Government approves 200M euro loan for forest expansion
Over the next decade, more than 145,000 hectares of land in Moldova will be afforested.
These actions are part of the National Program for Forest Expansion and Rehabilitation. In this context, the Government has approved the initiation of negotiations for a loan of 200 million euros, which includes a 15 million euro grant, from the European Investment Bank.
"With this funding, we will plant 63,000 hectares of forest, establish a seed centre, set up three nurseries in the northern, central, and southern regions, construct 30 wood depots, and develop access roads to the forests. Additionally, we will digitise services in forestry enterprises and equip them with modern technology and machinery," stated Sergiu Lazarenco, the Minister of the Environment.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, the contract will finance and implement the National Program for Forest Expansion and Rehabilitation from 2023 to 2032. The program aims to enhance forest governance, strengthen institutional capacities, and restore over 63,000 hectares of degraded land and forests. This initiative will significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and creating new jobs in rural areas.
In the Republic of Moldova, forests cover approximately 11% of the country's territory, while the average afforestation rate stands at 37.7%.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
