Mrs. Ina Coseru, chair of The National Environmental Center discussing with a representative from the General Department of Agroindustrial Complex of Gagauzia Region
© National Environmental Centre of the Republic of Moldova
From 12 to 30 July 2019, in the framework of the EUWI+ project, the National Environmental Center of the Republic of Moldova organised five public consultations in five regions of the country: Edineț, Hâncești, Fălești, Comrat and Cahul.
170 people expressed their views on their river basin’s main challenges
Over 170 people participated in these consultations: mayors, representatives from Regional Infrastructure Departments, the Environment Protection Inspection (EPI) and the Public Health Centre (PHC).
The most common questions related to:
- a need to elaborate water use regulations for different water bodies
- the lack of staff specialised in the environment at city halls
- and how potential projects can be funded
All of the feedback will be communicated to the Danube Prut and Black Sea River District Committee for further analysis and for inclusion in future management plans.
Public consultation in Cahul, Republic of Moldova, July 2019
© National Environmental Centre of the Republic of Moldova
Challenges in agricultural practices concerning water use and pollution
The head of Briceni region warned that the massive use of pesticides in orchards is affecting the ecosystem and the water quality of the river basin, and, in the long term, public health.
Mr. Vladimir Tabirta, Vice-president of Falesti region during the Public consultation in Falesti, Republic of Moldova, July 2019
© National Environmental Centre of the Republic of Moldova
Invoking the fact that people are not fully aware of the water resource dynamics in their region, the representative of the local NGO (Fălești) promoting ecological agriculture advocated carrying out awareness-raising campaigns. He also suggested increasing and tightening environmental control measures at the same time as improving good agricultural practices (e.g. use of organic fertilisers) and monitoring rivers.
Public consultations: a key component of River Basin Management Planning
The Danube-Prut and Black Sea river basin management plan is being developed within EUWI+, with the aim of improving the quality of drinking water, promoting safe conditions for leisure activities, ensuring prosperous economic activities, and conserving biodiversity and aquatic life. It also increases the chances of financial and institutional support for certain projects, in line with identified priorities.
Public consultations are part of River Basin Management Planning: the purpose of these consultations is to gather information from civil society representatives and stakeholders to develop an inclusive River Basin Management Plan. Because inhabitants of the Danube - Prut and Black Sea River Basin District (DPBSR) will be affected by the plan’s measures, they are given the opportunity to get involved in deciding the priorities of action.
