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National Implementation of Agenda 21
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Information Provided by the Government of Republic of Moldova to
the
United Nations Department for Policy Coordination and
Sustainable Development
|
This country profile has been provided by:
Name of Ministry/Office: Department for Environmental Protection
Date: 12 November 1996
Submitted by: Arcadie Capcelea, First Deputy General Director
Mailing address: Stefan cel Mare 73 Chisinau, 2001 R. Moldova
Telephone: (373 2) 22 74 23
Telefax: (373 2) 23 38 06
E-mail: eco@cni.md
Note from the Secretariat: An effort has been made to present all country profiles within a common format, with an equal number of pages. However, where Governments have not provided information for the tables appended to Chapters 4 and 17, those tables have been omitted entirely in order to reduce the overall length of the profile and save paper. Consequently, there may be some minor inconsistencies among the formats of the different country profiles.
All statistics are rendered as provided by the respective Governments.
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| APELL | Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level |
| CFC | chlorofluorocarbon |
| CGIAR | Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research |
| CILSS | Permanent Inter-State Committee on Drought Control in the Sahel |
| EEZ | exclusive economic zone |
| ECA | Economic Commission for Africa |
| ECE | Economic Commission for Europe |
| ECLAC | Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean |
| ELCI | Environmental Liaison Centre International |
| EMINWA | environmentally sound management of inland water |
| ESCAP | Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific |
| ESCWA | Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia |
| FAO | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| GATT | General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade |
| GAW | Global Atmosphere Watch (WMO) |
| GEF | Global Environment Facility |
| GEMS | Global Environmental Monitoring System (UNEP) |
| GEMS/WATER | Global Water Quality Monitoring Programme |
| GESAMP | Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution |
| GIPME | Global Investigation of Pollution in Marine Environment (UNESCO) |
| GIS | Geographical Information System |
| GLOBE | Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment |
| GOS | Global Observing System (WMO/WWW) |
| GRID | Global Resource Information Database |
| GSP | generalized system of preferences |
| HIV | human immunodeficiency virus |
| IAEA | International Atomic Energy Agency |
| IAP-WASAD | International Action Programme on Water and Sustainable Agricultural Development |
| IARC | International Agency for Research on Cancer |
| IBSRAM | International Board of Soil Resources and Management |
| ICCA | International Council of Chemical Associations |
| ICES | International Council for the Exploration of the Sea |
| ICPIC | International Cleaner Production Information Clearing House |
| ICSC | International Civil Service Commission |
| ICSU | International Council of Scientific Unions |
| IEEA | Integrated environmental and economic accounting |
| IFAD | International Fund for Agricultural Development |
| IGADD | Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development |
| IGBP | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (ICSU) |
| IGBP/START | International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme/Global Change System for Analysis, Research and Training |
| ILO | International Labour Organisation |
| IMF | International Monetary Fund |
| IMO | International Maritime Organization |
| INFOTERRA | International Environment Information system (UNEP) |
| IOC | Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission |
| IPCC | Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change |
| IPCS | International Programme on Chemical Safety |
| IPM | integrated pest management |
| IRPTC | International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals |
| ITC | International Tin Council |
| ITTO | International Tropical Timber Organization |
| IUCN | International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources |
| MARPOL | International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships |
| OECD | Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development |
| PGRFA | plant genetic resources for agriculture |
| PIC | prior informed consent procedure |
| SADCC | South African Development Co-ordination Conference |
| SARD | sustainable agriculture and rural development |
| UNCTAD | United Nations Conference on Trade and Development |
| UNDP | United Nations Development Programme |
| UNDRO | Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator |
| UNEP | United Nations Environment Programme |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |
| UNFPA | United Nations Population Fund |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund |
| UNIDO | United Nations Industrial Development Organization |
| UNU | United Nations University |
| WCP | World Climate Programme (WMO/UNEP/ICSU/UNESCO) |
| WFC | World Food Council |
| WHO | World Health Organization |
| WMO | World Meteorological Organization |
| WWF | World Wide Fund for Nature (also called World Wildlife Fund) |
| WWW | World Weather Watch (WMO) |
1. Name of Key National Sustainable Development Coordination Mechanism(s)/Council(s).
1. Department for Environmental Protection 2. Council for Science and Sustainable Human Development
Contact point (Name, Title, Office): 1. S. Fandofan, General Director of the Department for Environmental Protection 2. A. Andries, Academy of Science, President
Telephone: 1. (373 2) 22 61 61 Fax: e-mail:
Mailing address: 1. Stefan cel Mare bul. 73, Chisinau, 2001 2. Stefan cel Mare bul. 1, Chisinau, 2001
2. Membership/Composition/Chairperson: 1. S. Fandofan 2. A. Andries
2a. List of ministries and agencies involved:
No member from Government institutions
2b. Names of para-statal bodies and institutions involved, as well as participating of academic and private sector bodies:
2. Academy of Science, State University, Technical and Medical Universities
2c. Names of non-governmental organizations involved:
2. Unions of writers, businessmen, National Academy of Ecology.
3. Mandate role of above mechanism/council:
2. To formulate recommendations and proposals for the President regarding efficient social and science state policy. Promoting public awareness and understanding of the cultural, social, economic and political changes required to attain sustainable development.
4. If available, attach a diagram (organization chart) showing national coordination structure and linkages between ministries:
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 2: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND RELATED DOMESTIC
POLICIES (with special emphasis on TRADE)
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 3: COMBATING POVERTY
Moldova's standard of living has faced significant decline
since independence. In 1992, 79% of the population lived
below the poverty level. In 1993, more than 50% of the population
could not afford a minimum basket of goods. This
situation was exacerbated by the complete price liberalizations of
previously subsidized foods which took place in June
1994. While in 1990, food expenditures were 38.3% of all
expenditures, they increased to 60% in 1994.
Focus of national strategy
Highlight activities aimed at the poor and linkages to the
environment
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The economic transition process
has led to a serious growth of unemployment. While the official
rate at the beginning of 1995 was equal to 25,000, unofficial
estimates refer to 250,000 or even 350,000 unemployed
people when "hidden" unemployment is taken into consideration.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Unemployment ( in 1,000)1 | 13.0 | 25.0 | |||
| Population living in absolute poverty | |||||
| Public spending on social sector % | |||||
| 1 Source: Moldovian Economic Trends. Ministry
of Economy, 1996. (official statistic data)
| |||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 4: CHANGING CONSUMPTION
PATTERNS
National policy objectives/focus
At present, changes in production and consumption patterns are
primarily a result of the economic crisis. But the
Government also initiated some activities to reduce the consumption
of energy and natural resources, to recycle waste and
to introduce environmentally friendly technologies. Tax reductions
and exemptions are in place for investments in
environmentally sound technologies. An increase of prices for water
and energy also resulted in reduced consumption of
natural resources.
In 1988, legislation was introduced to reduce water
consumption. It promotes closed water circuits and low water
consuming technologies in industry, reduced water consumption
through irrigation in agriculture, and the reduction of
water losses in the sewerage system. The Government also introduced
taxes for water utilization in agriculture, for the use
of underground water and for water pollution. Due to these measures
and the economic situation, water consumption and
discharges of waste water have been reduced in recent years.
