Project “Awareness raising of population aiming to the strengthening of the management of Lower Dniester Ramsar Site”

This project is financed in the frame of the GEF Small Grant Programmes implemented by UNDP and will end in May 2018. The project intends to strengthen the local potential and to promote the involvement of the local communities in the management of the Lower Dniester protected area. The objectives is contribution to the conservation of the local landscape through forestation and touristic route arrangement and increasing of the awareness raising of the local population aiming to a better management of the Ramsar Site.
The project area is the protected area Lower Dniester Ramsar Site. The Lower Dniester Ramsar Site is a valuable area from the point of view of biological diversity, that is why it was recognized as Ramsar site (1316) and later it was included in the Fund of the natural areas protected by State. Some national Strategies, including the National Strategy on biological diversity of the Republic of Moldova for 2015-2020 provides that in the region of Lower Dniester a national park should be created. In line with the legislation BIOTICA ES developed the draft management plan for the Ramsar Site that was put under discussion in the region and later was approved by the Order of the Minister of Environment No. 93 of 01.12.2014.  The project intends to edit the management plan and to distribute it among the representatives of the local public authorities, local leaders and other interested parsons responsible for it implementation in the region.
Among the results of the project will be: approx. 8 hectares of forest planted to protect agricultural fields and water basins from Popeasca and Talmaza; two pedestrian and bicycle touristic routs with a length of approx. 15 km marked in territorial limits of 3 localities, providing the possibilities of biomass using for heating of social objects in Popeasca village, editing and distribution of the management plan among the representatives of the local public authorities, local leaders and other interested parties; editing and distribution of information materials among local population about the necessity of the strengthening  of Lower Dniester Ramsar Site management.

Project “Sustainability measures for water-related ecosystems in the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site” financed by ADC

Expected Result 1. Priority measures to improve water supply systems in Popeasca and Talmaza Villages are implemented, ensuring equal access to water for women and men.
The selected entity conducted feasibility study about the priority measures for improvements in water supply systems in the Popeasca and Talmaza Villages.
Study in Popeasca Village has confirmed the substitution of the leaking (due to strong corrosion) water reservoirs as the first priority in order to stop the permanent water losses and extra costs for that. The next priorities include: 1) reconstruction of water supply network in the central part of the village (about 3 km length); 2) engineering design, construction and extension of sewage system.
Study in Talmaza Village has revealed that construction of the new distribution network in the central (5th) sector of water supply is the first priority. The next priorities are: 1) reconstruction of water reservoirs in the water supply sectors 1, 3 and 4; 2) engineering design and construction of sewage systems.
Reports on the both villages indicate the necessity of installation of equipment for control of water supply and consumption and evaluation of costs for the priority measures.
Public authority of the Popeasca Villages had contracted a licensed engineering design entity (“SRL ANGION”) and paid for engineering design of water reservoirs (with necessary permissions).
Based on this design two water reservoirs (50 m3 and 25 m3) were constructed in Popeasca village by a selected entity. Also some territory arrangement works were done around the water reservoirs in Popeasca. Local population expressed their satisfaction during local meetings and gratitude that the quality of water is better now. The water reservoirs will be supervised and maintained by the Popeasca Mayoralty that is interested in the long functioning of the system.

Also in the frame of this activity individual water metter in the central sector of Talmaza village (Stefan Voda district) were installed. The local persons that got the water meters are satisfied that now they will pay for what they use and won’t pay according to some unknown rules as earlier. Also this makes easier the control of water use for local communal enterprise.

Expected Result 2. Vulnerable part of Cioburciu village is protected from losses caused by floods.
The selected entity has conducted the geodesic investigation of the area of anti-flood system and adjacent land and mapped these, prepared soil and hydrological reports, and produced the engineering design project. Cioburciu mayoralty provided co-financing.  Based on the design project construction works were done till November 2016. Civil works have been done and strong showers of May 2016 had demonstrated that about 255 inhabitants (including 84 women and 99 children) and school (290 of pupils) are protected from torrential floods. A letter of gratitude was sent in the address of BIOTICA and ADA from the local population that live in that part of the village. The construction was transmitted to the Mayoralty of Cioburciu that has the interest to maintain this system, as the financial sources that were paid earlier as damages to the flooded husbandries were quite high. Now this money may be used for village development.    

