Moldova: First Steps Toward Natura 2000 Through LIFE RENATA

May 9, 2025

Moldova presents the first results of aligning its Emerald Network with Natura 2000: A major step toward integration into the EU’s biodiversity framework

Chișinău, Moldova – April 2025 – Moldova hosted the third meeting of the LIFE RENATA project, along with the 2nd training session and the 2nd stakeholder consultation meeting, marking a significant step toward aligning its Emerald Network of protected areas with the standards of the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. Coordnated by Lever – Development Consultants S.A., a member of the Samaras & Partners Group, project partners and experts from Moldova, Greece, and Ukraine – including representatives from ministries, NGOs, research institutes, and technical services – came together to present the first official outcomes of this strategic transition process. The events were organized by LEVER, EcoContact, kartECO, ICAS, EKBY, and the Ministry of Environment.

The events marked a key milestone for Moldova’s environmental governance and its broader path toward EU accession, focusing on progress made in assessing the harmonization of existing systems with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and outlining the next steps forward.

Key outcomes presented included:

The initial needs and gaps analysis, identifying areas where Moldova’s laws and institutions require further adjustment to meet EU standards.
Progress in updating the boundaries of Emerald sites and revising Standard Data Forms (SDFs).
The first draft version of the Natura 2000 Transition Roadmap, presented for stakeholder feedback, outlining the path toward future Natura 2000 site designation.
An introduction to EU Nature Directives – including criteria, specifications, and conservation objectives per site.
The preliminary version of the Knowledge Repository Platform, a tool gathering technical expertise and information.

A synergy conference was also held, featuring the “sister project” ConNaturLIFE from Ukraine and the “Czech Support for Better Management of Protected Areas in Moldova” project, implemented via the UNDP Challenge Fund. At the conference, experts exchanged ideas on managing transboundary species, ecological corridors, and shared conservation goals, thereby strengthening regional biodiversity cooperation.

The three-day agenda combined technical consultations and hands-on training. Experts showcased innovative approaches to mapping protected areas, aligning legislation, and integrating smart digital tools. A major highlight was the presentation of the Knowledge Repository Hub, an original digital platform designed to support the implementation of Natura 2000 with centralized data, expert resources, and monitoring tools.

Additionally, participants explored how Natura 2000 objectives could be integrated into broader spatial planning, agriculture, and climate policy, ensuring that conservation goals become an integral part of Moldova’s national development strategies.

As part of the event, the Project Manager of LIFE IP4NATURA was invited to share insights into this strategic environmental initiative in Greece. LIFE IP4NATURA focuses on the development and implementation of management and conservation actions in selected pilot Natura 2000 areas.

This presentation offered participants a clearer understanding of the practical steps and long-term initiatives that typically follow the designation of Natura 2000 sites. The Greek experience serves as a useful reference for Moldova, providing a concrete example of nature conservation efforts already underway.

While the Natura 2000 Roadmap is still under development, the presentation of its first version marks a major step forward. It lays the groundwork for a practical plan to guide Moldova toward full compliance with EU environmental directives by 2030.

By mid-2025, the LIFE RENATA project aims to:

Finalize the Roadmap with clear milestones
Propose specific legal reforms aligned with EU Nature Directives
Broaden stakeholder involvement and develop strong biodiversity monitoring systems

The event was hosted in Chișinău by the Institute of Forest Research and Management (ICAS) in collaboration with the environmental NGO EcoContact. The project’s deliverables are available on the LIFE RENATA website, accessible via the portal: [https://liferenata.eu/main-results-impact/](https://liferenata.eu/main-results-impact/)

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA). Neither the EU nor CINEA can be held responsible for the opinions expressed.

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