Moldova is still at the bottom of the European league in terms of forested areas. With an afforestation rate of just 11%, it is well below the European average of 35%. For decades, forests have been ignored, exploited and transformed from a common heritage into a private resource. However, times are changing and the strategic afforestation program is already bringing tangible results, Environment Minister Sergiu Lazarencu noted at the National Afforestation Forum held today in Chisinau, IPN reports.
"We have the first 16 thousand hectares afforested and by the end of the year we will have 22 thousand hectares. Afforestation is not a negotiating ground, but a commitment for the future. Whoever wants to be part of this effort must sit down at the table in good faith, with responsibility and respect for the law and for the people", emphasized the Minister of Environment.
Sergiu Lazarencu mentioned that the National Program for Forest Expansion and Rehabilitation is not just about planting trees, it is "a reform of the entire forestry sector from the ground up".
Digitalization, capacity building of forestry enterprises, timber traceability, separation of duties are transformations that will help in the fight against illegalities and corruption in the system, the minister pointed out.
Last year, Moldova's forest development program with an estimated budget of 435 million euros was developed.
"This project has already allowed us to sign a contract for a €200 million financing with the European Investment Bank - an absolute premiere for the forestry sector in our country," the official reported.
Sergiu Lazarencu also emphasized the contribution of the French Development Agency (AFD) to strengthening the forestry sector in Moldova, which amounts to 40 million euro.
Present at the forum, Head of the AFD Office in Moldova, Maxime Lebovics, said that investments in afforestation are a certainty for the future, "forests are our allies in preserving biodiversity, building resilience in communities and fighting climate change".
Maxime Lebovics said that the Republic of Moldova's commitment to reform including legislation and to expand forested areas by more than 150 thousand hectares is truly an important mission that will lead to ecological sustainability.
The National Afforestation Forum was held under the theme: "For every tree, for every future".
