Moldovan authorities, environmental experts strengthen skills in assessing biodiversity

Representatives of authorities and environmental experts met in Chisinau, at a seminar organized by EcoContact NGO, to discuss the practical application of the biodiversity assessment procedure and its integration into the authorization process for activities with potential environmental impact.

The event focused on the practical implementation of the provisions of the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, particularly the ones related to the biodiversity assessment procedure, and on strengthening the capacities of the institutions involved in environmental assessment procedures.

The seminar was attended by representatives of the Environment Ministry, the Environment Agency, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate and specialists involved in the process of evaluating and authorizing planned activities.

The discussions focused on the stages of the biodiversity assessment procedure, its integration into the environmental impact assessment framework, its correlation with the Habitats Directive and the Emerald Network, as well as on the responsibilities of authorities and study developers. Participants also examined practical aspects regarding the use of GIS data and spatial information to identify Emerald sites, assess the impact on habitats and species of community interest, and determine the cumulative effects of planned activities on conservation objects and the integrity of protected sites.

The participants in the seminar addressed the most frequent deficiencies identified in the preparation of biodiversity assessment studies, including the lack of field research, insufficient data used, omission of cumulative impact, lack of evaluation of reasonable alternatives and drawing conclusions without technical or scientific justification. Participants emphasized that biodiversity assessment must be carried out from the early stages of activity planning.

At the same time, the training presented practical examples on determining the need to conduct a biodiversity assessment, the content of a biodiversity assessment study and how its conclusions influence the issuance of the environmental permit. The participants also analyzed situations in which a planned activity may generate a significant negative impact on Emerald sites, and the conditions under which such impacts can be prevented, reduced or compensated.

The seminar continued the series of trainings held in 2025 and aimed to strengthen practical capacities for applying the biodiversity assessment procedure. The activity took place within the project, Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in Moldova, implemented by EcoContact NGO with financial support from Sweden.

In 2025, EcoContact NGO developed, in collaboration with Environment Ministry, two topic-related guidelines on environmental impact assessment and biodiversity assessment.