Moldovan judges, prosecutors trained on environmental crimes' investigation, examination

EcoContact and the National Justice Institute are strengthening the capacities of judges and prosecutors regarding the investigation and examination of environmental crimes.  Three days of training dedicated to aspects of investigating and examining environmental crimes took place this spring, with the participation of 58 prosecutors and judges practitioners. Today, the cycle concluded with a session dedicated to the peculiarities of investigating and examining violations of environmental legislation in the air and waste compartments, as well as the enforcement of strategic environmental assessment procedures and environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The events brought together 14 experts and speakers from the Ministry of Environment, the National Justice Institute, EcoContact Public Association and the Environmental Protection Inspectorate. In total, 18 topics related to violations of environmental legislation and related laws were addressed and participants received 18 sets of support materials and explanations on practical cases.

The participants discussed the normative and institutional framework for air protection and waste management, with presentations supported by representatives from the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Protection Inspectorate. At the same time, case studies and practical aspects related to investigating violations in these areas were addressed, including the enforcement of extended producer responsibility regulations for certain types of products placed on the market. At a dedicated session, EcoContact experts presented the procedural stages of environmental impact assessment, the actors involved and how public consultation is carried out, as well as cases regarding cross-border evaluations.

The training day ended with a session focused on examining cases of air pollution and waste management, moderated by a trainer from the National Justice Institute. In conclusion, the participants emphasized the importance of strengthening the judicial system's capacities in the environmental field, in the context of recent legislative changes.

The training is organized under the project, Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in Moldova, implemented by EcoContact with the financial support of Sweden.