In the energy sector, the economic crisis resulted in a
decrease of energy production. The Government decided to take
measures to promote energy saving. In 1993, in the process of
industrial conversion, enterprises begun to produce
electric, thermic, gas and water meters to enable people to better
control their use of natural resources. The Ministry of
Architecture and Construction was assigned to develop energy saving
projects and do research on the installation of
individual gas thermogenerators for heating systems. The Government
Program 1994 - 1997 also gives special attention to
the reduction of energy consumption. It envisages restructuring of
the energy sector, research on energy efficiency and the
implementation of new energy sources.
National targets
The Government wants to attain energy costs of production
which are characteristic for developed countries and
reduce the raw-material consumption in industry to the level
possible through best available technology.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The State Department for
Energetical Resources and the organisation Apele Moldovei
(Moldovan Waters) are responsible for activities concerning
consumption and production patterns. Legislation was adopted
to reduce water and energy consumption. Legislation on energy
saving was drafted and a concept for industry
development was prepared which provides for the reduction of raw
material consumption.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Energy consumption
audits were carried out in several factories in order to
estimate energy conservation opportunities.
3. Major Groups: Academic institutions are involved in the
development of non-traditional energy sources and NGOs
are involved in policy-making for energy conservation.
4. Finance: The EBRD has provided a loan for the
improvement of heating systems in Chisinau-City.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Through the TACIS
programme, the EU supports activities of the National
Agency for the Efficient Use of Energy.
| GDP per capita (current US$) | 290 | 350 | 327 | 392 | |||
| Real GDP growth (%) | |||||||
| Annual energy consumption per capita (Kg. of oil equivalent per capita) | 1,182 | ||||||
| Motor vehicles in use per 1000 inhabitants | 38.9 | 51.3 | 40.3 | ||||
| Other data
| |||||||
Government policies affecting consumption and production.
1. Goals and Agents (Stakeholders)
Indicate with a (x) those agents which your Governments policies are meant most to influence.
| Agents Goals | |||||
| Material efficiency | |||||
| Energy efficiency: | |||||
| Transport | |||||
| Housing | |||||
| Other | |||||
| Waste: | |||||
| Reduce | |||||
| Reuse | |||||
| Recycle |
Comments:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 5: DEMOGRAPHIC DYNAMICS AND
SUSTAINABILITY
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: | ||||
| STATUS REPORT: During the last years,
Moldova has faced a declining population growth rate resulting from
a
declining birth rate and an increasing death rate. Economic
difficulties and lack of social and medical services
during the transition period are seen as the underlying reasons for
the declining birth rate. Between 1989 and
1991, Moldova's birth rate dropped by 33%. The increase in mortality includes increases in maternal, child and infant mortality, increases in murder and suicide, decreases in labour security regulations, increases in alcohol related illness and mortality and an overall reduced capacity of the medical system.
The Government considers both population growth and fertility level as satisfactory and intents to maintain the status quo.
| ||||
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Population (Thousands) mid-year estimates | 4,364 | 4,356 | 4,351 | |
| Annual rate of increase (1990-1993) | -0.1 | |||
| Natural growth of population | 8.0 | 9.5 | 2.5 | |
| Life expectancy (years) | 68.3 | 67.7 | 66.1 | |
| Surface area (Km2) | 33,700 | 33,840 | ||
| Population density (people/Km2) | 129 | 130 | ||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 6: PROTECTING AND PROMOTING
HUMAN HEALTH
Under the socialist system of the Soviet Union, health care
was guaranteed to the population and provided free of
charge. Now, under the free-market economic system, health care is
expected to come largely under the control of the
private sector.
The Ministry of Health initiated several activities to
specifically address the women's health care crisis, including
maternal and reproductive health. A National Family Planning
Conference was held and called for a coordinated and
multilateral approach to the resolution of the problems associated
with reproductive health. At present, women in Moldova
have the shortest life expectancy of all European women (71.0
years); the maternal mortality rate is four times higher than
the European average; and the infant mortality rate is three times
higher. Due to the public's limited familiarity with and
access to family planning methods and services, abortion serves as
a common means of family planning. Moldovan
women average 2.5 abortions in their lifetime; 20% of maternal
deaths are caused by abortion-related complications.
Environmental pollution, particularly the extensive chemical
pollution of water resources and air, have serious
consequences for the Moldovan population. The most important
environment-health problem is the nitrite pollution of
groundwaters (more than 60%) which are the main sources for
drinking water supply for more than half of the population.
The overuse of agricultural chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers,
and their remnants in food and water result in abnormal
rates of gastrohepatic pathologies. Regions with waters polluted
with said chemicals suffer from 380% higher infant
mortality rates, 120% higher adult mortality rates and 570% higher
hepatic morbidity than unpolluted regions. Measures
have been taken to reduce the use of chemicals in agriculture, e.g.
through the use of biological methods for plant
protection and, as a result, the use of chemicals has decreased
significantly during the last years. An Interdepartmental
Council was established to certify chemical products used in
agriculture.
The Moldovan population also suffers from environmental
accidents and hazards occurring in neighbouring nations,
particularly from the effects of the meltdown of the nuclear
reactor in Chernobyl. Cancer rates in the north of the country
are 40 times higher than in the south.
The Ministry of Labour has reported of increased trauma and
mortality in the workplace due to increasingly dangerous
work conditions.
The official rate of alcoholism in Moldova in 1994, was three
times the rate recorded in 1986. The increased
availability of alcohol, combined with high rates of unemployment
and overall social decline, create an environment for
the abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs.
The Ministry of Health has set forth the following key
strategies in order to address the most urgent medical needs and
halt the decline of the health care system: immunization, family
planning and sexual education, improvement of maternal
and child health care, provision of early and timely treatment of
illnesses and provision of improved treatment to patients
suffering from chronicle illnesses. The Ministry also supports the
country's sustainable development policy in order to
eventually eliminate environmentally-induced health problems.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The Moldovan health system, like
other facets of the social system, has been seriously affected by
the economic transition process. Currently, Moldova has only 30% of
the medications it requires and a huge deficit of
anaesthetics, analgesics, antibiotics and other medical supplies.
Preventible malnutrition, hypovitaminosis and anaemia are
increasing. The Government adopted a National Programme for Health
Protection 1995-1997.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Health is
responsible for activities under this chapter. In 1993,
legislation was adopted on the sanitary and epidemiologic insurance
of the population, and within the Ministry the
Sanitary-Epidemiologic Division was founded. Due to lack of
financial resources, however, programmes envisaged could
not be implemented. In 1995, the Law on Health Protection was
approved. Special legislation was adopted to reduce
fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Two family planning
training sessions for regional health practitioners have
been held. Due to higher salaries in the private sector, many
physicians and health personnel have left state-run hospitals
and health organizations to join private sector institutions.
Within the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Clinical
Medicine and Preventive Inspection is undertaking research on
health topics, e.g. on the health effects through fertilizers and
pesticides. The National Centre of Medical Genetics is also
undertaking research in the field of health and the environment.
