Environmental protection has become national priority - environment minister says

The last four years have been an intense period in which environmental protection has been transformed into a national priority. Policies were set up, projects initiated and partnerships established that emphasize nature protection and creating a cleaner, healthier environment for people.

Acting Minister of Environment Sergiu Lazarencu made the statements today. He presented the main achievements in environmental protection in recent years.


'Today, there is more known, more spoken about, and more awareness of the environment. Moldovans are increasingly involved in actions to protect nature. Businesses are adopting green standards, and municipalities are beginning to integrate circular economy principles into their development plans,' said Sergiu Lazarencu.


According to him, the reestablishment of the Ministry of Environment in 2021 was not just an administrative decision but a clear assumption that environmental protection and care can no longer be delayed.


'Today, I can say that after four years, the Ministry of Environment is a stronger ministry, with major projects that have become irreversible. I am referring primarily to the National Program for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests and to the 'Solid Waste in Moldova' project, through which we will build the waste management infrastructure throughout the country,' the official pointed out.


The minister stated that the National Program for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests, initiated by President Maia Sandu, has become the most ambitious afforestation program since independence, both in scale and impact.


'It is a program that has united people from all corners of the country, teachers, students, entrepreneurs, and local authorities. The goal is clear, to plant 145,000 hectares of forest by 2032. To date, we have planted 17,000 hectares and by the end of the year, we will reach 20,000. All these figures may seem technical, but they mean oxygen, shade, rain, biodiversity, and a healthier life for each of us. It means being more prepared in the face of climate change and extreme phenomena. In the first two years of the program, we have already allocated 716 million lei, a record sum for the forestry sector,' the minister emphasized.


Sergiu Lazarencu further added that to continue this effort, the largest financing in history has been attracted in the field of environment: 200 million euros from the European Investment Bank, 15 million euros from the European Union, 79 million dollars from the Global Environment Facility, 49 million dollars from the Green Climate Fund, 41.2 million euros from the French Development Agency.


'In total, over 300 million euros have already been identified. This money will help us plant the first 80,000 hectares of forest and are a clear sign of support and trust from international partners,' the official stated.


The minister stressed that one of the next objectives is the reform of the Moldsilva Agency. According to the official, this reform will lead to increased efficiency of the institution, higher salaries, and improved working conditions for employees.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Grigore Stratulat, presented progress in the field of waste management. The official particularly referred to the implementation of the 'Solid Waste in the Republic of Moldova' project, which will enable the creation of waste management centers, sorting stations, composting stations, infrastructure to ensure comprehensive management in the field.


'This is a historic stage for the Republic of Moldova because today we are building modern infrastructure according to European standards throughout the waste management cycle,' emphasized Grigore Stratulat.


 

At the same time, State Secretary Gheorghe Hajder referred to projects regarding water protection, stating that the Ministry of Environment acts to protect, exploit, and manage the water resources of Moldova and cross-border more sustainably.


'A first step was clarifying the regime of ownership. Through legislative changes, we cleaned up where, year after year, responsibilities were divided and unclear,' said Hajder.


According to the official, a significant achievement is the creation in 2023 of the National Environmental Fund. With a budget of 175 million lei, this fund finances local environmental protection projects. So far, 290 projects have been implemented, and another 162 projects, worth 264 million lei, are in the process of implementation.

Meanwhile, in recent years, over 70 km of rivers have been rehabilitated, with a value of work exceeding 70 million lei, and flood protection dikes have been strengthened, covering a length of 130 km, with a value of over 350 million lei. In parallel, a comprehensive process of inventorying all hydrotechnical structures is ongoing, being an essential step for the safety of localities.

At the end of the press conference, Sergiu Lazarencu announced that he would continue his activity as a deputy in Parliament, and from this position, he would promote environmental protection priorities.

Sergiu Lazarencu was appointed as Minister of Environment in March 2024.