A feasibility study on the impact of hydropower generation facilities on the Nistru river shall be developed

September 11, 2018

Photo: UNDP Moldova

Today, 11 September 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launch a project in the framework of each a study of current and potential social and environmental impact of the hydropower generation facilities on the Nistru river shall be developed. The project is funded by the Government of Sweden and will be carried out during 2018-2019 and has a budget of approx. 550,000 USD.

The study will be developed by the end of 2019 and will provide the authorities of the Republic of Moldova with evidence-based data regarding the environmental and socio-economic impact of the hydropower generation facilities.

The project envisages the development of a new assessment methodology of the potential damages on the water ecosystems, which is to be approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Experts will train authorities how to apply in practice the respective methodology.

Civil society will be informed to raise awareness on the water security matter. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shall be encouraged to participate in the management of the Nistru river basin.

Hence, the project will contribute to strengthening negotiation skills of the Committee regarding durable use and protection of the Nistru river, that includes 19 representatives of central and local public administration, academia and environmental NGOs. The Committee was established based on the Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova regarding cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development of the Nistru river, document which was signed by both parties in 2012, in Rome.