to 10 per cent of the republic’s territory.

At the same time, the National Afforestation Programme is continuing. Another initiative is the RE-MAP project, which aims to restore wetlands and degraded land in 15 districts of Moldova.

The implementation of these initiatives should help to preserve natural ecosystems. However, achieving these objectives will require not only the adoption of strategies and legislation, but also practical measures at a local level.

Investment is needed for environmental goals

At COP17, particular attention was paid to the financing of environmental protection measures and the participation of various stakeholder groups. According to the minister, achieving environmental goals requires the combined efforts of local communities, the business sector and international partners.

“The environment knows no borders. To change the situation and anticipate future problems, we must act together – all countries, starting today. We need investment, engaged communities and partners who will support these efforts,” emphasised Hajder.

The COP17 conference brings together representatives of the states party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Discussions centre on the fulfilment of international commitments to nature conservation, including the target of protecting 30 per cent of terrestrial and aquatic areas and restoring at least 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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