International conference on situation of Dniester river began in Chisinau

Chisinau, Oct. 27 /MOLDPRES/- Management of the Dniester cross-border basin and EU integration - step by step - this is the topic of an ecological forum, organized on October 27-28 by Eco-TIRAS in partnership with the Moldova State University, Ecospectrum, EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP.

According to the organizers, the Dniester River is a source of drinking water, irrigation and hydropower for both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The sustainable and wise use of the Dniester is only possible when all stakeholders are involved in dialogue and ultimately sustainable decision-making. This conference brings together representatives from different fields and provides a platform for dialogue on solutions to the most acute problems related to the Dniester.

"The Ministry of the Environment highly appreciates the contribution of researchers in identifying the problems of the Dniester river and its basin, in offering feasible and scientifically substantiated solutions. These researches are applied in the process of developing the political and normative framework. It is necessary to have a sustainable partnership between the academic environment, the business environment, the associative sector and local authorities regarding the restoration and conservation of the small rivers in the Dniester basin, as well as the river as a whole. It is also necessary to have a functional integrated river management mechanism, to ensure the quantity and quality of water for the necessary activities and current and future consumption. And ecosystems and aquatic diversity must be restored and protected", said Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, state secretary of the Ministry of the Environment.

In recent years, some progress has been registered after the entry into force of the 2012 Treaty between the governments of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on cooperation in the protection and sustainable development of the Dniester Basin. The Dniester Commission was set up and joint activities were initiated. Moreover, the working groups worked out plans for their acivity.

"Both states must take all appropriate measures in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Water Convention: prevention, control and reduction of water pollution, ensuring that transboundary waters are used for rational, reasonable and equitable management, conservation of water resources and protection the environment, the restoration of ecosystems, etc.", several participants said.

Photo: Ministry of Environment