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Expected Result 3. First regulated spawning place in Moldova is technically operational under MANR responsibility and the second spawning place is substantiated and planned.
The selected entity has constructed two water locks on the Turunciuc Island and provided relevant territorial planning in conformity with engineering design project produced during the first project financed by ADC. The area of the spawning place varies from about 4 ha up to 19 ha dependently on water levels.
Location for the second regulated spawning place was selected on Kuta [Kutsa] Island between Turunciuc branches near Nezavertailovca Village, in the work cooperation with central environmental authority of Transdniestria. Scientific-practical substantiation for the regulated spawning place on Kuta Island has been developed as the result of their work, and management recommendations drafted. Expected area of the spawning place is about 50 ha and general relief is favourable.

Expected Result 4. Ecological capacities of the Talmaza Wetland core area of international importance and of riverside protective bands in Transdniestrian part of the LDRS are improved.
Work map was prepared for the field investigations in Talmaza Wetland. Experts have prepared recommendations on the forest planting. Selection of the planting areas on the left Dniester River bank has been done also.
Entities for planting works were selected for the right and left Dniester banks on the tender basis. On the left bank 7 ha of planting has been carried out on the Turunciuc Island substituting old and degraded plantation in riverside. Species composition for planting include white poplar, willow, ash, elm, Mahaleb cherry, black alder and shrubs.  On the right bank the works started with autumn soil preparation on the total planting area in Talmaza Wetland – 14.4 ha on four parcels; that work is on-going. planting of 1 ha – oak and ash (spring 2016); planting of 3.8 ha – willow; 2 ha – poplar and elm (autumn 2016); planting of 1 ha was done on the parcel where major part based on oak should be planted later. Thus, 7.8 ha are planted.

Expected Result 5. Awareness of and attention to strengthened LDRS management is improved among officials and citizens (women and men).
The team of sociologists has prepared the background documents for the sociologic study and co-agreed with the project core team. Studies were conducted in six villages (mainly of Stefan Voda District) during July – August 2015.
The study in Romanian can be found HERE.
Major conclusions of the study are:

• The population of the Lower Dniester communities is not informed sufficiently about Ramsar Site and creation of the Lower Dniester National Park and does not know what that presupposes.
• Socially active people who interact frequently with the public authorities know about intention to create the National Park, but do not know details.
• Mayors who keep mandates longer than one duty and persons collaborating with BIOTICA in various projects are the best informed category in this respect.
• Knowledge available to population regarding the National Park is fragmentary and sporadic.
• Although local knowledge is scarce and contradictory it varies between two extremes: the National Park is to protect flora and fauna in favour of people in the area, or the Park is to forbid access of population in the area.
• Socially active women population has a knowledge regarding the National Park but the knowledge is not sufficient while socially passive females have no information.
• Socially active men population has sufficient information though it is not complete while socially passive men have some information that is received informally.
• Women have more romantic views on the National Park while men have a pragmatic vision: women perceive the Park as an area to escape from the daily routine, men look rather an opportunity to gain; women associate the Park with public gardens, while men – with the provision of leisure services.
• There are no important differences in attitudes in terms of gender, but women tend to join to already formed attitudes of other persons who have a relevant knowledge; in the most cases these persons are men.
• People do not believe to central authorities while the local authorities enjoy more confidence.
• People who want creation of the National Park: men – about 47%, women – 29%; people who are against the National Park or cannot explain their desire: men – about 9%, women – 15%.

The Sociologic Team revealed some obstacles (many of these are determined by people misunderstanding), expectations of people and authorities, farmers and business representatives as well as means of information dissemination preferable for population. On these grounds the Team has produced recommendations on awareness raising, communication and public involvement (near 51% of men and 44% would like to take a part in creation of the Lower Dniester National Park.

