National Climate Vulnerability Assessment: MOLDOVA ©Climate Forum East (CFE) and ECOSPECTRU, Moldova, 2014

national climate vulnerability assessment: MOLDOVA ©Climate Forum East (CFE) and ECOSPECTRU, Moldova, 2014

Copies of all or part of this study may be made for non-commercial use, providing the source is acknowledged. CFE and ECOSPECTRU Moldova would appreciate receiving details of this use. Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to the ECOSPECTRU Moldova at [email protected].

The opinions and recommendations expressed in this study do not necessarily represent the official policy of CFE, ECOSPECTRU Moldova or project partners in this project. The designations used do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of CFE and ECOSPECTRU Moldova concerning the legal status of a territory or its authorities. The copyright of each photo and figure used in this study is indicated by the relevant caption.

This publication has been produced by the assistance of the European Union. The contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of the Maria Nedealcov and Ion Cotofana and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. www.climateforumeast.org www.facebook.com/climateforumeastcfe www.ecospectru.moldnet.md [email protected]

Authors: Maria Nedealcov, Ion Cotofana

Advisors: Dumitru Drumea, Alexandru Teleuta

Design: Imre Sebastyén, jr/UNITgraphics.com

Cover image:

Print: moldova

Preface

The overwhelming scientific consensus is that the climate While efforts to mitigate the rate of climate change through has been changing, largely due to human activity: global cutting greenhouse gas emissions are ongoing, the failure temperatures are rising, rainfall patterns are becoming more to reach a binding international agreement to significantly unpredictable, and global average sea levels are rising, with reduce global emissions means that the planet will continue these trends expected to continue over the coming decades. to experience warming over the coming decades. Mitigation A warmer climate has also been linked with more frequent is not enough; societies must take steps to adapt to the and intense climate-related disasters and extreme weather. projected impacts of climate change, and build their capacity Records indicate that the number of climate-related disasters to manage changing risks at every level in the face of an has risen significantly over the past century, and these now increasingly unpredictable climate. affect over 250 million people a year. Civil society and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement have The humanitarian impacts of climate change and changing a major role to play in alerting decision makers and the public patterns of extreme weather are likely to be significant. There to the risks of climate change and motivating people to take is increasing worldwide concern about the negative impacts action based on these risks. Climate Forum East is a project in a changing climate could have on societies and economies, the six countries of the Eastern Partnership, aimed at building affecting sectors from agriculture to water resources. The the capacity of civil society to engage with decision makers most severe effects of climate change are likely to be on these issues, and mobilising youth and communities disproportionately felt by the poorest and most disadvantaged to respond to the challenges faced by their country in a members of societies, who already have very few resources to changing climate. Thus one of the key activities of the project fall back on in the case of disaster, and are ill-equipped to cope is the assessment by national civil society organisations of with the new challenges posed by climate change; the main climate risks and vulnerabilities in each country, and the development of recommendations to civil society and decision makers on possible approaches to take towards climate change adaptation in their country. It is to this end that this National Climate Vulnerability Assessment report is presented.

iii national climate vulnerability assessment

Methodology and development

This national CVA was developed according to the provisions On the basis of analysis of environmental and climate change for the implementation of the Climate Forum East1 (CFE) issues and taking into account Moldova’s strategic objectives project in Moldova. Current trends in climate change are the following activities were outlined for inclusion inthe based on the analysis of statistical and other data served as a national CVA: base for estimation of current impacts of changes in climatic • Analysis of actual state of climate trends in Moldova for patterns on different sectors of economy, social development last 50 years and involvement of the civil society institutions in the • Evaluation of recent damages to different sectors of development of adaptation measures to climate change. economy, environment and social activities due to the climate change and extreme weather conditions Despite the fact that priority areas for the study were selected • Evaluation of actual legislation and institutional by participants of the national civil society organisation development associated with implementation of the network for the CFE project implementation, the complexity climate change adaptation measures of interactions of different sectors of social and economic • Development of recommendations for main target development and climate change impact on them has been authorities and case-studies for identified priorities taken into account in the preparation of recommendations. in order to facilitate involvement of the civil society An important and demanding task is development of the institutions in the development of the adaptation research activities, regional cooperation, involvement of the measures and in the planning process regarding such civil society institutions and networks in different types of activities. climate change adaptation activities.

