Dozens of volunteers from central and northern regions of the Republic of Moldova gathered on Saturday, March 14, in Sculeni to plant the “Forest of Union” as part of the Generatia Padurii – Spring 2026 campaign, according to NordNews. The action took place simultaneously on both banks of the Prut River, including in Romania.
Armed with shovels, buckets of water, and patience, volunteers of different ages planted ash and oak seedlings across more than 3.5 hectares of land near the village. This area forms part of the 3,000 hectares planned for afforestation during the spring stage of the campaign.
Participants described the initiative as an investment in the future, emphasizing the importance of forests for cleaner air, rainfall, and a healthier environment for future generations. 🌱
Officials also noted that the Republic of Moldova has one of the lowest forest coverage rates in Europe, with forests covering only about 11% of the territory. Authorities aim to increase this share to around 15% through the national afforestation program.
The director of Moldsilva, Nicolae Munteanu, also participated in the planting. He said that approximately 13,000 of the 16,000 seedlings planted are expected to take root. If properly maintained, a mature deciduous forest could grow on the banks of the Prut River within about 70 years.
The project also carries symbolic significance for relations between the two neighboring countries. A similar initiative took place in 2018, when the Centenary Forest was planted near Leuseni and Husi.
The event was attended by Gheorghe Hajder and Diana Buzoianu. The two officials planted trees on both sides of the Prut River, emphasizing the shared responsibility for protecting nature. 🌳
Romanian forestry specialists also supported the effort, including Mihai Gaspareanu from Suceava County—one of the most forested regions in Romania.
The goal of the Generatia Padurii – Spring 2026 campaign is to afforest 3,000 hectares during the spring season, with a total of 7,000 hectares planned by the end of the year. Currently, forests cover about 440,000 hectares in Moldova, far below the average forest coverage of the European Union, which is more than three times higher.