Presentation of the sociological study

Banner with zoning scheme of the Ramsar Site and explanations is done and delivered to mayors who installed it in public-available places in the villages of the Lower Dniester site. Four leaflets were prepared taking into account the study results and recommendations: 1) about the project purposes and expected results (mainly disseminated); 2) about project current developments (issued); 3) on the religious (Eastern Church) support to environment protection (in printing house); 4) major questions (delusions) of local people and explanations (in printing house). A popular brochure about the Ramsar Site, necessity and ways to strengthen its management is drafted. Some publications in newspapers were done.

Moldova ENPI FLEG II Country Program:
Assessing revenue loss from unsustainable forest practices in Moldova

During this assignment supported by the World Bank,  BIOTICA Ecological Society had the objective to conduct an assessment of the economic costs of the losses from illegal logging and poaching in Moldova’s forest ecosystems and provide real data pet these phenomena, including trends for main eco-regions of Moldova and to formulate recommendations for improving the existent relevant technical and regulatory framework.

Here can be found the report on Forests revenue loss (In Romanian).

Project “Sustainability measures for water-related ecosystems in the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site” financed by ADC

Expected Result 1. Priority measures to improve water supply systems in Popeasca and Talmaza Villages are implemented, ensuring equal access to water for women and men.
The selected entity conducted feasibility study about the priority measures for improvements in water supply systems in the Popeasca and Talmaza Villages.
Study in Popeasca Village has confirmed the substitution of the leaking (due to strong corrosion) water reservoirs as the first priority in order to stop the permanent water losses and extra costs for that. The next priorities include: 1) reconstruction of water supply network in the central part of the village (about 3 km length); 2) engineering design, construction and extension of sewage system.
Study in Talmaza Village has revealed that construction of the new distribution network in the central (5th) sector of water supply is the first priority. The next priorities are: 1) reconstruction of water reservoirs in the water supply sectors 1, 3 and 4; 2) engineering design and construction of sewage systems.
Reports on the both villages indicate the necessity of installation of equipment for control of water supply and consumption and evaluation of costs for the priority measures.
Public authority of the Popeasca Villages had contracted a licensed engineering design entity which elaborated the engineering design project for two standard water reservoirs (tower type) with volume 50 m3 each.
In June the selected entity for civil works in Popeasca Village on tender basis started the civil works for installation of two water reservoirs and now a ditch for water reservoir of 50 m3 is ready.  

Expected Result 2. Vulnerable part of Cioburciu village is protected from losses caused by floods.
The selected entity started the engineering planning in order to restore anti-flood system in the Cioburciu Village. Until 30 of July “Acvaproiect” has finished the first report that consists of results of geologic, soil, hydrological and geodesic study of the area of anti-flood system and adjacent land (with map).

Expected Result 3. First regulated spawning place in Moldova is technically operational under MANR responsibility and the second spawning place is substantiated and planned.
Location for the second spawning place was selected on Kutsa Island between Turunciuc branches near Nezavertailovca Village, in the work cooperation with central environmental authority of Transdniestria.
Experts in Hydrology and Ichthyology from the left Dniester River bank has been contracted on the tender basis and started their work. Civil works has been started for the creation of the firsta regulated spawning place.

Expected Result 4. Ecological capacities of the Talmaza Wetland core area of international importance and of riverside protective bands in Transdniestrian part of the LDRS are improved.
Work map (units of communal lands of Talmaza and of Tighina Forestry Enterprise versus surface relief) was prepared for the field investigations in Talmaza Wetland. Recommendations on the forest planting were drafted. Expert in Forest Organisation from the left Dniester River bank delivered his first report – suggestions on areas of reconstruction and planting in riverside protective bands. Selection of probable areas of planting on the left Dniester River bank is on-going.

