First eco-tourism route was opened in the area of the future Orhei National Park

The first eco-tourism route from Alexandru Donici Museum House to the Curchi Monastery was launched on May 25 in the area of the future Orhei National Park. With the support of the United Nations Development Program, the route was marked with information panels describing the cultural and historical values and the route map, as well as the natural heritage of the first National Park, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a UNDP press release, the route was previously known only by the locals. Now, the locals and tourists will benefit from specially equipped recreation areas, from which they will be able to admire the landscape. The Orhei National Park occupies 33,800 hectares in the Codrii Moldovei Forest and includes 18 settlements in 4 districts: Orhei, Straseni, Calarasi and Criuleni. “Besides socioeconomic and ecologic advantages, the Orhei National Park will help to preserve natural and cultural heritage through measures of rehabilitation of cultural monuments, by organizing folkloric festivals and other cultural activities”, said Deputy Minister of Environment Lazar Chirica at the launch festivity. The foundation of the first National Park is part of the Action Plan and the National Strategy for preserving biological diversity in Moldova. After evaluating several areas in 2006 for the creation of national parks, the Ministry of Environment chose Orheiul Vechi as the best option for economic, touristic and geographic reasons. The Park will benefit from protection and preservation, as it is the home of endangered species of wild animals and plants, and other elements and formations of ecologic, scientific and cultural value. “Creating the Park will provide solutions for social and economic problems faced by the communities in this area. Developing eco-tourism, extending the Wine Road route and accommodation capacities in the Orhei National Park will make the area more attractive for tourists”, said UNDP Moldova project manager Alexandru Rotaru. The project “Improving institutional capacities and the representativeness of the system of protected areas in Moldova” is implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Moldovan government, with the financial help of the World Environment Fund. The total budget of the project is estimated at $990,000.