Analytical laboratories have been established throughout
the country in order to collect data and monitor the health
sector.
3. Major Groups:
4. Finance: The national health care budget, at US$ 20 per
person per year, is only 35% of that required for minimal
health care services. The Ministry of Health has determined that it
requires a total of US$ 200 million to halt the decline
in the nation's health care system and achieve reform based on
international health care standards. In 1994, Moldova
received international assistance in the health sector valued at
US$ 3.4 million.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF
and the IPPF support the Ministry of Health's
activities.
| 1991 | ||||||
| Life expectancy at birth Male Female | 62.4 68.8 | 65.5 72.3 | 64.3 71.0 | 64.3 71.0 |
| |
| Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) | ||||||
| Maternal mortality rate (per 100000 live births) | 44a | |||||
| Access to safe drinking water (% of population) | ||||||
| Access to sanitation services (% of population) | ||||||
| a 1990
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 7: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE HUMAN
SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT
| NATIONAL PRIORITY: | |
| STATUS REPORT: The economic and political crisis
of recent years has seriously affected the development of human
settlements. Of most concern is the decrease in the volume of
housing construction and in the maintenance of
infrastructure such as sewerage, water pipelines and gasification.
Although the Government developed some settlement
programmes, only a few of them could be implemented. Attention is
being given to ensuring the supply of gas and fresh
water. Housing construction will be handed over to the private
sector, with the exception of the supply for vulnerable
social groups.
Full information concerning this chapter was presented in the "National Report to HABITAT II" - June, 1996.
|
1. Decision-Making Structure: Legislation especially
addressing sustainable development of human settlements has not
been adopted, but general legislation addresses some issues related
to human settlements. Thus, the Law on the Sanitary-Epidemiological
Protection of the Population calls for sanitary norms in
construction projects and for the protection of
human health in general. The Law on the Protection of the
Environment requires ecological expertise in construction
projects. The Law on the Priorities of Social Development
stipulates a 10-year period for the implementation of the State
Program of gasification and water supply in rural localities.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Government
presented a project proposal to HABITAT in order to attract
international assistance for the development of human
settlements.
| Urban population in % of total population | 47.8 | 47.0 | |
| Annual rate of growth of urban population (%) | 2.4 | 1.9 | |
| Largest city population (in % of total population) | 15.7 | ||
| Other data
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 8: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT IN DECISION-MAKING
The government has formulated the political, economic and
social priorities to overcome this situation and to shape the
country's development process, and integrated environmental issues
into these priorities.
The Programme of Privatisation is one of the fundamentals of
present policies. 2/3 of all state controlled property is
subject to privatisation. It was ensured that, apart of land,
natural resources are state patrimony and are not supposed to be
privatised. The problem of compensating environmental damages
resulting from objects that are subject to privatisation
has not fully been solved.
As a part of the re-industrialization efforts, the improved
use of local raw material sources is envisaged and energy
saving technologies are being promoted.
Environmental issues were considered before UNCED. In 1987,
the Parliament adopted the Complex Program for
Environmental Protection and Rational Use of the Natural Resources
until 2005. In 1994, the Territorial Scheme for
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources until 2010 was
carried out. The Territorial Scheme calls for measures to
ensure an ecological equilibrium in Moldova, especially through the
establishment of a system of protected areas. Annual
plans of measures for protection of the environment are being
carried out. In 1993, the Government approved a decision
calling for the development of a new national ecological program
adjusted to the economic transition process. With the
support of the World Bank, the National Programme for Strategic
Action in the Environment and the National
Environmental Action Plan were elaborated and approved in 1995.
They provide strategic guidelines until the year 2020
and an Action Plan for the years 1996 - 1998. The National
Programme and the Action Plan support environmental
conservation, resource protection, ecological monitoring, rural
development, forest conservation, biodiversity protection,
potable water supply and protection and technology transfer and
calls for financial support for this national effort. The
national programme also addresses the impact of the national
transition, including the privatization of land and industry,
on the environment. This is particularly important as the state
will lose direct control over these units, and without
regulations, the drive for profit could lead to environmental
disregard. The Government recognizes that the transition to a
market economy does not automatically guarantee the pursuit of
sustainable development. The National Programme and
the Action Plan therefore work to promote the integration of
economic and environmental decision-making. The
programmes also call for the creation of laws, the establishment
of an "Environmental Code" and the licensing and/or
prohibition of negative environmental activities. A licensing
system for the use of natural resources has been implemented
already.
In February 1995, Moldova held its first National Conference
on Sustainable Human Development with the
participation of the President of the Republic of Moldova, high
level governmental and ministerial officials, scientists and
academicians and with the support of UNDP. The conference reviewed
Moldova's development and resulted in the First
National Human Development Report.
The non-availability of Agenda 21 in the Russian or Romanian
language is a serious constraint to the implementation
of sustainable development and reduces the number of people working
on this issue at the national level to a small circle
of government employees and experts.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: All policies and all activities
in Moldova are determined from the continuing economic and
political
crisis resulting from the transition process since the country
became independent in 1991. All economic parameters
indicate an economic collapse since 1990. Production of all sectors
decreased significantly, total industrial production in
1995 was 60% less than in 1990, agricultural production in 35% less
in 1995 than in 1990. Capital investments in the first
quarter of 1994 was 14% of the investments in the same period in
1989.
1. Decision-Making Structure (please also refer to the fact
sheet): The establishment of a Central Coordinating
Mechanism for Sustainable Development is foreseen in the National
Programme for Strategic Action in the Environment.
A Department for Environmental Protection was established in 1990.
Several specialized institutions and agencies were
founded to cooperate with the department in the implementation of
environmental polices (they are mentioned under the
sectoral chapters). The administrative structure for environmental
management and the structure of the Department for
Environmental Protection are presented on page vii and viii of this
Country Profile. These structures now need better
coordination and consolidation.
The Constitution guarantees the right on a favourable
environment and free access to environmental information. In
the general process of renewing legislation over the past few
years, comprehensive legislation has been introduced to
implement and support environmental management and protection:
Environmental Impact Assessments are mandatory for all
projects and programs that might have an impact on the
environment. EIAs are carried out through the Ecological Expert
Evaluation Unit. The control of the implementation of
ecological legislation is carried out through the procurator's
office of ecology.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Within the
Department for Environmental Protection, an Inspection of
Environmental Quality has been established to examine violations of
ecological legislation, to control the ecological
consequences of economic activities and to put forward the polluter
pays principle. Environmental quality standards have
been developed. Several state associations have been established to
control environmental protection and to monitor the
use of resources. "Moldsilva" is responsible for the protection of
fauna and forests, "Aceom" is monitoring mineral
resources and underground waters, "Acva" is controlling the water
resources.
3. Major Groups: The Law on Environmental Protection
determines the rights and responsibilities of local governments
and individuals in environmental protection, e.g. it ensures the
right of the public to participate in decision-making
concerning activities which might influence the environment. Since
1995, NGOs like the Ecological Movement which is
the largest environmental NGO in Moldova, participate in
decision-making processes.
