Project Summary:

The “Enabling and Inclusive Green Transition in the Republic of Moldova” project creates the conditions for an inclusive and sustainable green transition. The project combines cross-sectoral decision-making through joint stakeholder platforms with capacity-building initiatives, promotion of green business models and transportation, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. 

The project also advances circular economy approaches, extended producer responsibility, and improved air quality management. It focuses on education and awareness-raising, dissemination of best policy practices, information sharing, networking, and pilot-testing of green transition solutions. Together, these actions ensures that the vision of a green transformation is widely understood, supported, and implemented.

Objectives:

• Support the Government of Moldova to engage sustainably in a transformative green agenda by enhancing building capacities and partnerships, legal development, awareness, and encouraging investments in low-emission and resource-efficient economy;
• Create employment opportunities for women and men by testing innovations, supporting sustainable green businesses, and promoting high-value forest business models along with energy plantations;
• Advance ESG principles (Environmental, Social, and Governance) across institutions and the private sector to foster responsible, transparent, and sustainable practices;
• Improve citizens’ access to separate collection systems, such as dedicated facilities for recyclable and biodegradable waste are not suitable for door-to-door collection;
• Optimise the road transportation routes and to improve air quality management;
• Integrate education for sustainable development into school curricula and strengthen environmental education and awareness.
   

Expected results:

• Improving institutional coordination and stakeholder participation in policy-making processes related to the green transition by creating and strengthening relevant stakeholder platforms, partnerships, and networks, ensuring gender-balanced participation and establishing appropriate multi-level coordination mechanisms;
• Applying the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary for the green transition, with women and young people being promoted as agents of change within the green transition at various levels (households, businesses, and institutions);
• Creating and promoting new business models within the circular economy value chain that apply environmentally friendly and resource-efficient production practices, while ensuring the integration of the gender dimension through specific support measures for women-led enterprises;
• Expanding the use of renewable energy technologies and sustainable transport and mobility solutions to reduce emissions;
• Strengthening air quality monitoring and assessment capacities by installing and commissioning monitoring stations and using the generated data for evidence-based decision-making.
   

Accomplishments:

• Over 350 teachers and students were trained about environmental protection and sustainable development;
• Over 140 young people from Chișinău, Edineț, and Cahul developed innovative solutions, promoting engagement and creative approaches to addressing the challenges of the green transition;
• A capacity-building programme on green skills for public and educational institutions was developed;
• Six Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations updated to ensure full alignment with EU requirements and stakeholder recommendations;
• An interactive e-learning tool and a communication platform on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) developed to provide comprehensive guidance on the legal framework, compliance requirements, environmental and business benefits;
• Emerging waste streams in Moldova (textiles, plastics, construction waste, tires, organic waste, etc.) analyzed and mapped, including cost-benefit assessments, thereby generating a solid evidence base for sustainable waste management strategies;
• The Donors Environment Coordination Council and Donor Coordination Council for Transport Sector have been operationalized;
• The Interministerial Working Group, established by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, has been operationalized;
• Supported the screening process within the EU accession framework for Chapter 27, specifically in the sectors of Horizontal Legislation, Climate Change, and Waste Management and Air Quality, ensuring alignment with EU requirements;
• Enhanced the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Environment and the Bureau for European Integration by strengthening their preparedness for the Republic of Moldova - European Union bilateral negotiations on Chapter 27. This was achieved through the design and implementation of negotiation simulations covering Horizontal Legislation, Air Quality, Climate Change, and Waste Management;
• Development of the national framework for the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) by transposition of 12 EMAS Regulations, ensuring compliance with EU environmental standards.