EcoContact study on environmental rights to be reviewed by Ombudsman Office and institutional partners

A landmark study on the opportunities and challenges in monitoring, protecting and promoting the right to a healthy, clean and sustainable environment in the Republic of Moldova was presented late last week by EcoContact, in partnership with the Ombudsman Office.

The event brought together representatives of national institutions, academia, civil society organizations and development partners. Among the participants were Ombudsman Ceslav Panico, Ombudsman for Children's Rights Vasile Coroi, representatives of the Ombudsman Office (OAP), the Equality Council, the Ministry of Environment, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, the Environmental Agency, the National Justice Institute and the National Anti-Corruption Center.

The study, conducted by EcoContact, offers an analysis of the relevant regulatory and institutional framework for environmental rights in the Republic of Moldova, focusing on commitments made during the association process with the European Union, international best practices, and the strategic role of the Ombudsman institution in guaranteeing this fundamental right.


“The document offers recommendations for strengthening institutional capacity, expanding the mandate, and increasing the visibility of interventions in the environmental rights,” explains EcoContact.


During the event, the conclusions of the study were presented, along with the constitutional and international positioning of the right to a healthy environment, as well as directions for developing the OAP's mandate in the area.


“A particular emphasis was placed on the role of strategic communication as an instrument for informing, public mobilization, and holding authorities accountable. Participants highlighted the need for strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and sustained dialogue with civil society to ensure equitable access to information, participation, and justice in environmental matters,” reveals the cited source.


The event marks the end of a series of activities carried out within the project implemented by EcoContact in partnership with the Ombudsman Office, with the support of UNDP Moldova and the Government of Norway. The study is one of the main results of the project, along with training workshops for officials, the advocacy and communication plan, as well as informative materials dedicated to education and civic engagement in protecting environmental rights.