Twenty students from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at Moldova State University have completed the optional course “Environmental Journalism”, held from October 2025 to May 2026 with support from the European Union and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Association of Environmental Journalists of Moldova.

Throughout the course, students replaced traditional classroom sessions with theoretical lectures and visits to key institutions to gain a firsthand understanding of how environmental and agricultural systems operate. Through practical exercises, they learned to write news stories, analyze press releases, develop access to information requests and utilize the legal framework for accessing public information. The course involved experts from NGOs and the media, who addressed topics such as communicating climate change and the relationship between journalists and institutions.

“The course on environmental journalism was a very interesting experience. I learned how to write accurately and simply about the environment. Our attention was captured by many field visits: we went to several environmental institutions, attended an environmental hearing at Parliament, and visited the Orhei Forest. I’m glad I was able to gain useful information from every lesson and visit,” notes Vladislava Petică, a 19-year-old student at Moldova State University. 

“The most valuable thing I learned was that environmental journalism isn’t just about facts and figures, but about translating environmental issues into human, accessible language. I hope that the hands-on activities and field trips laid the groundwork for future journalists who are not only informed but also engaged. I realized that only together can we change society’s perception of environmental stewardship. Wonderful people, real information, unique experiences, that’s what the environmental journalism course means to me!” says Bogdana Bucățel, a 20-year-old student at Moldova State University. 

In the “Environmental Journalism” course, students addressed topics such as pollution of the Nistru River, climate change, waste management, and air quality. The students visited the Țînțăreni Landfill, the Environmental Reference Laboratory of the Environmental Agency, and the Chemistry Laboratory at the State University. The course also included practical demonstrations on the use of equipment to identify energy losses.

“The environment is by no means a niche field. And to see the connection to the environment when you read about a new decision, visit a business, or talk to someone in the field, you need knowledge, an observant eye, and curiosity... I’ve passed these on to the current class, in the hope that they’ll put everything they’ve learned into practice,” said Lilia Curchi, Executive Director of the Association of Environmental Journalists of Moldova.

In partnership with the Association of Environmental Journalists of Moldova, a practical guide to environmental journalism has been developed for students and young journalists.

During the 2023–2024 academic year, UNDP and the Government of Sweden supported the Eco Media Academy, involving over 140 students from six universities, including those in Găgăuzia region and on the left bank of the Nistru. 

With support from UNDP and the EU, during the 2024–2025 school year, students from 87 schools studied energy and climate through modules integrated into physics, geography, social studies, and personal development. 

Since 2016, UNDP, the European Union, Sweden, and the Global Environment Facility have supported the development of journalists’ capacities and skills in covering environmental topics.

Download the press-release in Russian.