The Nistru River, one of Moldova's most important water sources, will be better monitored and protected, thanks to performance equipment donated to the Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (IEP) by Sweden and UNDP Moldova.

For the first time, environmental inspectors will also be able to patrol effectively in hard-to-access areas or at night, using thermal imaging drones, 4G security cameras, night binoculars or body cameras. These technologies will enable them to quickly prevent and detect cases of fish poaching, incidents or infringements, which could affect the Nistru River and its tributaries.

Thus, equipment worth over US$130,000 was donated, includes:

• 15 thermal imaging drones for aerial monitoring;
• 3 sonars for underwater motion detection;
• 15 body-video cameras;
• 18 4G security cameras with motion sensor and real-time transmission;
• 18 binoculars with high zoom and night vision;
• 25 powerful, waterproof and extended range flashlights;
• 15 life jackets for water navigation missions;
• 15 sets of waterproof winter clothing. 

These will be used by the employees of the Department of Control of Fish and Hunting Resources and by the 13 territorial inspectorates of the IEP in the Nistru River basin.

“The technology we received today will support the daily work of environmental inspectors, protect them and increase the efficiency of various types of day and night controls in order to sustainably manage the Nistru River basin, prevent and combat fish poaching and other infringements affecting the Nistru River resources,” said Ion Bulmaga, director of the Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. 

"In the Dondușeni district, we have to monitor about 2,000 hectares of forest and protection areas managed by local authorities. The most frequent problems we face are illegal logging and poaching. Only by car or on foot is it difficult to carry out effective controls and identify these infractions. With the help of drones, however, we will be able to monitor these lands more quickly and precisely," said Oleg Betivu, inspector at IEP Dondușeni. 

"For us, the provision of this equipment is long awaited and very welcome, because only three environmental inspectors are currently working in the IEP Strășeni, in charge of monitoring environmental protection on an area of about 72.000 hectares. The Strășeni district is characterized by a rugged relief, we have areas that are difficult to reach for inspection by car or on foot, so with the new equipment we will monitor larger areas and we will work safely", mentioned Maria Chihai, head of IEP Strășeni.

Over 40 environmental inspectors from IEP's territorial units have been trained in how to use the equipment to its full capacity. The theoretical and practical sessions took place under the UNDP Project ”Supporting the Moldovan authorities in the sustainable management of the Nistru River”, funded by Sweden. 

The contribution to capacity building and provision of modern equipment for the Inspectorate for Environmental Protection is part of the ongoing commitment of Sweden and UNDP to support sustainable development and green transition in the Republic of Moldova.