Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Lower Prut, green pearl of country's south

Lower Prut Reserve was established on 23 April 1991, by a Government Decision of the Republic of Moldova, covering an area of 1755.4 hectares.

It is located in the southwest of the Republic of Moldova, along the lower course of the Prut River, the last major tributary of the Danube. It is flanked by the localities of Slobozia Mare and Valeni, Cahul district. 20 km to the north lies Lake Manta, and 25 km to the south, Lake Brateș (Romania).

The purpose of its creation is the protection, conservation, and study of the wetland and floodplain ecosystem, and creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of rare, endangered species, and other plant and animal species.

The universal value of its natural heritage was recognized through its declaration as a wetland of international importance, especially as a habitat for water birds - Ramsar Convention, Lower Prut Lakes (Position 1029).

Through the impressive diversity of habitats and life forms it hosts in a relatively small area, Lower Prut forms a true museum of biodiversity, a natural gene bank of inestimable value for universal natural heritage.

The possibilities of visiting the Reserve are varied and depend on the time available to visitors, their age category, and the hydrological level of Lake Beleu.

Preschool and school-age visitors can opt for group tours, large or small, conducted on the terrestrial route.

ROUTE No.1

It begins with the viewing platform, located on the slopes adjacent to the reserve. From here, you can see a panoramic view of Lake Beleu from a height.

Starting from the Reserve's headquarters where there are some specimens of white water lilies, then along the lake shore, visitors have the opportunity to observe and visit:

Lake Beleu, the main geographical component of the reserve, is a relic of the Danubian freshwater lagoon formed after maritime waters transgressions, which once formed, along with Lake Brateș (Romania), a significant lagoon of the Prut River. The lake's width is 2 km. Length - 5 km. Average depth - 0.5 - 1.5m, maximum depth - 4.2m.

Currently, this aquatic complex is characterized by over 27 species of fish. The importance of the lake lies in creating favorable breeding conditions for approximately 18 fish species, which then return to the river waters. 

The birdlife of the Lower Prut is represented by more than 196 species, of which 45 are species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova and protected internationally.

At the water's edge, they can see aquatic plant formations and the splendor of the lotus flowers. With binoculars, they can explore from a distance the lake's aquatic surface, the lakeshore vegetation, as well as the flocks of birds in flight.

On the left side of Lake Beleu is Lake Robu, lakes mentioned in the 'Statistical Dictionary of Bessarabia', 1902. In its perimeter grow over 10 white water lily specimens, numerous aquatic plant species, and floodplain species. In the winter period, on the water openings are present specimens of gulls, swans with cygnets, ducks, and cormorants.

In the past, residents used the sand from the water's edge, which had curative properties, good for sunbathing, and as raw material for making mixed with cement pots.

Many amphibians accompany hikers at every step. On the territory of the Reserve, there are 7 reptile species, or 50% of the total species number in the Republic. 

The mysterious marshes in the lower reaches of the Prut River have sparked interest since ancient times. These places were often visited by great ruler of Moldova (1527 - 1538 and 1541 - 1546) Petru Rareș.

No matter how many stops travelers had made here, it was impossible not to have a few sick animals, or not to be exhausted; unexpected always occurred, and in the swamp, both winter and summer, food was abundant, and animals lived in complete freedom.

Before becoming a ruler, Rareș was a fisherman in Brateş area. Petru Rareș created several entry and exit routes to Brateş; to have safety and quick ingress and egress from the Swamp he built 2 big, massive wooden bridges: one here in the Bessarabia area just below Slobozia Mare village, and one past Tulucești, near the railway Galaţi-Bârlad.

Route length (round trip) - 3 km. Duration - 2 hours.

ROUTE No.2

For adults, in the case of small groups, when the hydrological level allows traveling on the lake area, the aquatic trail can be visited. It begins at the Reserve's headquarters, where the white water lily species can be seen, from where they will embark on the boat to navigate Manolescu creek towards the lake.

In these places human access is forbidden. Its importance is owed to mixed bird colonies nesting in willow trees or duck, coot, grebe, and marsh tern specimens that build their nests on the water surface, tied to aquatic vegetation.

Starting from April, from a distance, numerous bird species that have come from thousands of kilometers to bring forth their offspring can be seen. 

200 meters away, you reach spots occupied by reeds and bulrushes, where water lily colonies flourish in clear, still waters.

Route length (round trip) - 3 km.

Degree of difficulty:

Considering the fact the trail passes parts of a floodplain, the following requirements are imposed on visitors: adequate footwear, waterproof during the cold period of the year; mosquito repellent; drinking water; sunglasses and a sun hat.

Water route difficulty degree:

Since the route takes place on water, the following requirements are imposed on visitors: appropriate behavior; maximum attention to the guide's commands; adequate footwear, waterproof during the cold period of the year; mosquito repellent; drinking water; sunglasses and sun hat.

Reporter -  Lilia Grubîi