The Environmental NGOs Forum has returned in 2025 with a new edition aimed at strengthening cooperation between civil society, authorities, the private sector, development partners, and academia to promote sustainability and environmental protection in the Republic of Moldova.
Held in Chișinău under the motto “Thinking Sustainably, Acting Responsibly,” the event was organized by EcoContact with financial support from Sweden and co-financing from the Austrian Development Agency. Taking place on Friday, March 21, the forum gathered environmental leaders to shape a common stance on the rational use of natural resources and the implementation of effective environmental policies, considering Moldova’s European integration commitments and the need for coordinated action across all involved sectors.
High-Level Support for Environmental Cooperation
The event was attended by Moldovan Minister of Environment, Sergiu Lazarencu, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between authorities and environmental organizations to achieve natural resource protection objectives and align with European standards.
“NGOs play a fundamental role in developing and implementing environmental policies. Through your efforts, you raise awareness in communities, propose legislative initiatives, and contribute directly to environmental projects, facilitating Moldova’s transition to a greener future. As you know, Moldova’s European path brings a series of complex responsibilities,” the minister stated.
The Swedish Ambassador to Moldova, Katarina Fried, reaffirmed Sweden’s strong support for Moldova’s efforts to ensure the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment.
“Our cooperation extends to key areas such as forestry, waste management, water resource administration, biodiversity protection, renewable energy, policy development, and capacity building. We firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening climate resilience,” Fried highlighted.
The Austrian Ambassador to Moldova, Stella Avallone, underscored Austria’s role as a trusted partner in Moldova’s environmental sector through the Austrian Development Agency.
“Over the past two decades, we have supported efforts in environmental protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable rural development in Moldova. Much of our success is due to the unwavering work of Moldovan environmental NGOs, which play a crucial role in implementing projects that help preserve the country’s rich natural resources and improve people’s well-being, especially in rural areas,” Avallone stated.
The Role of Civil Society in Environmental Policy Implementation
The forum also welcomed Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Moldova, who stressed the importance of civil society organizations in implementing environmental policies and aligning Moldova with EU environmental standards.
“NGOs serve as the bridge between policy-making and implementation, between aspirations and action. Your work is essential in bringing Moldova in line with EU environmental standards—not just as a legal obligation but as a genuine investment in the future and well-being of future generations,” Grodzicki emphasized.
Key Topics and Discussions
The forum’s agenda included debates on critical environmental and sustainability issues, such as:
• Integrated water resource management, with a focus on efficient use and protection of water sources;
• The green transition and renewable energy development as part of climate impact reduction strategies;
• Sustainable afforestation and forest ecosystem conservation;
• Climate change adaptation strategies;
• Biodiversity conservation and the expansion of protected areas;
• The role of the media in raising public awareness of environmental issues.
A plenary session with development partners served as a key moment of the forum, providing a platform for discussions on environmental project financing and the challenges NGOs face in accessing funds. Participants analyzed strategic partnership models between the private sector, international organizations, and civil society, highlighting their impact on ecological initiatives.
Strengthening NGO-Government Cooperation for Sustainability
Discussions also focused on how NGOs can enhance collaboration with authorities to influence public policies and mobilize communities for sustainable actions. In this context, participants outlined perspectives for the NGO sector’s development, considering the challenges posed by climate change and the goals of the green transition.
“Over the years, the Environmental NGOs Forum has established itself as one of the leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation between civil society, authorities, and international partners in the field of environmental protection. Previous editions have facilitated the exchange of best practices, the initiation of strategic partnerships, and the development of concrete proposals for sustainable policies,” the forum’s official statement noted.
Growing Interest in Sustainable Solutions
This year’s forum brought together over 150 participants, including representatives from environmental organizations, public institutions, academia, and the private sector, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable solutions and environmental cooperation in Moldova.