4. Finance: The annual social and economic costs of
environmental pollution and degradation are estimated at US$ 130 -
216 million. Environmental expenditures in 1995 were less than 1%
of GDP.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Moldova seeks to
revise its environmental standards in accordance with
European Union standards, and cooperates with the United Nations to
pursue sustainable development. The Government
has signed the Plan of Actions for Central and Eastern European
Countries. Agreements have been established with the
Ministry of Environment of Romania (inter alia on the protection of
the river Prut) and with the Ministry for
Environmental Protection of Ukraine (e.g. on the management of the
rivers Nistru and Danube).
- the Law on Environmental Protection (1993),
- the Waters Code (1993),
- the Underground Code (1993),
- the Land Code (1991),
- the Forest Code (1996),
- the Law on Sanitary and Epidemiologic Protection of the
Population (1993),
- the Law on the Protection of Consumers (1993),
- the Law on Fauna (1995),
- the Law on Ecological Expertise and Environmental Impact
Assessment (1996).
Several Government and Parliamentary decisions amend this
legislation and further legislation has been submitted to the
Parliament on the state fund on protected areas and on waste
control. Along with legislation, charges have been introduced
for the use of natural resources like water, soil, flora and fauna
as well as fines for environmental pollution.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 9: PROTECTION OF THE
ATMOSPHERE
The Montreal Protocol was ratified in 1996. The London and
Copenhagen Amendments have not been ratified.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was
signed in 1992 and ratified in 1995.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Air pollution results from industrial and agricultural
activities and from traffic and consists most significantly of
dust,
nitric oxides, sulphate oxides, carbonic oxides and heavy metals.
In industry, only 30% of all enterprises have air
pollution purification systems, and some 20% of them are not
functional. The decrease of industrial production during the
last years, while economically stressful, has resulted in a
dramatic decline of pollutants from industry (see Indicators).
Despite the decrease of emissions, air quality in cities does not
always meet health requirements. There are only few
monitoring stations in the country, monitoring equipment is partly
inappropriate.
Moldova also suffers effects from transboundary air pollution.
It is estimated that air pollution resulting from other
countries, particularly from Ukraine, Romania, Czech Republic and
Slovakia, contributes four to five times more
pollution to Moldova's air than national sources.
Moldova has only two hydroelectric power station and is forced
to import almost all its energy resources. Given this
situation, the potential of renewable energy sources has been
explored. It has been found that solar energy is particularly
applicable to the country and that there is also a potential for
the use of wind energy. Biogas is relatively unexplored in
Moldova, but the agricultural base presents a strong potential for
biogas production and utilization. Tax exemptions have
been introduced for the installation of energy saving
technologies.
The energy supply system also suffers from a high degree of
energy losses due to inappropriate technologies and lack
of control.
Transport depends to a large extent on road transport. The
development of a programme to strengthen the national
railway system is planned.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The State Department for
Energetical Resources is responsible for energy related
policies.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: In order to address
all energy related issues, three non-governmental
organisations have been created: the National Council for Energy
Conservation, the Centre for a Sustainable Energy
Policy and the National Agency for the Efficient Use of Energy.
Several pilot projects have been implemented.
The Academy of Science undertook investigations on renewable
energy sources and successfully implemented pilot
projects for the use of bioreactors. The national industry is
producing solar technologies and Moldovan scientists currently
specialize in solar cell technology and application. The company
Incommas, with the support of Israeli partners, produces
solar heating systems for households, municipal buildings and for
the agricultural sector. The Mecagro Industrial and
Scientific Association is implementing a technological line for the
manufacturing of energy producing wind installations.
3. Major Groups: See under Capacity-Building.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development supports a project to
reduce energy losses and to increase energy efficiency in the
capital. The EU TACIS programme supports activities in this
sector.
| CO2 emissions (1000 tons) | 70.0 | 74.0 | 35.0 | |
| SOx emissions (1000 tons) | 28.3 | 33.0 | 7.8 | |
| NOx emissions (1000 tons) | 39.0 | 21.8 | ||
| CH4 " | 11.0 | 5.8 | ||
| Consumption of ozone depleting substances (Tons) | ||||
| Expenditure on air pollution abatement in US$ equivalents (million) | 0.55a | 1.1 | 0 | |
| a 1985
CO2 emissions result primarily from energy production, SO2 emissions are mostly caused from energy production and industry. Reductions of these emissions were achieved through a change in the use of wood, coal and diesel in favour of gas. NOx emissions were reduced by 20% from 1983 to 1990. Lead emissions from industry and transport decreased by 23% from 1980 to 1990. Total emissions from transport, especially CO2, have been significantly reduced in the past decade: from 551,600 tons in 1985 to 127,000 tons in 1994. | ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 10: INTEGRATED APPROACH TO
THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND
RESOURCES
Under the National Program for Strategic Action in the
Environment, the Government introduced new
environmentally-conscious schemes for natural resources utilization
(particularly the use of forests and land), fertilizer and
pesticide control, and water, air and soil protection.
Recent political and socio-economic conditions require both
new plans for local land use and the reform of the
administrative-territorial division of the Republic. A new land use
policy is needed which will allow the local public
administration to benefit from municipal property taxes and fees.
One of the first steps in this direction is the reform of
the system for land registration, which has already begun with the
help of the World Bank.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The agricultural development
policies of the former Soviet Union contributed to the
environmental
degradation of Moldova. The specialization of farms, the excessive
use of pesticides and fertilizers and poor irrigation
practices played havoc with soils and water. Poor economic policies
in the industrial and agroindustry sector resulted in
further damage.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Within the Ministry of
Agriculture and Foodstuff the Department for Land Resources is
responsible for the planning and management of land resources.Many
rights have been delegated to local government. A
legal basis has been approved: the Land Code, the Law on Land
Monitoring and Cadastre, the Law on Land Taxes a.o..
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: With support of the
EU TACIS programme, the National Association of
Private Agricultural Farmers has been established. In the near
future a special non-governmental Agency for Assistance in
the Agricultural Private Sector will be established.
3. Major Groups: See under Capacity-Building.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The EU TACIS
programme and the World Bank have provided technical
assistance and loans for improving the private sector in
agriculture.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 11: COMBATING
DEFORESTATION
- improve the fuel supply of the population,
- improve forest guarding with the help of local authorities and
the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
- establish penalties for forest legislation violation,
- elaborate and implement a forest regeneration programme
1995-2000
In 1995, an annual National Day of the Green Tree was established
to be held on the first Saturday of April. On this day,
the whole nation is called to plant trees.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Reforestation and afforestation
programs have been developed, but due to financial constraints,
only
part of the programs have been implemented so far. Illegal logging
is increasing, due to rising prices for fuel and other
energy raw materials and destroyed many protection belts in recent
years, increasing the area in danger of erosion.
Legislation was enacted in order to
1. Decision-Making Structure: The state association
Moldsilva is responsible for forest management. Legislation was
enacted to address the issue of illegal logging and to establish
prices for forest resources utilization. A new Forest Code
was approved in 1996.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: A non-governmental
organization - Forest Progress - was created in 1995 to
ensure public participation in decision-making concerning forest
policy.
