VIDEO // National tree planting campaign 2026 launched in central Moldova district

The national afforestation campaign, Spring 2026, has been officially launched in the central Ungheni district, at Sculeni, at a press conference held by Minister of Environment Gheorghe Hajder and the director of the Moldsilva Agency, Nicolae Munteanu. The event marks the start of a new stage in the process of expanding and rehabilitating the national forest fund, as part of a long-term strategic programme.

A “living bridge” over the Prut

In his speech, the environment minister emphasized the symbolic significance of the place chosen for the launch. Sculeni, located on the banks of the Prut River, becomes the starting point of an initiative with historic and strategic value.

“We look towards the Prut and we know that, not far from here, the pillars of the Union Bridge are already rising, a link of concrete and steel that will shorten distances and unite our destinies. But today we are building another bridge – a living bridge with roots and crowns,” said Gheorghe Hajder.

On March 14, for the first time, the Forest Generation campaign will cross the Prut. Citizens of Moldova and Romania will plant trees simultaneously on both banks, in a joint gesture of solidarity and responsibility towards the environment. The Minister publicly thanked his Romanian counterpart, Diana Buzoianu, for the partnership in this initiative.

140,000 hectares – a national strategic goal

The campaign is part of the National Programme for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests, initiated by President Maia Sandu, which envisages afforesting 140,000 hectares in the coming years.

The environment minister highlighted the significant difference between the current afforestation rate of Moldova – approximately 11 per cent – and the European Union average of over 35 per cent. According to him, this discrepancy is not just statistics; it reflects essential differences in terms of climate resilience, soil fertility and quality of life.

So far, over 20,000 hectares have already been afforested under the national programme.

3,000 hectares and 11 million seedlings this spring

The director of the Moldsilva Agency, Nicolae Munteanu, announced that, between March 14 and April 14, 2026, approximately 3,000 hectares of land would be planted and rehabilitated.

For this campaign, about 11 million forest seedlings have been prepared in the forest nurseries under Moldsilva’s authority. The planting material includes approximately 60 species of trees and shrubs, including oak, acacia, ash, plane tree, elm, honey locust and poplar.

At the same time, foresters plan to establish sowings and transplants on an area of 144 hectares, where approximately 26 million seedlings will be grown to ensure the continuity of future campaigns.

Involvement of local authorities and volunteers

More than 500 mayoralties have already provided land for afforestation, and this spring 54 local administrations are directly involved in the planned works, having land documented through afforestation projects and prepared for planting.

In Sculeni, on a 3.5-hectare plot owned by the local public authority, trees of species, such as oak, ash, maple and elm, will be planted as part of the joint Moldovan-Romanian action on March 14.

To facilitate public participation, a special section titled “Participate in Planting – Spring 2026” has been created on the official Moldsilva Agency website (www.moldsilva.gov.md), where available locations and the persons responsible for coordinating activities are published.

Record budget for forest expansion

The authorities announced that, for 2026, an unprecedented amount of over 300 million lei had been allocated for expanding forested areas and modernizing the equipment used in forestry works. The costs of the works are estimated at levels similar to the previous year, depending on the areas and agro-technical works planned.

“We are the forest generation”

In conclusion, the environment minister issued a call to citizens to actively participate in the planting actions on March 14.

“History will not judge us by our statements, but by the air, water and soil we leave to our children. We are the generation that chooses to repair what has been destroyed. Together, we are the forest generation,” said Gheorghe Hajder.

The Spring 2026 campaign is set to be one of the largest afforestation actions organized in Moldova, strengthening efforts to protect the environment and adapt to climate change.