In Moldova, forests cover only 11-13% of the territory, which is insufficient to ensure a healthy ecological balance. This reality is all the more worrying as forest deforestation is on the increase, while planting of seedlings has not increased significantly. This only deepens the environmental problems facing the country.
Forests are an essential element of the ecosystem, playing a crucial role in protecting water resources and stabilizing the climate. However, Moldova currently has only 380.7 thousand hectares of forests or "green areas", according to Moldsilva data from 2019. This area is insufficient to cover the country's ecological needs.
Deforestation is having a major impact on Moldova's water reserves, contributing to their depletion. Without large-scale afforestation, the country risks facing severe water shortages. Environmental experts have already sounded the alarm, pointing out that the current level of afforestation is contributing negatively to Moldova's water reserves. Trees fix the soil and maintain moisture and their absence can worsen drought conditions.
Ina Coșeru, president of the National Environmental Center, said that many scientific forest areas are only formally conservation reserves, allowing all types of tree cutting. This approach calls into question the effectiveness of current environmental protection measures and suggests that forest management policies need to be reviewed.
Under these circumstances, increasing the forest area becomes essential not only to combat the depletion of water resources, but also for the overall protection of the environment in Moldova. A well-designed reforestation strategy could help to restore the ecological balance and ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for the future.
Moreover, afforestation efforts can bring long-term economic benefits by creating jobs and promoting sustainable tourism. Considering the potential social and economic benefits, it is imperative that the authorities and civil society work together to develop a coherent and sustainable plan to protect and expand national forests.