Expected Result 5. Awareness of and attention to strengthened LDRS management is improved among officials and citizens (women and men).
The Sociological Team experts were selected on the tender basis and contracted. Introductory instructions were done for the Team about the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site, its natural and cultural heritage, previously done studies and some sociologic features, legal status and efforts to improve environment and contribute to sustainable development as well as needs to re-enforce management conditions. Relevant literature was delivered to sociologic experts.
Sociological Team prepared the background documents for the sociologic study (system of questions to respondents of different categories).
A seminar on promoting environment protection and creation of a national park in the region was organized on 3 of June in Palanca village with the participation of 33 persons, including representatives of local public authorities, Stefan Voda district council,  NGOs, teachers, pupils.

Banner with zoning scheme of the Ramsar Site and explanations is done and delivered to mayors who installed it in public-available places in the villages of the Lower Dniester site. Four leaflets were prepared taking into account the study results and recommendations: 1) about the project purposes and expected results (mainly disseminated); 2) about project current developments (issued); 3) on the religious (Eastern Church) support to environment protection (in printing house); 4) major questions (delusions) of local people and explanations (in printing house). A popular brochure about the Ramsar Site, necessity and ways to strengthen its management is drafted. Some publications in newspapers were done including the national one “Economiceskoe obozrenie” and three in the local newspaper (Stefan Voda District).

Project “Sustainability measures for water-related ecosystems in the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site” financed by ADC

In December 2014 BIOTICA has started the implementation of the project “Sustainability measures for water-related ecosystems in the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site” with kind support of Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). It is a continuity of the project "Improving the management of water resources and ecosystem protection in Ramsar Site" Lower Dniester " also supported by ADC. On 12 OF February 2015 it was organized the launching ceremony at the Ministry of Environment where were invited representatives of central and local authorities, relevant institutions, NGOs and business.  

The project “Sustainability measures for water-related ecosystems in the Lower Dniester Ramsar Site” will be implemented in the period December 2014 – November 2017 and has the objective to contribute to water management mitigating the environmental risks in favour of using an ecosystem services approach.

The project will be implemented in the Ramsar Site Lower Dniester, including in Transdniestria. The project intends to determine priority steps and contribute to solving the problems of water supply systems in Popeasca and Talmaza villages from LDRS. Implementation of the project solves also the problem of protecting a part of Cioburciu Village including school that is affected by floods: an anti-flood system will be rehabilitated. Creation of a regulated spawning place will be done as a pioneer activity in the region, and the second place will be assessed. The forestation works in the biodiversity valuable area of LDRS as well as in riverside protective bands will be done (15-18 ha). A sociological study and awareness raising will be done in favour of strengthening the LDRS and creation of a national park; based on this activities 5 seminars with stakeholders will be conducted, more meetings with focus groups within sociological study will be organised, development of the capacity of local authorities in the field of water use and water protection issues will be done and an information campaign organised that assure ADC and project activity visibility.

Expected results of the project:
Expected Result 1. Priority measures to improve water supply systems in Popeasca and Talmaza Villages are implemented, ensuring equal access to water for women and men.
Expected Result 2. Vulnerable part of Cioburciu village is protected from losses caused by floods.
Expected Result 3. First regulated spawning place in Moldova is technically operational under MANR responsibility and the second spawning place is substantiated and planned.
Expected Result 4. Ecological capacities of the Talmaza Wetland core area of international importance and of riverside protective bands in Transdniestrian part of the LDRS are improved.
Expected Result 5. Awareness of and attention to strengthened LDRS management is improved among officials and citizens (women and men).

Project "Improving the management of water resources and ecosystem protection in Ramsar Site" Lower Dniester " supported by ADC

In November 2014 BIOTICA has finished the implementation of the project "Improving the management of water resources and ecosystem protection in Ramsar Site" Lower Dniester " supported by ADC.

