Rodica Iordanov: Investments in ecology recovering, bring visible benefits in Moldova

Exclusive interview given with MOLDPRES News Agency by Rodica Iordanca Iordanov, Executive Director of EcoContact NGO

New normative acts establish clearer responsibilities for local public authorities

MOLDPRES: What is EcoContact's position regarding the changes in environmental legislation that came into force last year?

Rodica Iordanov: The year 2024 marked the initiation of several new processes in the environmental sector. Typically, environmental legislation is particularly complex, and its development requires considerable time and effort. However, in the first half of 2025, several normative acts meant to support the state—which plays the role of owner of natural resources and guarantor of environmental quality and human rights regarding health and environmental protection—will come into force.

A significant progress is represented by the regulations regarding the use of water resources, allocation, and capitalization of water bodies. They have been expected  for a long time, considering that, for over 20-30 years, the management of water bodies has been inadequate, with some being ceded to private activities during privatization without strict management obligations. The new normative acts establish clearer responsibilities for local public authorities, offering them tools to develop sustainable activities, such as micro-tourism, and arrangements for beaches and recreational areas on lakes, ponds, and river segments that pass through or are outside the localities.

Another area where progress has been made is forest management. The national program for the extension and rehabilitation of forests is an important step. However, additional clarifications are needed regarding the volume of plantation establishment, location, and planting methods. The new regulations bring more clarity on these aspects, facilitating the implementation of efficient policies in the field.

There is also significant progress regarding air quality protection. Regulations for monitoring, validating, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions data have been recently adopted. They allow better monitoring of atmospheric pollution and facilitate the comparison of air quality in Moldova with the one of the European Union, due to alignment with European standards for measurement, validation and reporting.

EcoContact is actively involved in the working out of draft normative acts, supporting authorities in the European integration process and harmonization with European environmental standards. We work intensively with local communities to support public authorities and the private sector in adapting to the new regulations. Through our activities, we promote decision-making transparency and monitor the correct implementation of legislation locally.

We are also involved in identifying innovative solutions tailored to national and local needs. One of our objectives is to increase the visibility of Moldova in the field of environmental diplomacy, so that the country is recognized not only for its environmental issues, but also for the positive outcomes achieved in this field.

EcoContact remains an active partner in the conservation of the Lower Dniester ecosystem and in the implementation of the new management cycle

MOLDPRES: EcoContact was among the first environmental organizations to support the approval of the Dniester River Basin District Management Plan for 2025-2030. What are the main reasons for the organization's active involvement in this process?

Rodica Iordanov: The Dniester River Basin District Management Plan for 2025-2030 is an essential tool for protecting water resources, having a direct impact on biodiversity and local communities. The measures aim to improve water quality, reduce pollution and conserve aquatic ecosystems.

To prevent potential negative effects on the environment or public health, EcoContact conducted the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) within the project 'Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in Moldova' (Green Justice), financed by Sweden and implemented along with the Ministry of the Environment. The report confirmed that the Plan's measures align with sustainable development principles and do not negatively affect ecosystems or local communities.

EcoContact remains an active partner in the conservation of the Lower Dniester  ecosystem and in the implementation of the new management cycle. Through the project 'Improving Management of Protected Areas in Moldova', funded by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented by the Biotica Ecological Society and EcoContact, several essential actions are planned. In the coming period, the ecosystems of the Lower Dniester will be assessed and priority measures for habitat rehabilitation will be identified. Restoration and improvement of local community resilience will be pursued through water infrastructure modernization. At the same time, afforestation of approximately 30 hectares in the Lower Dniester National Park is planned, alongside the development of a dedicated Management Plan.

In parallel, activities for environmental education, delimitation of protected areas, and climate change monitoring will be organized. Furthermore, cross-border cooperation with Ukraine will be strengthened, to ensure the protection and sustainable use of the Dniester River. Through these initiatives, EcoContact reaffirms its commitment to protecting natural resources and implementing sustainable solutions for the management of the Dniester River Basin.

Overall, the Dniester Commission is functional, and concrete activities are conducted in technical subgroups

MOLDPRES: It is known that EcoContact has a significant impact in the activities of the Dniester Commission. At what stage is the work of this structure, considering that Ukraine has been at war for three years?

Rodica Iordanov: EcoContact is actively involved in the Dniester Commission on behalf of Moldova, contributing to negotiations regarding the Dniester River. We aim to protect water quality and quantity, restore aquatic flora and fauna, and ensure an ecological balance. In this regard, we have implemented projects for restoring ponds and springs and maintain a constant dialogue with other organizations and experts.

On March 21, we are organizing the Environmental NGO Forum, where water will be a central topic, and Dniester, as usual, will be in the spotlight. We all want a river that provides drinking water, irrigation, commercial activities, and recreational areas.

