PHOTO // Moldovan–Italian cooperation to adapt agriculture to climate change through water recovery technologies

A governmental and experts’ delegation of Moldova paid a fact-finding visit to the Puglia region of Italy on March 17-19, 2026, in order to study advanced models for reusing treated wastewater in agriculture. The visit, organized by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) under the Green Agenda Moldova project, marks a decisive step in aligning national legislation with European Union standards, particularly the Regulation (EU) 2020/741.

The delegation, made up of 11 representatives from the Environment Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, National Food Safety Agency (ANSA), the Environment Agency and local authorities, worked with renowned Italian partners, such as Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP) and CIHEAM Bari. The Puglia region is considered an EU benchmark for water resource management, providing a model of good practices for Moldova, which is facing an increasingly severe water deficit in the southern region.

The project aims to implement pilot stations in the districts of Causeni, Cantemir and Cahul, where irrigation needs are critical.

The technical discussions during the visit focused on the operation of an integrated reuse system, including quality standards and strict monitoring of water according to EU rules; the institutional framework with a clear allocation of responsibilities between water operators, authorities and farmers; financial sustainability and viable tariff structures that allow for infrastructure maintenance; and risk management with rigorous plans to protect public health and soil.

The participants visited the wastewater treatment plant in Acquaviva delle Fonti and the tertiary treatment plant, Lago Forcatella, in Fasano, observing the entire process from filtration and storage to distribution to farmers.

According to a head of directorate at the Environment Ministry, Aurelia Donos, strengthening integrated water resources’ management requires identifying all alternative sources. The experience in Puglia shows how treated wastewater can be safely reused in line with the EU legislative framework.

“The goal is twofold: to reduce pressure on natural aquifers and to ensure a reliable source of water for farmers, especially on difficult periods. Our target is to reach 120 million cubic meters of recovered water for irrigation,” said Roberto Venneri, President of Acquedotto Pugliese.

For his part, Viorel Gherciu, national expert and former agriculture minister, estimated that good reuse practices can help farmers cope with climate change, while protecting the environment through a responsible approach. The results of the study carried out by SEI, which analyzes costs and implementation scenarios for Causeni, Cantemir and Cahul, are to be validated through consultations with stakeholders. This initiative is financially supported by Sweden, through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and is a key pillar of the green transition and the European integration path of Moldova.