3. Major Groups: See under Capacity-Building.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Ministry of
Forests, Water and the Environment of Romania provided
technical assistance to the association Moldsilva in the field of
forest management.
| Forest Area (1,000 ha) | 301.2 | 317.6 | 379.1 | |
| Protected forest area | ||||
| Roundwood production (solid volume of roundwood without bark in mill m3) | ||||
| Deforestation rate (1,000 ha) | 2-3 | |||
| Reforestation rate (1,000 ha) | 3-5 | 2-3 | 0.2-0.3 | |
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 12: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: COMBATING DESERTIFICATION AND
DROUGHT
The International Convention to Combat Desertification in
Countries Experiencing Drought and/or Desertification
Particularly in Africa has not been signed.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
In 1994 and 1996, Moldova was subject to droughts affecting
agricultural production. Scientists consider that drought
might become an annual to biannual event in Moldova (see also
Chapter 18).
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Land affected by desertification (Km2) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 13: MANAGING FRAGILE
ECOSYSTEMS: SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 14: PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The effects of erosion cause additional problems. It is
estimated that about 80% of the country's territory are affected
from erosion and that the country looses 20 to 25 million tons of
its most fertile top soil annually. Apart of natural causes,
unsound agricultural practices are the main causes of soil erosion,
e.g. the exploitation of low-productive areas.
Steps have been taken in recent years in order to reduce the
use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture and a
significant reduction has been achieved.
In 1991, the Parliament approved the Concept of the Agrarian
Reform and Social Development in Rural Areas which
includes environmental protection demands to a great extent. The
concept calls for afforestation, maintaining natural
pedologic processes, the introduction of crop rotation,
minimization of soil processing, optimal use of mineral nutrients
and an integrated system of plant protection. The extent of
irrigation and land drying is to be reduced.
The privatisation of land is the core of the reform. A land
inventory has been carried out, prices for land plots have
been set and land distribution was initiated. The right to land
distribution and management was given to local authorities.
By July 1996, local authorities have received 53,000 applications
for farming land, land has already been distributed to
36,000 persons. However, many farms have not been registered
properly and the established plans have not always been
respected in the process of land distribution. The reform process
is also hindered through lack of technical, material and
financial support. Furthermore there are no consulting or training
facilities, especially for new and unexperienced farmers
and there is a lack of technical equipment for small-scale farming.
Since now only urban plots have been subject to
privatisation. The question of transforming agricultural land was
discussed by Parliament in December 1996.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Moldova is considered to be one
of the top-ranking agricultural nations in the world, due to the
chernozem soil which is rich in humus and constitutes 75% of the
land. However, the integrity of the soil has been
compromised after years intensive, chemically-supported
agriculture. Disregard of crop rotation and a high degree of
agricultural specialization and concentration resulted in the
application of large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides and in
soil degradation. It is estimated that the quality of the soils has
declined by 25% to 30% during the last decades. Further
problems result from livestock production: there is a lack of
technologies for waste water treatment and for the treatment
of offal.
1. Decision-Making Structure: Legislation has been enacted
to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.
The legislation relates to the production, sale and use of
pesticides, mineral fertilizers, biostimulators of growth of plants
in agriculture and forestry. Legislation has also been provided to
implement the Concept of the Agrarian Reform and
Social Development in Rural Areas.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Agricultural land (Km2) | 29,000 | 25,573 | ||
| Agricultural land as % of total land area | 86.0 | 75.6 | ||
| Agricultural land (m2 per capita) | 6,645 | |||
| Consumption of fertilizers per (kg/ha of agricultural land as of 1990) | 184 | 86 | 8.9 | |
| Data derived from Arcadie Capcelea: The
Republic of Moldova on the way to sustainable development, 1996
(p.72). The
National Report mentions a decline in the use of fertilizers from
197,400 tons in 1991 to 11,100 tons in 1995. According to Arcadie Capcelea: The Republic of Moldova on the way to sustainable development, 1996 (p.73), the application of pesticides decreased from 14.5 kg/ha in 1985 to 2.0 kg/ha in 1995.
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 15: CONSERVATION OF
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Convention on Biological Diversity was signed in 1992 and
ratified in 1995.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora has not been ratified.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Several protected areas have been created through the past years
and there are plans to establish some more national parks
and reservations. Protected areas then would cover 2.7% of the
national territory.
205 species were included into the national red list for protected
species.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The elaboration of a strategy
and policy for biodiversity conservation is the responsibility
of the Department for Environmental Protection. The management of
protected areas is carried out by the Association
Moldsilva (State natural preservation, protected forest areas) and
by local governments (natural monuments). A new and
comprehensive draft of the Law on the Foundation of Protected Areas
was elaborated and submitted to the Government in
1996. In 1996, the Department for Environmental Protection also
prepared the "Concept on Biodiversity Protection in the
Republic of Moldova".
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Moldova ratified the
Convention on Wildlife and Natural Habitats Conservation
in Europe (Bern, 1979).
| Protected area as % of total land area | 1.29 | 1.42 | |
| Number of threatened species | 55 | 205 | |
| The number of State Natural Reservations
increased from 1 in 1990 to 3 in 1993 and to 5 in 1995.
| |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 16: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 17: PROTECTION OF THE
OCEANS, ALL KINDS OF SEAS, INCLUDING ENCLOSED
AND SEMI-ENCLOSED SEAS, AND COASTAL AREAS AND THE PROTECTION,
RATIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LIVING RESOURCES
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea has not been
ratified.
This chapter is not relevant to the country.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: Not relevant.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Not relevant.
3. Major Groups: Not relevant.
4. Finance: Not relevant.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: Not relevant.
| Catches of marine species (metric tons) | ||||
| Population in coastal areas | ||||
| Population served by waste water treatment (% of
country's total population) | ||||
| Discharges of oil into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of phosphate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Releases of nitrate into coastal waters (metric tons) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 18: PROTECTION OF THE
QUALITY AND SUPPLY OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES:
APPLICATION OF INTEGRATED APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT,
MANAGEMENT AND USE OF WATER RESOURCES
Moldova has more than 650 water treatment plants, including 35
complex systems in urban areas. In 1993, only 40%
of them were in operation. About 70% of the population is connected
to waste water treatment plants. In 1994, over 1.81
billion m3 of waste water, including 16 million m3 of unpurified
residuals, and approximately 15 million m3 of
insufficiently purified water were dumped into the water system.
Industrial and agro-industrial plants sometimes do not
operate their existing waste water treatment plants, due to high
operation costs and due to lack of resources for repairs and
maintenance. Currently, 120 water purification systems are
seriously deteriorated of which only 46 can be repaired.
Broken waste water drainage systems are also a serious threat to
water resources. In 1992, 294 cases of broken drainage
systems were known.
Moldova was subject to agriculturally devastating droughts in
1994 and 1996 and meteorologists consider that drought
will become an annual to biannual event in Moldova. The situation
is worsening because of the large amount of water
consumed in industry and agriculture and the high rate of domestic
water use.