Project activities implementation

Establishment of the water management regulation facility was done (Result 1). The selected company conducted the necessary researches and delivered engineering design project. All formal permissions and approvals for projecting and construction were obtained. Constructing entity was selected. The water lock and linked works were done. Regulation (instruction) on the water lock management was drafted and delivered to the Ministry of Environment, which co-agreed it. Acceptance statement was done.
Feasibility study on the first regulated spawning place (Result 2) was finished and confirmed possibility to create it in the Turunciuc region. Location of the spawning place and major parameters of management were determined. Entity for engineering design project was selected. The entity  has obtained suitable in Transdniestria permissions and conclusions, conducted geodesic studies and the engineering project. All permissions for construction of the spawning place are delivered by Transdniestrian authorities. Regulation on the spawning place was drafted and co-agreed with central environmental body of Transdniestria; the regulation is approved by Scientific-technical Council under this body.
Protective integrity and functional capacity of riverside bands was increased (Result 3). The field studies, the plan of forest reconstruction and planting and technological charts were prepared for Talmaza Wetland and riverside bands of the both banks. Total planting area is 35 ha. Entities for civil works were selected and contracted. Planting was done on the both banks of Dniester during 2013-2014.
Recognition of theNATURA 2000 site(s) in Transdniestrian part of the Ramsar Site (Result 4) was done. Materials for training on NATURA 2000 methodology were prepared and Transdniestrian specialists trained (workshop in Tiraspol, 15 February 2013, 17 participants). Two of four probable sites were recognized as important and studied in details; workshop for stakeholders (Tiraspol, 29 October 2013) held and participants (38 persons) supported creation of protected areas here. Scientific motivation for official designation of protected areas was prepared being based on NATURA 2000 methodology and other considerations. The motivation was approved by the the Scientific-Technical Council of the central environmental body of Transdniestria; creation of the protected areas is co-agreed with local authorities, discussed and supported by stakeholders during the second seminar in Transdniestria (held in Tiraspol, 09 October 2014, 39 participants).
Awareness of stakeholders from the right bank of the Dniester River on water and water-linked legislation was raised (Result 5). Two seminars in Stefan-Voda were organised (22 March 2013 and 29 March 2014). Both seminars gathered 51 participants each (representatives of the district and communities‘ authorities, district specialists in relevant issues, representatives of civil society and business). The handbook on water and other environmental and linked legislation for stakeholders has been edited and distribution among stakeholders started during the second seminar. The popular booklet “Lower Dniester: values and threats” was edited and distributed. 
Improving the potable water supply system sector in Talmaza village (Result 6) was done. All necessary permissions were received from the state services by local partners. Technical engineering project of the water reservoir and pipeline sector was drafted and updated (contribution of Water Users Association and local administration). Civil works started on 3th of April 2014 after cold period. Construction of new water reservoir and doubled pipeline between the new water reservoir and artesian water well were done with all arrangements and installation of equipment, fences and autonomous light systems. Seminar in Talmaza Village (03.06.2014, 49 participants) proposed recommendations to Water User Association and Local public authorities.

National seminar was held on 21 November 2014 at the Ministry of Environment (50 representatives of the Ministry including Environmental Inspectorate, local authorities, third parties of the project, academia and NGOs from the both Dniester River banks and other institutions, mass-media).
Thus, all planned project results were achieved and the project was finished in time.
Nature-based project developments were reported at the Sub-regional workshop (19-22 May 2014) under UNESCO, which confirmed the necessity to create biosphere reserve in the Lower Dniester; participants visited the project objects. These developments were presented also at five international workshops and conferences; relevant info was included in the Moldova’s National report on the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2014) to be submitted to COP-12 in 2015 (Uruguay), and finally, communicated to the Steering Committee of the Pan-European Biodiversity Platform (Moscow, 15 December 2014).

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On-going works on water lock creation in the frame of the project "Improving the management of water resources and ecosystem protection in Ramsar Site" Lower Dniester "implemented by BIOTICA Ecological Society and funded by the Austrian Development Agency.