I have been a member of the Dniester Commission since 2019 and have moderated several bilateral meetings with Ukraine, familiar with the processes both within the commission and from the associative sector perspective. The commission holds an annual meeting, alternating between Moldova and Ukraine, and is structured into five technical subgroups. They analyze strategic aspects, monitor water quality, and coordinate measures for integrated basin management. For example, some sensitive areas, such as Soroca or the Odessa region, are carefully monitored to prevent negative impacts on the river.

Before the war, a compromise was reached at Naslavcea regarding water monitoring, but the invasion of February 24, 2022, blocked its implementation. Ukraine, under martial law, has classified many environmental data for strategic reasons. Nevertheless, dialogue continues and cooperation is currently more organized.

An important aspect is the management of emergency situations. A working group monitors flood risks, checks dam and alert systems, and analyzes dangers generated by human activity or military conflict. For example, Ukraine holds surface chemical storage facilities on Dniester and we are constantly informed about potential risks.

At the same time, a technical subgroup monitors biodiversity, including the temperature of water discharged into Dniester and the impact of hydropower turbines. A major challenge remains the restocking of fish, considering the Dubasari Dam, which fragments the river ecosystem.

Overall, the Dniester Commission is functional and concrete activities are conducted in technical subgroups. Annual meetings serve to evaluate progress and set future directions for actions.

Although the environmental domain is declared a priority, other interests prevail in reality

MOLDPRES: What bothers you the most as an environmentalist?

Rodica Iordanov: A major challenge is the lack of specialists in economics and natural resource management. We need experts who can correlate the economic impact of environmental measures with tangible financial benefits. Business is increasingly interested in environmental protection and applying ecological legislation, but we need to communicate in a language they understand: through numbers, statistics and economic dynamics. Investments in ecology pay off and bring visible benefits and this message needs to be effectively communicated.

I am also dissatisfied with the fact that, although the environmental domain is declared a priority, other interests prevail in reality. Sometimes, after long discussions and solid arguments about the benefits of certain measures, including combating corruption, we see the approach changing overnight under the influence of interest groups. These situations are frustrating, but motivate us to continue the fight for a healthy environment.

Another aspect that concerns me is the phenomenon of greenwashing. Under the label of 'ecological business', there are sometimes businesses that do not truly meet sustainability criteria. Many use ecological slogans without a real basis, misleading consumers and driving them to pay more for products that are not, in fact, ecological.

To combat this issue, we collaborate with the Ministry of the Environment to establish clear criteria for labeling ecological products and businesses. These standards will be implemented by the Environmental Agency, so that only businesses that truly meet sustainability requirements can use the ecological label. The goal is for this certification to become a benchmark of trust both for consumers and for access to the European market.

The main goal is to discuss emerging environmental issues and clarify the role of each actor in resolving them

MOLDPRES: On March 21, AO EcoContact is organizing the 2025 edition of the Environmental NGO Forum. What is the main news and current themes discussed this year?

Rodica Iordanov: AO EcoContact has opened registrations for the 2025 edition of the Environmental NGO Forum, an event funded by Sweden and co-funded by the Austrian Development Agency. This forum is an essential dialogue platform that brings together civil society, public authorities, development partners, academia, the private sector, and the media. The main goal is to discuss emerging environmental issues and clarify the role of each actor in resolving them.

Through this event, we aim to facilitate experience exchange, strengthen partnerships and encourage efficient cross-sector collaboration. Thus, we can contribute to building a greener and healthier environment for everybody. The forum offers participants the opportunity to actively engage in discussions and explore current topics in seven thematic workshops, structured in two sessions. We will address essential topics, such as integrated water resource management, green transition, forest management, climate change, biodiversity conservation through protected areas and the Emerald network, the role of the media in promoting environmental issues and legal aspects related to the Aarhus Convention and green justice.

Another important objective of the Forum is to provide development partners with a clear picture of Moldova's priorities in the field of environmental protection. We want to highlight areas where the associative sector can make a significant contribution and identify directions where we can collaborate more effectively. Continuing these discussions is essential, not only to better understand current challenges but also to highlight the progress and dynamics of the ecological domain in our country.

Thank you for the interview!

Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov is the Executive Director of AO EcoContact, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law of the State University of Moldova, and an expert in environmental law with over 25 years of experience. She has held important positions in the Government, including Minister of the Environment, and actively collaborates with international organizations to promote sustainable development. Outside her professional activity, she is passionate about hiking and fashion design.

The EcoContact NGO is a non-governmental organization from the Republic of Moldova, with over 15 years of experience in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and sustainable use of natural resources. EcoContact supports the improvement of environmental quality and community development through partnerships and projects aimed at engaging civil society and harmonizing environmental legislation with European standards.

Author: Lilia Grubii