Project Summary:

Moldova is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change, leading to droughts, late spring frosts, hail, floods, and other climate-related extreme weather events. These erratic weather patterns have already caused loss of life, property, and income.  

Climate projections suggest an increase in intense rainfall events in Moldova, which could result in damaging floods, especially in low-lying areas where most rural populations reside. The country has over 4,000 small and medium reservoirs and ponds, most of which were built during the Soviet era without considering climate change data. Additionally, many other dams were constructed without proper design or permits, further increasing potential risks.

The project is proposing a set of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s adaptation to climate-driven flood risk through a two-pronged approach. The first will build the essential national hydro-meteorological monitoring and early warning systems, including the institutional capacities to manage and operate them countrywide. The second one, will apply an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach to 5 key watersheds that will produce knowledge and institutional capacities for rehabilitation of high-risk hydrotechnical infrastructure, as well as increased participation by local stakeholders in water governance.

Objective:

• Strengthen the national and local technical, institutional and policy capacities for managing run-off from extreme climate-driven events to prevent flooding.

Expected results:

• Increased capacities of the national and local authorities to respond effectively to extreme water-related events;
• Strengthened hydro-meteorological monitoring network for effective river basin management;
• Operational flash-flood/flood forecasting and early warning system;
• Enhanced security of the vulnerable rural population in key watersheds from potential failure of flood control infrastructure;
• Developed methodology, protocol and standards for safe operation of hydro-technical infrastructure;
• Rehabilitated high risk dams for 5 pilot sites;
• Enhanced capacity of the local authorities and empowered community stakeholders to participate actively in governance of integrated water resources management for flood control;
• Established and put in place at local level a flood risk and water resources planning, and management instruments.  

Accomplishments:

• Equipping the National Administration “Apele Moldovei” with a state-of-the-art Ground Penetrating Radar for monitoring the safety of dams in the Republic of Moldova;
• Contributing to the strengthening of the hydrometeorological monitoring network of the Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Authority through the procurement of 10 stations in the project’s five pilot areas (Copăceanca, Soloneț, Bahu, Ialpug, and Lăpușna);
• Establishment of Local Action Groups within the Lăpușna and Ialpug sub-basins, Copăceanca, Soloneț, and Bahu, which involve residents of the districts of Hîncești, Nisporeni, Leova, Cimișlia, Telenești, Călărași, Rîșcani, and Sîngerei, particularly women and vulnerable groups, in decision-making regarding climate risk prevention. They participate in the development of flood risk management plans, the identification of priority dams for rehabilitation, and the utilization of financial support provided for protective measures;
• 35 specialists from institutions responsible for water resource management and monitoring, emergency response, and environmental and hazard research, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, were trained in how to use digital technologies to model and predict extreme weather events caused by climate change;
• 60 specialists responsible for the operation, monitoring, and safety assessment of hydrotechnical structures (dams) were trained on flood risk prevention. The workshops took place in the districts of Rîșcani, Sîngerei, and Telenești, which are part of the Copăceanca, Soloneț, and Bahu pilot areas;
• 50 specialists in the field of water management, representatives of local government, environmental agencies, and emergency services, have been trained on the proper operation and safety assessment of hydrotechnical structures. The workshops brought together participants from the districts Cimișlia, Nisporeni, Hîncești, and Leova, which are part of the Ialpug and Lăpușna pilot areas.