Project Summary:

Sustainable management of water resources in accordance with the principle of integrated water management is a priority for Moldova. For further development of water policy and improvement of regulatory framework, the Ministry of Environment, with the support of its subordinated institutions, is responsible for ensuring ongoing dialogue with neighbouring countries on the integrated management of the transboundary water resources, with the ultimate goal to ensure amount, quality and quantity of water needed for sustainable socio-economic and healthy environment.

The importance of integrated management of the Nistru River is indisputable for the Republic of Moldova. It is the largest river in the country, covering 70% of water consumption’s needs, thus being considered a strategic surface water resource.

For the joint Moldovan-Ukrainian management of the Nistru River, a topic of major importance for Moldova is the impact of the operation of the Dniester Hydropower Complex (HPC).

The strategy of the project is to improve environmental and social conditions in the Nistru River Basin District through enhanced management of water resources on the basis of updated regulatory framework, comprehensive and reliable river basin management planning, improved water management institutional capacities and implementation of practical environmental activities that would improve the ecological status of the Nistru River, identified as part of the Nistru Impact Study (2021).

The importance of the project implementation is substantiated by the fact that the Nistru River and its tributaries are the main source of water supply for agriculture, industry and the two million inhabitants living in the Moldova part of the Nistru River, including the Transnistrian region. However, Nistru River and its tributaries are facing severe environmental and social problems due to the impacts associated with the water flow regime and water quality, including caused by the HPC activity.

Therefore, appropriate management of the Nistru River Basin relies on strong implementing institutions, renovated infrastructure, close inter-sectorial cooperation, and effective public participation are crucial too for supporting sustainable development.

Objectives:

• To increase the capacity of the Moldovan Government to sustainably manage the Nistru River basin, both at the national and at the transboundary levels;
• To ensure that Moldova has an adequate regulatory framework for the sustainable river management on the basis of the basin wide approach;
• To provide the Moldovan Government with a comprehensive and realistic Management Plan for the Nistru River Basic District, updated for the next management cycle in compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive;
• To provide continuous support for enhancement of capacities of national authorities responsible for water management, as well as Moldovan representatives under joint Moldovan and Ukrainian bodies tasked with cross-border management of the Nistru River;
• Improvement of ecological conditions of the Nistru River.

Expected results:

• National water related regulatory framework developed towards compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD);

• The second Management Plan of the Nistru River Basin District elaborated in accordance with the EU WFD and pertaining national regulatory framework;
• National water management authorities capacitated to participate in the activities of the Commission for the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Nistru River;
• Better management of the Dniester HPC in view of social and environmental needs downstream;
• Support with relevant expertise, trainings and negotiating skills the Group for negotiating the Agreement on the Functioning of Dniester HPC;
• Functions and staff structure of Apele Moldovei Agency adjusted to comply with integrated water management needs;
• Capacity development for transboundary water quality monitoring. Wide range of hydro-chemical data flow established and permanently received in automatic regime;
• Nistru River Spring Ecological Discharge Optimization Study developed;
• Sampling program on Nistru, tributaries, and underground waters conducted and analyzed;
• A study and a road map in establishing adequate legislation and institutions in fishery sector developed;
• Low Nistru oxbow rehabilitation plan developed;
• Practical measures for biodiversity rehabilitation implemented.