Where we are?

Moldova created the first National Park which will contribute to local communities’ development and biodiversity protection in Orhei area. Photo: UNDP/Elijah Hurwitz

Moldova has made some progress towards reaching the indicators, but additional efforts are needed in all areas. Hence, although the final target related to state protected natural areas (4.65%) was achieved in 2006, insufficient resources are being allocated to develop management systems, ensure the maintenance and protection for such areas.

The number of forested areas has increased only by 0.2% and the intermediary target (12.1% of the country area) was not reached. The share of the population with access to improved sewerage has increased from 43.3% in 2006 to 56.6% in 2012 and this has exceeded the intermediary target (50.3%), but the majority of these systems are in poor condition. The share of the population with permanent access to improved water sources has increased, but the intermediary target was not met. Many water supply systems are not functional. The data suggest that it will be difficult to achieve the final targets set by 2015 for all indicators, except for the state protected natural areas and the population’s permanent access to improved water supply. Gaps are qualitatively apparent for all these indicators. The most vulnerable inhabitants are those who live in from rural communities, who have no sanitary infrastructures and no access to improved systems of water and sewerage supply. The main risks related to these failures include environment pollution, worsening of the health status of the population, land degradation, and reduction of agricultural crops’ harvests and farmers’ incomes. To achieve MDG 7, there is a need for better cooperation among the entities working in the area of sustainable development, promotion of deep and active participation of the entire population in environmental protection, fostering a green economy, and use of EU experience to streamline environment requirements in economic development activity.