Historic first: Moldova, Romania to plant forests simultaneously on both banks of Prut River on March 14

Citizens of Moldova and Romania, for the first time in history, will take part in a joint afforestation campaign carried out simultaneously on both banks of the Prut River. The event will take place on March 14, 2026, and marks a milestone in cross-border cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

The announcement was made at the launch of the national afforestation campaign “Spring 2026,” organized in Sculeni, Ungheni district. Authorities emphasized that this initiative went beyond its ecological dimension, having a strong symbolic and strategic significance.

A “living bridge” over the Prut

The location chosen for the launch – Sculeni, on the bank of the Prut – is no coincidence. While road infrastructure works are underway in the area to connect the two states, the joint planting initiative has been described as a “living bridge” built from trees, with roots and canopies, meant to unite not only territories, but also communities.

The simultaneous plantings will send a clear message of unity and shared responsibility towards nature, highlighting the fact that the environment does not recognize administrative borders.

Coordinated action between Chisinau and Bucharest

The March 14 event is organized in partnership with environmental authorities in Romania. Moldova’s Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder publicly thanked his Romanian counterpart, Diana Buzoianu, for her involvement in this joint initiative, which is considered an unprecedented gesture of solidarity. Plantings will take place in more locations near the Prut, both in Moldova and in Romania, with the participation of local authorities, foresters, volunteers, civil society and public institutions.

Part of a broader strategic programme

The cross-border action is part of the National Programme for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests, which provides for the afforestation of 140,000 hectares in the coming years. Authorities point out that Moldova currently has a forest cover rate of approximately 11 per cent, far below the European Union average, which exceeds 35 per cent.

Through this joint initiative, Chisinau and Bucharest aim not only to increase forested areas, but also to strengthen regional cooperation in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

Citizens' involvement – a key element

Organizers have issued a call for citizens to actively take part in the March 14 plantings, stressing that the success of such an initiative depends on the mobilization of local communities.

To coordinate volunteers and inform the public, the exact locations and logistical details will be communicated through the official platforms of the environmental authorities.

Ecological and geopolitical significance

Simultaneous planting on both banks of the Prut represents a landmark moment in Moldovan-Romanian cooperation, combining ecological and symbolic dimensions. In a regional context marked by climate and geopolitical challenges, the initiative conveys a message of solidarity, unity and shared responsibility for the future.

On March 14, the Prut will no longer be just a natural border, but also the meeting line of a joint action dedicated to protecting the environment and building a greener future for both states.