Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Lake Beleu, through lens of photojournalist Andrei Mardari

Autumnal Lake Beleu, through the lens of MOLDPRES photojournalist Andrei Mardari: beauty, history, and warning signs

At the beginning of autumn, Lake Beleu changes its color palette, and the warm September light reveals contrasts that are hard to capture otherwise: the yellowed reeds, the mirror of water pierced by flocks of migratory birds, and the delicate reflections that soften the image of an increasingly fragile basin.

MOLDPRES photojournalist Andrei Mardari captured these transformations in a photographic expedition, accompanied by his friend, former journalist Stanislav Duduciuc, now an enthusiast of visual and nature art. Together, they gathered images and impressions that reflect not only the beauty of the lake, but also its struggle for survival.

The lake that breathes history

Located in the Lower Prut Reserve, Lake Beleu is the largest natural lake in  Moldova, with a variable area between 5 and 11 km², depending on the level of the Prut River. In the past, Beleu was a miniature delta where fishing, reeds and biodiversity supported local communities.

"It's a place that makes you feel like time stops. The water speaks to you and the birds give you rhythm," says Stanislav Duduciuc, looking through the telephoto lens at a flock of white egrets.

September: calm before change

During this period, the lake offers a unique spectacle: the aquatic vegetation begins to retreat, the birds gather for migration and the water level visibly decreases.

"I captured not only beauty, but also fragility. Each frame is a mix of life and warning," recounts Andrei Mardari.

The problems of a corner of paradise

Over the past decades, Lake Beleu has faced a reduction in water flow from the Prut, the siltation of its bed, biodiversity decline, and the pressure of human activities. Climate warming and repeated droughts have worsened the situation, leaving the lake vulnerable and dependent on the natural fluctuations of the river.

"When you see the increasingly dry shores and the retreating reeds, you understand it's not just a subject for photographers, but a warning for everyone," says Stanislav Duduciuc.

Actions taken so far that need to be continued and developed

Lake Beleu is not just a natural treasure in southern Moldova, but also an attraction that is being increasingly better highlighted through development projects. In recent years, access to the lake has become more friendly, due to a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The entrance road to Slobozia Mare, which leads directly to the lake, has been rehabilitated: a section of over 600 meters has been asphalted, sidewalks have been arranged, a spacious parking lot for tourists, nighttime lighting, and even a public sanitary group—details that, at first glance, may seem small, but radically change the visitor's experience.

In parallel, authorities are preparing cleaning operations for the Popovca and Manolescu channels, through which the Prut River feeds the lake. These have not been desilted for over three decades, and their siltation affects the water level and the unique biodiversity in the area. Once cleaned, the lake will receive a constant flow of water, which will enhance the ecosystem's resilience.

The development of Beleu is also part of a broader context: the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme, implemented in Cahul and Ungheni, includes community infrastructure projects that stimulate tourism and the local economy. The fact that Lake Beleu is on the priority investment list shows not only its natural potential, but also its importance as a symbol of the Lower Prut biosphere reserve.

Thus, between infrastructure initiatives and efforts to protect the ecosystem, Lake Beleu starts acquiring a new life—one in which natural beauty intertwines with accessibility and responsibility for the future. These measures are good, but insufficient, as this aquatic basin must not be left without attention in the coming years, in order to continue delighting the eye and remain a natural pearl of the country's south.

Lake Beleu as a tourist destination

Besides its ecological and historical value, Lake Beleu is also a special destination for those passionate about nature and photography. It is located in the Cahul district, near the village of Slobozia Mare, about 200 km from Chisinau.

Access is by car on the Chisinau–Leova–Cahul or Chisinau–Comrat–Cahul routes, and from there, the road to the Lower Prut Reserve is well signposted.

Visitors can benefit from:

Organized ecotourism trails in the reserve, with local guides;

Birdwatching observation points, considering the area hosts over 200 bird species;

Rural pensions in Slobozia Mare and surrounding villages, where tourists can discover the traditional gastronomy of southern Moldova;

Boat tours on the lake, organized by locals, to capture the landscape from the middle of the water.

"It's the ideal place for those who want to feel authentic Moldova—calm, natural, and full of stories," says Stanislav Duduciuc.

Beyond the image

The visual report created by Andrei Mardari does not limit itself to the landscape. His photographs speak about a complicated relationship between man and nature: beauty that attracts and responsibility that is lacking.

"I wanted to show not just a beautiful scene, but also the story behind it: a lake that needs care, otherwise it risks becoming just a memory," emphasizes MOLDPRES photojournalist Andrei Mardari.