500 hectares of pastures in the National Park Orhei are rehabilitated and maintained to produce improved and higher fodder yields. At the same time, this contributes to the reduction of soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions. All these achievements are possible due to the financial support of the European Union, provided through the project “CLIMA EAST”, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Hence, on the 18th of March, a ceremony of awarding agricultural equipment to the inter-municipal enterprise “Prosper Rural”, took place in Peresecina, Orhei district.

The inter-municipal enterprise rehabilitates pastures from villages of Peresecina, Samananca, Donici and Teleseu that benefit 12,500 inhabitants.

"Climate change is a real challenge for communities everywhere.  The European Union is providing concrete assistance to Moldovan communities within Orhei National Park to restore valuable pastures and forests in order to help mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.  This project is a good example of what can be done to tackle the effects of climate change in practice.”, noted Aneil Singh, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

“CLIMA EAST” project also supports the afforestation of 150 hectares of degraded land in the National Park Orhei. This contributes to the reduction of the soil erosion and water pollution by soil nutrients.

“Agricultural land is the most important resource for Moldova and its population, and we believe that with help of the EU funds we can unleash its potential for the benefit of people. In Orhei, for the first time ever, the first National Park has been established aiming to preserve its natural and cultural heritage, but also to enhance the economic and social well-being of local communities.  Drawing on this major breakthrough in the environmental area, we continued to invest in the National Park Orhei, further building up the area as a model of sustainable regional development, in line with the best European practices.”, said Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Moldova Deputy Resident Representative.

“CLIMA-EAST” project has a budget of 535,000 Euros provided by the European Union and is implemented during 2013-2016.

The project aims to apply sustainable management practices for pastures and forests in the National Park Orhei. This shall lead to a more efficient removal and storage of carbon and reduction of biodiversity degradation and loss.

The National Park Orhei covers an area of over 33,000 hectares, from 4 districts - Orhei, Straseni, Calarasi and Criuleni. The park was created in 2013, with UNDP support.