Environmental protection experts discuss critical hydrological situation in Dniester River basin

A meeting of the Working Groups for Environmental Protection today was held via videoconference, with the participation of relevant experts from both banks of the Dniester, at an initiative of the OSCE Mission to Moldova,

The discussions focused on identifying urgent solutions to address the risks associated with the declining flow of the Dniester River and mitigate the impact of the regional hydrological crisis. Particular attention was paid to coordinating the measures necessary to ensure the continuity of drinking water supplies for the population, the safe operation of critical water intake and treatment infrastructure, as well as the protection of water resources and ecosystems in the river basin.

Experts from the Environment Ministry, the Moldova’s Waters Public Institution National Administration, the Environment Agency, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate and the Public Institution, Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring, informed representatives of Tiraspol about the measures taken to manage the hydrological crisis, as well as the actions to be carried out to prevent and eliminate its consequences.

In the context, detailed discussions addressed the activities of the Commission for the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin, the operation of the Dubasari Hydropower Complex, the discharge regime maintained from upstream reservoirs, hydrological monitoring of the river, as well as matters related to the installation and operation of the new automated hydrological monitoring equipment at the Dubasari Dam.

The participants in the meeting also discussed the reconstruction of the wastewater treatment plant in the municipality of Bender. In this regard, representatives of the Environment Ministry highlighted the possibility of implementing this initiative in strict compliance with national legislation, emphasizing that the project could be financed through the Convergence Fund, alongside additional financial assistance from external development partners.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, with the experts expressing their willingness to continue examining issues of common interest, boost the exchange of information and identify optimal solutions to pressing challenges in the field of environmental protection.