Sweden is allocating additional funds of about US$800,000 to the UNDP project “Supporting the Moldovan authorities in the sustainable management of the Nistru River”. This will contribute to strengthening capacities for sustainable management of water resources, improving water quality monitoring in the Nistru River Basin District, increasing public awareness on the protection of water resources. Thus, the total budget of the project is approx. $4 million.

The project will support the Republic of Moldova's efforts to align national legislation with EU standards in the field of water resources. A detailed implementation plan for the EU Water Framework Directive will be developed.

”Through these additional resources, Sweden reaffirms its dedication to supporting Moldova on its journey toward alignment of EU standards. From a Swedish perspective, the preservation and effectively manage our limited natural resources are essential to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all. We are confident that with joint efforts for sustainable management of the river Nistru, Moldova will get a good quality of water aligned with EU requirements”, mentioned Karin Borovic, Head of Development Cooperation at Swedish Embassy in Moldova.

“We welcome this additional funding from Sweden that will contribute to improved water governance of the Republic of Moldova's most important source of drinking water: Nistru River. UNDP - Sweden partnership will translate into aligned national legislation with EU standards in the field of water resources, improved water quality monitoring in the Nistru River Basin District, so as into better awareness on the need to protect water resources", said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

With the funding provided by Sweden, an acoustic current probe for measurements at depths of more than 5 meters will be purchased, as well as 5 hydrometric current meters. This equipment will ensure the hydrological monitoring of water.

At the same time, an advanced methodology for the assessment of hydromorphologic changes and identification of heavily modified or artificial surface water bodies on a tributary of the Nistru River will be tested to implement the provisions of the EU Water Framework Directive.

UNDP and Sweden will conduct an information and awareness-raising campaign on the protection of water resources in the Nistru River District. The campaign will take place throughout 2026 and will include information sessions in over 100 localities with public authorities and farmers, educational activities in schools, competitions, social media campaigns, creative community actions. The Eco Media Academy program for young journalists will also continue.

In the last two years the Moldovan authorities have benefited from the support of UNDP and Sweden in developing water policy documents: transposition of EU water legislation into the national legal framework, development of the Nistru River Basin District Management Plan, cycle II (2024-2029), methodologies for improving water analysis, launching the Eco Media Academy for training environmental journalists, etc.