VIDEO// New Moldova's environment minister announce priorities: forests, clean waters, waste management

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu officially introduced new Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder to the team today. Hajder has earlier served as Secretary of State. The PM emphasized the importance of continuing with reforms and aligning Moldova's environmental policies with European Union standards.

Minister Gheorghe Hajder thanked the prime minister for the trust placed in him and highlighted that his mandate would be dedicated to building an active partnership between the government, public institutions and local communities, aiming to build a cleaner and greener country.

“I thank Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu for the trust placed in me. Together, we have a common goal – European Moldova. I appreciate the strong team at the Environment Ministry and the progress already made in environmental projects. We will continue the work, so that Moldova becomes a country with more forests, clean waters and efficient waste management,” said Gheorghe Hajder.

The new minister also expressed gratitude to the former minister Sergiu Lazarencu for the collaboration and the transparent way in which the mandate was handed over:

“I thank Mr. Sergiu Lazarencu for the openness with which he offered me a clear picture of the priorities and ongoing processes. Together, we will build a Moldova that is environmentally friendly and ready to become part of the European Union,” noted Hajder.

The minister also said that he would initiate a new phase in strengthening governmental efforts for a “Green and European Moldova,” focusing on the protection of natural resources, sustainable development and climate change adaptation.

Among the priority areas for Minister Hajder's activities, there are the expansion of forested areas through the acceleration of afforestation programmes and sustainable forest management; the protection and sustainable use of water resources, focusing on improving water quality and modernizing water treatment infrastructure; implementing a functional and efficient waste management system, in order to reduce pollution and increase recycling rates and the transposition of European environmental legislation, an essential step in the process of joining the European Union.





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“All these goals are aimed at ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all citizens of Moldova,” emphasized the minister.

The appointment of Gheorghe Hajder and the formation of the new team at the Environment Ministry come at a key moment - Moldova is in the process of aligning with EU standards and regulations, particularly in such sensitive areas as air quality, water management, biodiversity and pollution reduction.

Analysts believe the priorities announced by the new minister reflect a balance between continuity and innovation, as they target both ongoing strategic projects and new initiatives for institutional efficiency and community’s involvement.

Through the commitments made, the Environment Ministry aims to transform Green Moldova from a programmatic concept into a visible reality, where sustainability becomes an integral part of public decisions and the daily lives of citizens.