LocationsYoung people develop communication and environmental protection skills
July 31, 2026
Summer School for Future Environmental Journalists, 2026 edition
Young people from several communities across the Republic of Moldova took part in summer schools dedicated to environmental protection and climate communication. The combination of environmental education, civic journalism, and knowledge about biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and circularity helped young people position themselves as environmental activists.
Between 27-30 July 2026, in Butuceni, in the heart of the "Orheiul Vechi" Cultural-Natural Reserve, 20 teenagers took part in a summer school organized by the Association of Environmental Journalists, with support from the European Union and UNDP. The event, now in its second edition, involved teenagers in storytelling, photography, and multimedia production exercises.
"The summer school for future environmental journalists was a very valuable experience for me. I learned how important it is to verify information and accurately present environmental issues, and how and what we can do to have a clean environment. I'm leaving here with more knowledge, inspiration, and motivation to help inform people about protecting nature", says Gloria Lungu, 16 years, from Grătiești commune, Chișinău city.
"Participating in this camp was a very beautiful and useful experience. I learned what environmental journalism means, about recycling, biodiversity, and nature protection, as well as how to take quality photos and videos. At the same time, we visited the museums and the cave church in Orheiul Vechi and went on a hike through nature. I'm leaving this camp with a lot of new knowledge and the desire to contribute to protecting the environment", says Tudor Vîrlan, 18 years, from Chirileni village, Ungheni district.
Another 20 teenagers from 13 localities located in the "Nistrul de Jos" National Park region took part between 6-10 July in the EcoNistru summer school, held in Tudora, Ștefan Vodă district. The event took place with support from Sweden and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the National Environment Center.
The young participants explored the region's ecosystems, learned water quality monitoring methods, observed birds in their natural habitat and analyzed the impact of climate change, pollution, and improper waste management on the environment. Field visits and hands-on workshops helped them better understand the importance of protecting the Nistru River and the biodiversity it supports.
"What I enjoyed most was discovering the world of birds and understanding how diverse nature is near Nistru. I learned that the river is connected to the lives of many species and to the communities living near it. After this experience, I started paying closer attention to the nature around me and understanding how important it is to protect it", says Cristina Chigai, 17 years, from Tudora village, Ștefan Vodă district.
The messages about protecting the Nistru River were also promoted through urban art. Two murals created by children and young people passionate about drawing – in the town of Rezina and in Talmaza village, Ștefan Vodă district convey a powerful message about everyone's responsibility toward water and nature: "Water is life. Protect the Nistru."
"Through this drawing we want to send a message to the town of Rezina that the Nistru River is not just a place to relax and unwind, but that we must also take care of it, not throw trash into it, and simply cherish it while we have it", says Maria-Lavina Curti, 17 years, from the town of Rezina.
In August, young people from 10 localities will take part in summer schools dedicated to promoting renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, as part of a project supported by UNDP, Sweden, and Norway.
All of these initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen environmental education and communication in the Republic of Moldova.
Last year, more than 450 students from Drochia, Chișinău, Leova, Călărași, Vulcănești, and Bălți took part in the interactive quiz "Equal Opportunities Energy" – an intellectual game designed to challenge them to think differently about energy, daily habits, and sustainability. Starting in September 2026, 10 more schools will join the campaign.
At the school level UNDP and the EU have promoted the integration of energy and climate modules into school subjects. In the previous school year, students from 87 schools studied these modules.
At the university level UNDP is investing in developing the skills of journalists and young people in addressing environmental topics.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, 20 students from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at Moldova State University completed the elective course "Environmental Journalism", with support from the European Union and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Association of Environmental Journalists of Moldova.
And in the previous academic year, UNDP and the Government of Sweden supported the Eco Media Academy, involving more than 140 students from six universities, including from Găgăuzia region and the left bank of the Nistru.