In the light of these difficulties, the Government approved
the Waters Code in 1993 and established a water
preservation policy calling for the following measures to ensure
sustainable use of waters:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The total water resources of
Moldova constitute 13,156 million m3, of which 12,910 million m3
are
terrestrial waters and 246 million m3 are underground waters. The
quality of Moldova's water resources is considered the
poorest in Europe, primarily due to residues from agricultural
chemicals. Most potable water resources are contaminated
to some extent, with nitrites, nitrates, fluor and residues of
pesticides . There are about 120,000 water wells in use, 60%
of which show high nitrite concentrations. Another local source of
water pollution, especially through fuels, are the
military facilities of the former Soviet Union.
- the declaration of water resources as communal property,
- the improvement of all water resources management and planning
through the use of advanced technologies,
- the improvement of water quality and the recycling of water used
in industry,
- the creation of adequate systems for the protection of rivers and
water reservoirs,
- the improvement of legislation on the utilization of water and
the initiation of scientific research, and
- the elaboration of water resources management programmes on the
rivers Nistru and Prut and for underground waters.
Several programs have been developed in recent years aiming to
improve the water supply, but due to financial
restrictions, they have not been fully implemented. Charges have
been introduced for water consumption and payments for
water pollution. Tax reductions have been introduced for water
saving technologies.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Department for
Environmental Protection and the State-Association Acva are
responsible for water management and water protection. The
Government adopted several decisions on fresh water
protection and on the management and use of mineral water sources.
Legislation has also been adopted to resolve water
pollution resulting from military facilities of the former Soviet
Union.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: The organization
Hidrometeo and the Sanitary-Epidemiologic Division of the
Ministry of Health carry out water quality analysis of surface
waters. The State-Association Acva carries out construction
work on water pipelines, sewerage systems and irrigation systems,
undertakes water protection and decontamination
measures and is assigned to develop water saving technologies. The
state association AGEOM carries out the cadaster of
underground waters and geological surveys and is responsible for
the monitoring, use and protection of underground
waters.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: In 1991, a system of payments was introduced
for all types of water uses and for waste water discharges.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The Republic of
Moldova signed an agreement with Ukraine concerning the
rational use and protection of transboundary waters. The Republic
of Moldova also signed the Danube Convention (1994)
and the Action Plan for Environmental Protection in the Danube
Basin (1995) and ratified the UN/ECE Convention on
Protection and Use of Transboundary River Courses and International
Lakes (Helsinki, 1992).
| Fresh water availability (total domestic/external in million m3) | 6,300 | 6,300 | 6,300 | |
| Annual withdrawal of freshwater as % of available water | 55 | 48 | 38 | |
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 19: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN TOXIC
AND DANGEROUS PRODUCTS
Dangerous substances result from 67 production facilities which
do not all have the possibilities to reuse this waste. In
1993, more than 30,000 tons of toxic wastes were stored in 69
storage facilities around cities and towns and in more than
1,300 places in rural areas. The total surface of these storage
areas in 1993 was about 750 ha. Dangerous substances are
often illegally deposited on these dump sites.
The Government decided to build facilities to destroy dangerous
substances and pesticides and to establish an institution
for research and management of dangerous substances. Neither of
these have been implemented due to the lack of
financial resources. The Government now seeks international
assistance in this field.
According to the Law on Environmental Protection (1993) the
import of any type of waste into the Republic of
Moldova is forbidden. A special waste dump was constructed for the
safe storage of radioactive wastes for 15-20 years.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: The Government is committed to
cleaning up waste sites, particularly toxic ones remaining from the
Soviet era, and establishing regulations to create and enforce
waste management schemes, particularly in the fields of
industry and agriculture. The Government is promoting the
establishment of both recycling and waste minimization
programmes and a national database to monitor waste sites and toxic
substances. Moldova seeks to coordinate and
implement programmes in accordance with European Union
standards.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Department of Environment
and the Ministry of Health are responsible for the
control of toxic substances and have the authority to issue
licenses for their production, transport and use. The Department
of Civil Defense is involved in the prevention of possible
accidents and the accounting of dangerous substances. The
Ministry of Agriculture is in charge of the import, storage and use
of fertilizers and pesticides.
The Law on the Protection of the Environment, the Law on the
Protection of the Consumer, the Law on Noxious
Substances and some general legislation refer to the production and
utilization of toxic substances. Provision is made for
the storage, usage and transport of dangerous substances. The
import of wastes is forbidden. But there is still a need for
more specific regulations. At present, the legislation of the
former USSR is being used until local standards and legislation
is approved. Legislation needed to join the Basel Convention has
been prepared. A Law on Wastes was drafted and
submitted to the Government in 1996.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: There is a lack of
scientific capacity to deal with dangerous substances, except
radioactive waste disposal.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: Funds for combatting environmental pollution
from wastes have been reduced over the last years, due to
financial constraints and the economic crisis.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Waste transported during one year (1,000 t) | ||||||
| Solid waste (1,000 t) | 2,908.3 | 3,353.9 | 3,444.7 | 3,593.8 | 1,568.9 | |
| Liquid waste (1,000 t) | 1,829.6 | 1,675.8 | 1,328.7 | 1,576.2 | 439.5 | |
| Surface of residual platform | 131.3 | 139.6 | 131.6 | 135.9 | 106.9 | |
| Other data
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 20: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES,
INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN
HAZARDOUS WASTES
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal has
not been ratified.
Additional comments relevant to this chapter
Please refer to the information provided under chapter 19.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Customs Department is
responsible for the prevention of waste import.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Generation of hazardous waste (t) | ||||
| Import of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Export of hazardous wastes (t) | ||||
| Area of land contaminated by hazardous waste (km2) | ||||
| Expenditure on hazardous waste treatment (US$) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 21: ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTES AND SEWAGE-RELATED ISSUES
Please refer also to the information provided under chapter 19.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: Approximately three million tons
of solid wastes are accumulated annually in Moldova. Centralized
and systematic collection of household wastes is only done in
towns. There are no specialized agencies for waste recycling
in Moldova. In 1987, construction plans were proposed for central
waste incineration in Chisinau. Due to lack of funds,
however, the construction was postponed (the cost of this project
at the time was estimated at approximately 20 million US
dollars). Thus, the issue of waste incineration is still
pending.
1. Decision-Making Structure: No information.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: No information.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: No information.
| Generation of industrial and municipal waste (t) | ||||
| Waste disposed(Kg/capita) | ||||
| Expenditure on waste collection and treatment (US$) | ||||
| Waste recycling rates (%) | ||||
| Municipal waste disposal (Kg/capita; Chisinau City) | 400 | |||
| Waste reduction rates per unit of GDP (t/year) | ||||
| Other data
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 22: SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE
WASTES
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: 342 enterprises in Moldova are
working with radioactive substances. A centre for the storage of
radioactive wastes is in operation east of Chisinau City. The
Ministry of Health is responsible for the control of
radioactivity and for the storage of radioactive waste. As the
equipment of the Ministry is not up to date, the National
Committee for Radiation Protection has been established. The Law on
the Protection of the Population from Radiation was
drafted and submitted to the Parliament.
1. Decision-Making Structure: The Ministry of Health, the
Department of Standardization, Metrology and Technical
Supervision, the Department for Environmental Protection and the
Department of Civil Defense are in charge of the
management of radioactive substances. Legislation has been prepared
on the monitoring of radioactive substances and on
nuclear safety.
