Taking important steps toward advancing nature conservation and environmental policy, the stakeholders involved in the LIFE RENATA project have completed a comprehensive survey study of Moldova’s Emerald Network, supporting its alignment with the Bern Convention and EU standards.
The Emerald Network is a European initiative aimed at preserving critical habitats and species. The Republic of Moldova currently has 61 designated Emerald Network areas, covering 2,744.6 km², which accounts for 8.1% of the country’s total area. The network in Moldova was established to protect and conserve 27 habitat types and 161 species (including 12 plants, 25 invertebrates, 3 amphibians, 3 reptiles, 19 fish, 13 mammals, and 86 birds) as listed in the annexes of the Bern Convention. However, the most recent biogeographical assessment indicated that the network’s sufficiency index (SI) for ensuring the conservation of these habitats and species remains relatively low at 24.1%.
Despite an increase in the number of Emerald sites between 2016 and 2019, the overall area covered by the network decreased by 3%, leaving the country with a relatively low national coverage of 8.1%. In contrast, most other Emerald Network countries have expanded their coverage. This stagnation, combined with the low sufficiency index, highlights the urgent need for two key actions:
- Reassessment and potential expansion of existing sites or designation of new areas to better protect underrepresented habitats and species.
- Updating the Emerald database, which was last revised in 2017.
The recent analysis conducted under the LIFE RENATA project focuses on a detailed assessment of Moldova’s Emerald Network, examining its current state, challenges, and future prospects. Through a multifaceted approach, the study presents the network’s historical evolution in the country, including key milestones, timelines, and maps illustrating its progress.
In addition to the Emerald area data, the analysis also involved the recording and updating of information on nationally protected areas and internationally recognized sites, such as Ramsar sites, UNESCO biosphere reserves, and other important conservation areas (IBAs, KBAs, HCVFs). Furthermore, inconsistencies and errors in the existing data were identified through systematic checks and corrected by the project’s scientific team.
A critical aspect of the study is the analysis of spatial overlap between Emerald sites and other protected areas. This approach helps determine how effectively Moldova leverages its national protected areas and identifies locations that require boundary adjustments or expansions to improve the network’s coherence and effectiveness.
The adequacy of existing management plans was also evaluated, including the extent to which they align with the requirements of the Bern Convention and EU Nature Directives. The study also focused on the conservation of species and habitats of European interest, highlighting the gaps that need to be addressed to strengthen their protection.
The study concludes with recommendations for the next steps in updating the Emerald Network, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and transitioning toward Natura 2000 standards. The outcomes of this effort will form the foundation for the next phase of the project, reinforcing Moldova’s environmental protection and alignment with European benchmarks.
The LIFE RENATA project lays the groundwork for a revised Emerald Network, aiming to increase the Sufficiency Index (SI) and enhance biodiversity conservation. The development of a knowledge repository and GIS-based spatial data platform will further support the country’s efforts to meet Natura 2000 standards, contributing to a sustainable future for Moldova’s natural heritage.
Co-funded by the LIFE Programme, the LIFE RENATA project aims to align the management of Moldova’s Emerald Network with EU Natura 2000 standards. It is coordinated by Lever S.A. and is expected to deliver significant environmental outcomes by January 2026.
