Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Wetlands - natural heritage assets, vital for country's sustainable development

Wetlands represent one of the most valuable compartments of the natural heritage, whose condition largely determines the efficiency of the sustainable development of Moldova’s national economy.

World Wetlands Day 2025: Protecting Ecosystems for Our Common Future

The Wetlands Convention, known as the RAMSAR Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty whose major goal is international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.

This day was first celebrated in 1997, in order to mark the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, which took place on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the coast of the Caspian Sea. The Republic of Moldova ratified the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as a habitat for water birds, by Parliament Decision No. 504-XVI of July 14, 1999, and became a member of this Convention in June 2000, when the 'Lower Prut Lakes' area (191.5 km2) was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

The subject for 2025 – 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future' – shows the urgency of actions for the conservation of these ecosystems and aligns with the topics discussed at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), which will take place from July 23-31, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

This year, campaigns dedicated to World Wetlands Day highlight the need for firm measures to combat pollution, restore damaged ecosystems, and manage aquatic resources sustainably. The protection of these habitats is essential, as wetlands provide fresh water, maintain climate balance by storing carbon dioxide, protect against floods, and serve as a refuge for rich biodiversity. They also support numerous economic activities, such as fishing, cultivation of rice, tourism, and the supply of drinking water.

Benefits of Wetlands

Wetlands bring important benefits in economic, social, cultural, scientific, recreational-touristic aspects:

Pride of Moldova

Moldova has three wetlands of international importance covering a total area of about 90,000 ha and serving as a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna at risk of extinction:

Considering their ecological, social, cultural, scientific, recreational-touristic importance for Moldova, these three internationally important wetlands have been awarded protection status by Law No. 1538 – XIII of February 25, 1998, concerning the fund of state protected natural areas (Annex No. 13).

Moreover, for the Ramsar sites Lower Dniester  and Unguri-Holoșnița, management plans have been developed containing provisions to ensure the conservation of biodiversity, history and culture, risk reduction, and the development of international collaboration in the field.

'Lower Prut' Natural Reserve – a Treasure of Biodiversity

In southern Moldova, where the Prut River embraces the meadows and forests, the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, is placed  a fascinating place for nature lovers.

Lake Beleu, the jewel of the reserve, hosts an impressive diversity of wildlife. Over 240 species of birds live here, 51 of which are included in the Red Book of   Moldova. Among them, there are egrets, pelicans, herons, and swans. The viewpoints and birdwatching tower give possibility to admire spectacular landscapes – a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers.

If you want to discover a place where wild nature reveals its authentic beauty, where you can enjoy silence and breathtaking landscapes, the Lower Prut' Reserve is the perfect place.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii