The first session of the training programme “Particularities of Investigating and Examining Environmental Cases in Moldova” took place in Chisinau, marking an important step in strengthening the professional capacity of magistrates to handle environmental law cases. The programme is organized jointly by EcoContact NGO, the Ministry of Environment, and the National Institute of Justice (INJ).
The initiative comes amid a growing number of court cases related to pollution, waste management, and the misuse of natural resources.
“The training programme aims to ensure consistent and uniform enforcement of environmental legislation, in line with European and international standards, including the Aarhus Convention and EU directives,” EcoContact said.
“It also supports the protection of citizens’ rights to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The sessions are interactive, based on case law analysis, practical simulations, and exchanges between magistrates and environmental experts.”
The first session focused on the legal framework for environmental protection, particularly in the areas of air quality, industrial emissions control, waste and hazardous chemical management, and criminal investigations related to pollution.
Eight experts—from the Environment Ministry, the Environmental Protection Inspectorate, the legal community, EcoContact, and INJ—led discussions on enforcing environmental regulations, issuing industrial emission authorizations, controlling pollution, and applying legal sanctions for violations.
The session brought together 21 judges and prosecutors from across Moldova.
Future sessions will focus on:
• Forest fund, protected areas, and game resources – October 29
• Water, soil, and subsoil resource management – November 5
The training programme is part of the “Practical Application of the Environmental Regulatory Framework” module, included in the INJ Continuing Training Plan (Semester II, 2025), and is carried out under the project “Green Justice for a Protected Environment and Sustainable Communities in Moldova,” implemented by EcoContact with support from Sweden.