2. Capacity-Building/Technology Issues: Technical equipment
is needed for measuring radiation.
3. Major Groups: No information.
4. Finance: No information.
5. Regional/International Cooperation: The International
Atomic Energy Agency provided for equipment for
radiological monitoring and training courses.
| Ch. 24: GLOBAL ACTION FOR WOMEN TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was ratified on 1 July 1994.
24.a Increasing the proportion of women decision makers.
See below.
24.b assessing, reviewing, revising and implementing curricula and other educational material with a view to promoting dissemination of gender-relevant knowledge. Curricula and educational material
No information.
24.c and 24.d formulating and implementing policies, guidelines, strategies and plans for achievement of equality in all aspects of society including issuing a strategy by year 2000 to eliminate obstacles to full participation of women in sustainable development. Policies/strategies etc.
No information.
24.e establishing mechanisms by 1995 to assess implementation and impact of development and environment policies and programmes on women
No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page): Moldova actively participated in global activities addressing gender issues, e.g. in the Fourth World Conference on Women 1995. Moldova hosted a Regional Conference on Women in 1995 in cooperation with Moldovan NGOs and adopted additional legislation further promoting the equality of women in society. However, this could not stop the decline of women's involvement in decision-making since independence. While women held 36.3% of the seats in the former Moldovan Supreme Soviet, they only hold 4.9% of the seats in today's Parliament. There are no women in ministerial positions and they hold only 7% of positions as government department heads.
| |
| Ch. 25: CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 25.4 establishing processes that promote dialogue between the youth and government at all levels and mechanisms that permit youth access to information and opportunity to present their views on implementing A21.
No information.
Describe their role in the national process: 25.b reducing youth unemployment
No information.
25.c ensuring that by year 2000 more than 50% of youth -- gender balanced -- have access to appropriate secondary education or vocational training.
No information.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 26: RECOGNIZING AND STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND THEIR
COMMUNITIES.
26.a establishing a process to empower indigenous people and their communities -- through policies and legal instruments:
26.b strengthening arrangements for active participation in national policies
26.c involving indigenous people in resource management strategies and programmes at the national and local level.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 27: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS: PARTNERS FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. 27.a developing mechanisms that allow NGOs to play their partnership role responsibly and effectively. 27.b reviewing formal procedures and mechanisms to involve NGOs in decision making and implementation. 27.c promoting and allowing NGOs to participate in the conception, establishment and evaluation of official mechanisms to review Agenda 21 implementation.
Mechanisms exist already. NGO inputs are on an ad hoc basis.
27.d establishing a mutually productive dialogue by 1995 at the national level between NGOs and governments.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
A non-governmental Association on Ecological Management and Sustainable Development was established in 1993. There are 42 ecological NGOs. Since 1994/95, the participation of NGOs in decision-making became more significant. In 1997, a National Office for New Regional Environmental and Ecological Centres will be established which will coordinate NGO activities.
| |
| Ch. 28: LOCAL AUTHORITIES'
INITIATIVES IN SUPPORT OF AGENDA 21.
28.a encouraging local authorities to implement and monitor programmes that aim to ensure participation of women and youth in local decision making.
The Government does not support local Agenda 21 initiatives.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 29: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF WORKERS AND
THEIR TRADE UNIONS. 29.a full participation of workers in implementation and evaluation of A21. 29.b (By year 2000, (a) promoting ratification of ILO conventions; (b) establishing bipartite and tripartite mechanism on safety, health and sustainable development; (c) increasing number of environmental collective agreements; (d) reducing occupational accidents and injuries; (e) increasing workers' education and training efforts.
Workers do not yet participate in National Agenda 21 discussions/implementation
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| 30: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF BUSINESS AND
INDUSTRY. 30.a increasing the efficiency of resource use, including reuse, recycling, and reduction of waste per unit of economic output. There are governmental policies encouraging the above objective.
30.18.b encouraging the concept of stewardship in management and use of natural resources by entrepreneurs.
List any actions taken in this area:
No information.
30.18.c increasing number of enterprises that subscribe to and implement sustainable development policies.
A few big and a few small and medium sized enterprises have adopted sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 31: SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY. 31.a improving exchange of knowledge and concerns between s&t community and the general public.
Not much has changed in this area.
31.b developing, improving and promoting international acceptance of codes of practice and guidelines related to science and technology and its role in reconciling environment and development.
Brief comments on this chapter not already described in chapter 35 (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
| Ch. 32: STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF
FARMERS. 32.a promoting and encouraging sustainable farming practices and technologies.
32.b developing a policy framework that provides incentives and motivation among farmers for sustainable and efficient farming practices.
32.c enhancing participation of organizations of farmers in design and implementation of sustainable development policies.
Brief comments on this chapter (maximum 100 words) (please, do not exceed this page):
No information.
| |
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 33: FINANCIAL RESOURCES
AND MECHANISMS
Financial resources and mechanisms are also covered under each
sectoral chapter of Agenda 21 where
relevant. This summary highlights broader national financial
policies, domestic and external
(including ODA)
CHANGES IN NATIONAL BUDGET TO ADDRESS SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT: In 1990, 0.59% of GNP
were spent for environmental protection measures. Due to the
economic and financial crisis, investments in ecological
projects have decreased over the last years. An extrabudgetary fund
coordinates environmental protection expenditures.
40-50% of all capital investment from State budget are related to
drinking water supply and the pipeline for natural gas
supply.
NEW ECONOMIC INSTRUMENTS: Charges have been introduced for
the use of natural resources such as water,
forest resources, soil, fauna and flora and for environmental
pollution. Tax reductions have been introduced for
environmentally sound and non-polluting technologies, especially in
the field of waste and waste water management and
the production of environmentally sound energy, for new
technologies and ecological equipment. A pricing policy has
been introduced to promote "clean products".
ELIMINATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY UNFRIENDLY SUBSIDIES: In 1992
and 1993, practically all subsidies
for energetical resources were eliminated.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT:
| ODA policy issues
Financial assistance from the international community has been provided primarily to stabilize the economy and the financial system and to purchase food products, medicines and fuel. The GEF supports projects to develop the basins of the rivers Prut and Danube. USAID provided technical assistance amounting to US$ 2.5 million for environmental policies and technologies. Switzerland sponsored Moldova's participation in the European Environmental Ministers Conference in Lucerne, in 1993. UNDP, UNEP and the EU have also supported the participation of governmental experts in several seminars and have organized training courses on Improving Project Preparation Capacity and Harmonisation of the Legal Basis of Environmental Protection of EU and Moldova. Further assistance is needed in many fields, inter alia in the energy sector to develop a rational system for the use of fuels, to reduce releases of nitrogen oxides, sulphur and carbon dioxide and to develop new energy sources, especially from biomass. International assistance is also needed to control environmental pollution resulting from the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, to establish a system for environmental monitoring, for the reform of the legislative system and for training of personnel.
|
| ODA funding provided or received (Total US$million) | ||||||
| Net flow of external capital from all sources as % of GDP | ||||||
| Other data
| ||||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 34: TRANSFER OF
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY, COOPERATION
AND CAPACITY-BUILDING
Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and
capacity-building is also covered under each sectoral
chapter of Agenda 21 where relevant. This summary highlights
broader national policies and actions relating to
chapter 34.
MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION: As a result of the former
industrialization process, Moldova has a pool of highly
trained specialists, e.g. in the fields of microelectronics,
production of electronic equipment and computers, agriculture
and food processing, physics and biotechnology. This is an
important basis for the implementation of sustainable
development, and the Government has created funds to consolidate
this potential. Due to the economic crisis, there is a
serious lack of investments and, consequently, a lack of modern
technologies. Most technologies in Moldova are on a
level of the years 1970 - 1980 and new, environmentally sound
technologies are urgently needed. The Government is
addressing these constraints with the program on "Conversion" that
foresees the establishment of computer networks and
the modernization of all technologies, including improvements in
telecommunications. Plans include attracting foreign
capital and the transfer of modern technologies. Environmentally
sound technologies are only affordable with the support
of the international community.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON LINKS BETWEEN NATIONAL, REGIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION
NETWORKS/SYSTEMS: The National Institute of Ecology is the
national focal point of INFOTERRA.
Legislation has been enacted and tax reductions and exemptions have
been introduced to promote the implementation of
environmentally sound technologies, especially low waste producing
and low water consuming technologies, energy saving
technologies and alternative energy technologies (see also chapter
4 and chapter 33).
Provide information on the adoption of environmental management
systems. National reaction to environmental
management system standards such as the ISO 14000 Series and
others. Please note efforts made at the national level to
promote their adoption and the creation of certification
infrastructure in order to facilitate access to these standards to
local industry.
List and describe programs or work under way to facilitate the
transfer of ESTs to small and medium sized
enterprises. Please note efforts to facilitate access to financial
resources and other transfer strategies.
Describe any work being undertaken at the national or
local level regarding efforts to promote clean production
processes and/or the concepts of eco-efficiency. These processes
may include training, preferential financial
arrangements, information dissemination and changes in legal or
regulatory frameworks.
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 35: SCIENCE FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
One of the highest research priorities is the elaboration of new
technologies for reducing energy consumption and for the
use of non-traditional and renewable sources of energy
production.
STEPS TAKEN TO ENHANCE SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING, IMPROVE LONG
TERM SCIENTIFIC
ASSESSMENT, BUILDING OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY:
In 1991, the National Institute of Ecology was founded under
the auspices of the Department of the Environment to
perform scientific and applied studies in the field of
environmental protection and to coordinate research in this area.
Research is also undertaken through the institutions of the Academy
of Sciences, e.g. through the Institutes of Chemistry,
Geography, Geology, Botanic, Genetics and Plant Protection and
other bodies like the Institute of Pedology and
Agrochemistry.
The Government each year approves the State Programme for
Scientific Research, which is financed from the State
Budget and contains a special environmental components that amounts
to approximately US$ 250,000 per year.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE,
RESEARCH NEEDS AND PRIORITIES:
| Year | |||
| Number of scientists, engineers and technicians engaged in research and experimental development | # | 19-- | |
| Total expenditure for research and experimental development (US$eq.) | $ | 19-- | |
| Other data | |||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 36: PROMOTING EDUCATION,
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING
a) Reorientation of education towards sustainable
development
b) Increasing public awareness
c) Promoting training
ROLE OF MAJOR GROUPS:
FINANCING AND COST EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR ACTIVITIES:
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT: No information.
| Adult literacy rate (%) Male | 98.6a | |||
| Adult literacy rate (%) Female | 94.4a | |||
| % of primary school children reaching grade 5 (1986-97) | ||||
| Mean number of years of schooling | ||||
| % of GNP spent on education | ||||
| Females per 100 males in secondary school | 96.1b | |||
| Women per 100 men in the labour force | ||||
| a 1989 b 1991
| ||||
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 37: NATIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR
CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
National capacity building is also covered under sectoral
chapters.
Donors: You may wish to describe here how Agenda 21 has
influenced your ODA policies in this area.
Developing countries: You may wish to describe any new
national mechanisms for capacity building - and any
changes in technical cooperation.
No information.
NATIONAL PRIORITY:
STATUS REPORT ON NATIONAL ENDOGENOUS CAPACITY
BUILDING:
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 38: INTERNATIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
| Ch. 38: Brief summary of any particular UN System
response affecting this country/state:
No information.
|
AGENDA 21 CHAPTER 39: INTERNATIONAL LEGAL
INSTRUMENTS AND MECHANISMS
| Ch. 39: International Legal Instruments are covered
under the relevant sectoral chapters. This is a listing of major
agreements/conventions (not already covered) entered into and
relevant to Agenda 21: Moldova acceded to the following international agreements: - the World Nature Charter (New York, 1982), - the Convention on Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Helsinki, 1992), - the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary River Courses and International Lakes (Helsinki, 1992), - the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 1979), - the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo/Finland, 1991), The Convention on the River Danube (1994) has been signed but not yet ratified. In 1994, Moldova joined the Interstate Ecologic Council of CIS countries.
|
| 2. | International cooperation and trade | |||||
| 3. | Combating poverty | |||||
| 4. | Changing consumption patterns | |||||
| 5. | Demographic dynamics and sustainability | |||||
| 6. | Human health | |||||
| 7. | Human settlements | |||||
| 8. | Integrating E & D in decision-making | |||||
| 9. | Protection of the atmosphere | |||||
| 10. | Integrated planning and management of land resources | |||||
| 11. | Combating deforestation | |||||
| 12. | Combating desertification and drought | |||||
| 13. | Sustainable mountain development | |||||
| 14. | Sustainable agriculture and rural development | |||||
| 15. | Conservation of biological diversity | |||||
| 16. | Biotechnology | |||||
| 17. | Oceans, seas, coastal areas and their living resources | |||||
| 18. | Freshwater resources | |||||
| 19. | Toxic chemicals | |||||
| 20. | Hazardous wastes | |||||
| 21. | Solid wastes | |||||
| 22. | Radioactive wastes | |||||
| 24. | Women in sustainable development | |||||
| 25. | Children and youth | |||||
| 26. | Indigenous people | |||||
| 27. | Non-governmental organizations | |||||
| 28. | Local authorities | |||||
| 29. | Workers and trade unions | |||||
| 30. | Business and industry | |||||
| 31. | Scientific and technological community | |||||
| 32. | Farmers | |||||
| 33. | Financial resources and mechanisms | |||||
| 34. | Technology, cooperation and capacity-building | |||||
| 35. | Science for sustainable development | |||||
| 36. | Education, public awareness and training | |||||
| 37. | International cooperation for capacity-building | |||||
| 38. | International institutional arrangements | |||||
| 39. | International legal instruments | |||||
| 40. | Information for decision-making | |||||
No information.
| Latest 199- | ||||
| Number of telephones in use per 100 inhabitants | 9.8 | 12.0 | ||
| Other data
| ||||
Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
Last updated 1 November 1997