Sub- regional workshop “Strengthening capacities for a sustainable future in Black-Sea and Caucasus countries: support to an establishment of biosphere reserves (BRs) as model sites for sustainable development and key tools for transboundary cooperation and the co-management of shared ecosystems”

On 19-22 May 2014 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova the sub- regional workshop “Strengthening capacities for a sustainable future in Black-Sea and Caucasus countries: support to an establishment of biosphere reserves (BRs) as model sites for sustainable development and key tools for transboundary cooperation and the co-management of shared ecosystems” took place with the financial support of the UNESCO Venice Office. The event brought together 37 participants, including representatives from Moldova, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Romania. Among participants were Members of National MaB Committees, relevant institutions dealing with BR creation and management.
Participants to the workshop spent three days working together to network with one another, build capacity, develop recommendations for effectively promoting the BRs network and the MAB Programme, support current effort to establish BR in the Republic of Moldova, contribute to the acceleration of the progress leading to BRs designation in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Presentations of best practices in BR establishment and management from Russian Federation, Ukraine and Romania were very useful for experience sharing with workshop participants. As Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia recently moved forward in processes leading to the designation of a fist biosphere reserve in the country, it was important to share their experience and problems in this field.
As one of the workshop’s goal was to straighten transboundary cooperation, during the event the experience of Russian Federation, Ukraine, Romania in this field was shared with participants. Presentation of the current situation in BR establishment (incl. opportunities and challenges) in the Republic of Moldova was done.
During the working group activities participants identified the key steps to enhance professional and institutional capacities in countries concerned, to reinforce the capacity of MAB national bodies and BR managers to lead the MAB Programme and share lessons learned in their respective countries. Also they identified the key challenges to establish BR in a country and how to overcome them and what are the key needs in strengthening the cross-sectoral cooperation and sustainable development of territories concerned, as well as transboundary cooperation.
Two field trips to the areas of potential BRs in Moldova were organised – in Lower Dniester region (Stefan Voda district) and Lower Prut region (Cahul district). During them participants to the workshop met local stakeholders and discussed the next steps forward to progress on BR establishment in the Republic of Moldova.
Based on all outputs of the sub-regional some recommendations and follow up strategy were elaborated and approved by the participants. The recommendation includes proposals of reinforcing the capacity of MAB national bodies and BR managers to lead the MAB Programme, proposals to overcome key challenges to establish BR in a country, proposal to strengthen the cross-sectoral cooperation and sustainable development of territories concerned, and to improve transboundary cooperation, and sub-regional/regional cooperation related to BR/TBR processes. Also the recommendation includes proposed steps for Moldova in the field of BR creation and management.

Presentations done during the seminar
“Biosphere reserves as model sites for sustainable development and key tools for transboundary cooperation and the co-management of shared ecosystems” – Marie Prchalova, UNESCO
Overview of a current situation in BR establishment (incl. opportunities and challenges) in the Republic of Moldova and presentation from several perspectives:
from the MAB Committee perspective, Alexei Andreev;
from stakeholders perspective, Artur Nebunu, Cahul NGO,

Experience of creation and management of BR in Russian Federation, Mihail Brynskih, Member of National MaB Russian Federation
Experience of creation of BR in Ukraine, Iacov Diduh, Member of National MaB, Ukraine
Presentation of the BR “Danube Delta”, Romania, Ion Munteanu, Danube Delta BR

Current situation related to the creation of BR in Armenia – Gheorghi Faivush, Member of National MaB Armenia
Current situation related to the creation of BR in Azerbaijan – Dmitri Panin, UNESCO Azerbaijan
MaB in Georgia: state and perspectives– Shukri Djaparidze, Member of National MaB Georgia

Transboundary cooperation and co-management of shared ecosystems, Marie Prchalova, UNESCO
Transboundary cooperation, Russian Federation experience, Valery Neronov, Deputy Chairperson of Russian MAB Committee
Transboundary cooperation in Danube Delta region, Ion Muntean, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
Wetland restoration projects in the Danube Delta Biosphere, Marian Tudor, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Institute, Romania
Introduction to technical aspects of BR nomination forms and familiarization with guidelines and procedures Valery Neronov, Deputy Chairperson of Russian MAB Committee.