Environment Day in Edineț// Environment minister: Moldova can only prosper with clean environment

Worldwide, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, of which only 10% is recycled, a situation made worse in Moldova, where only 3% of plastic is recycled. Minister of Environment Sergiu Lazarencu made the statement today in Edineț. The conference was dedicated to Environment Day and intensifying national efforts to combat pollution, with a special focus on reducing plastic waste.


“Edineț today becomes a meeting point for those who wish for a cleaner Moldova. Edineț becomes the center of commitment for a green country and together with the Ministry of Environment it mobilizes communities in the fight against plastic pollution. The choice of Edineț for this event was not accidental. Alongside Briceni, Ocnița, and Dondușeni districts, it forms Waste Management Region 8, considered the most advanced in the country in implementing modern waste management practices. Mayors in the area have allocated land, mobilized, and next year we begin the construction of transfer stations,” said Lazarencu.


The official warned of the need to reduce plastic pollution, a pressing problem both globally and nationally.


“We all see the reality: in forests, by the roadside, in rivers or on the outskirts of our villages. Plastic does not decompose naturally - a simple container thrown today can remain in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics that enter the food chain and end up in the food we consume,” emphasized the minister.


The official called for the involvement of all segments of society. “Dear students, you are the future. Dear teachers, you shape characters. Dear mayors, you have the levers. Together we can, with small but sure steps, make Moldova a country where plastic does not suffocate, but gets recycled, where rivers flow clear and our children grow up healthy. Nature doesn’t get deceived, it gives back exactly what it receives. Moldova can, can only with a clean environment,” Lazarencu said.

Edineț mayor Constantin Cojocaru welcomed the initiative and reiterated the commitment of the local authorities.


“It is indeed a challenge. We face the dilemma of choosing between being civically active and responsible or simply being mere critics. Today we launch here in Edineț a campaign initiated by the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Waste Zone 8 is the last in number, but the first in continuity and beginning. Today, through the march we will undertake, we try to deliver a prompt and certain message to the population that only by being aware in the steps we take can we contribute and support Moldova, Edineț, Briceni, Ocnița, Dondușeni in becoming cleaner,” he said.


The event concluded with a symbolic march, aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging the adoption of responsible behaviors towards the environment, such as waste sorting and reducing the use of single-use plastic.

The Ministry of Environment has launched and is implementing several strategic projects in the field. 

World Environment Day is celebrated annually at the beginning of June. Through this, the UN tries to stimulate people's concern for protecting the environment and, at the same time, to raise political decision-makers' awareness to act in this regard.