Over 1,800 hectares of forest to be planted in 15 districts along Dniester River, under World Bank–supported programme

Moldova’s Environment Ministry today launched a project to restore ecosystems along the Dniester River, aimed at combating pollution and restoring the country’s vital natural resources. The initiative, titled Restoration of Ecosystems for Marine Pollution Prevention – RE-MAP, was officially presented by Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder, together with representatives of the World Bank Group in Moldova.

The project has a total budget of 7.9 million US dollars, in the form of a grant provided through the Global Environment Facility, and will be implemented by the World Bank over the next four years. The planned interventions directly target 15 districts located in the Dniester basin, with the main goal of protecting water resources and improving the quality of life for local communities.

The RE-MAP programme focuses on three main lines of action that will transform the natural landscape of the region.

“It is about large-scale afforestation, with the planting of over 1,800 hectares of new forests, in order to stabilize the soil and enhance biodiversity; sustainable management and the development of silvopastoral management plans for 10,000 hectares of land, ensuring a balance between pasture use and forest conservation; and the restoration of wetlands by rehabilitating marsh and floodplain ecosystems that naturally filter water and prevent severe flooding or drought,” the Environment Ministry noted.

Minister Gheorghe Hajder emphasized that this project was essential for the ecological security of Moldova, as the Dniester is the country’s main water artery. By restoring wetlands, the project aims to create a natural filter that will stop pollutants from flowing into the river and, subsequently, into marine basins.

“Clean water and healthy ecosystems represent a priority for us. The interventions will directly contribute to protecting water resources, reducing pollution and improving people’s quality of life,” the environment minister said at the launch event.

The RE-MAP project represents a long-term commitment by the authorities to invest in the country’s green infrastructure. In addition to environmental benefits, the initiative will support local authorities and citizens of the 15 target districts in managing land resources more efficiently, turning degraded areas into productive ecosystems that are resilient to climate change.