1 www.climateforumeast.org

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Executive summary

The impact of climate change influences directly or indirectly The study assumes that each priority sector should have a all domains of social and economic development in Moldova. special plan for development with climate change component. Risk management activities for natural and man-made Currently this is under discussion for sectoral development in disasters are part of plans for emergency measures developed agriculture, public health and biodiversity conservation plans, on national and regional levels. It is expected that in the next which are going to be approved in the nearest future. It gives 20 years, climate change will have a significant effect on an opportunity to set a number of objectives for each sector, main sectors of national economy and cause loss of natural which should be achieved with the active participation of habitats and biodiversity. Impacts are expected to include loss the civil society institutions. Relevant recommendations for of agricultural crops, rising prices of main foods, damage to this present an essential part of the national CVA and could natural habitats and biodiversity, and changes in consumption be used for development of this compartment in action plans patterns in water and energy supply. Human health is also a for implementation of developed political documents in concern for different level of authorities due to increased Moldova. periods and intensity of heat waves, which impacts vulnerable groups of people and development of social and health The development of measures aimed at adaptation to climate systems in the country. change is also relevant for the organisation of research activities, the preparation of new educational programs on university This study presents trends in temperature and precipitation level as well as for different target groups of the population. It values for the last 50 years and projections for the coming has been proposed to improve planning practices in research decades, along with a discussion of how this will affect the and thus increase the effectiveness and cooperation with incidence of extreme weather and disasters like heat waves, EU relevant institutions. In this context, cooperation in the droughts and floods. Climate change is also likely to affect development of research studies could lead to preparing of economic output in certain sector and consumption patterns joint projects similar to those in the Danube River Basin, where of energy, and certain societal groups are especially vulnerable an integrated climate change study was developed in the to changing weather conditions. period 2011-2013.

Case studies developed for the priority sectors of rural Moldavian society seeks solutions to adapt to climate development, public health and biodiversity show actual change on all levels from the central authorities to the opportunities for sectoral development in regard to climate small communities, civil society and individuals. A lot of change, and opportunities to adapt recent practices to measures aimed at introduction of the environmental friendly new climatic conditions. This is particularly relevant for the technologies, extension of forested and nature protected agricultural sector due to implementation of projects aimed areas, development of the public health system etc are at irrigation, measures to reduce erosion, etc. Biodiversity implemented in the country due to national efforts and and ecosystems development are indicated together with cooperation with EU institutions, through implementation of opportunities for extension of the forested areas and protected different projects. Civil society organizations have a crucial role areas network, while health sector requires improvement of in converting public concerns in effective actions to develop the health care system and increased social support to the measures to adapt to climate change. These institutions in vulnerable groups of population cooperation with different level of public authorities are involved in awareness rising and education, in an attempt to Institutional analysis showed good potential for modify public perception of issues associated with climate implementation of the provisions of cooperation with EU, change and to influence the behaviour patterns of the especially in the framework of the Eastern Partnership project population. activities and attraction of the best EU practices to adapt to climate change, particularly in the agricultural sector. EU assistance in this domain could be crucial for sectors identified as national priority sectors and also in the social dimension, including the involvement of the Red Cross in actions aimed at reducing of the impact in case of natural disasters.

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Table of Contents

Preface...... iii Methodology and development...... iv Executive summary...... v List of tables and figures...... viii

1 Climate change in Moldova...... 1 1.1 Climate change and natural disasters...... 1 1.1.1 Geographic overview and current climate...... 1 1.1.2 Population and demographics...... 2 1.1.3 Natural hazards and disasters...... 3 1.1.4 Climate trends and future climate change...... 4 1.1.5 Impacts of climate change on hazards and disasters...... 6 1.2 Changing vulnerability to climate changev......

2. Sectoral impacts of climate change...... 9 2.1 Rural development...... 9 2.1.1 Overview of the agricultural sector...... 9 2.1.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities...... 10 2.1.3 Recommendations...... 10 2.2 Public health...... 11 2.2.1 Overview of the public health sector...... 11 2.2.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities...... 12 2.2.3 Recommendations...... 13 Case study: Protecting vulnerable people in extreme weather...... 14 2.3 Biodiversity...... 15 2.3.1 Overview of the biodiversity sector...... 15 2.3.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities...... 17 2.3.3 Recommendations...... 18

3. Responding to climate change...... 20 3.1 Awareness of climate change...... 20

3.2 National policy frameworks for climate change and disaster risk reduction...... 20 3.2.1 Climate change...... 20 3.2.2 Disaster Risk Reduction...... 21 3.2.3 Climate and hazard monitoring, research and early warning...... 21 3.3 Regional disaster risk reduction and climate change initiatives...... 22

3.4 Civil society and the role of the Red Cross...... 22 3.4.1 Civil society, climate change and disasters in Moldova...... 22 3.4.2 The Red Cross...... 23 3.5 The importance of knowledge sharing: science, civil society and the state...... 24

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4. Conclusions and recommendations...... 25 4.1 Government and civil society engagement...... 25

4.2 Sectoral recommendations...... 25 4.2.1 Climate change awareness and education...... 25 4.2.2 Public participation...... 26 4.2.3 Rural development...... 26 4.2.4 Nature protection...... 26 4.2.5 Water management...... 26 4.2.5 CSO development...... 26 Annex 1: List of key political documents relating to climate change in Moldova...... 27 Annex 2: Main towns in the Republic of Moldova...... 28 References...... 29

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List of tables and figures

Table 1: Natural disasters in Moldova 2008-2012. Source: Department for Emergencies 3

Table 2: Significant drought years in Moldova, showing average temperature and precipitation. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 3

Table 3: Changes in temperature and precipitation in Moldova during the period 1887-2011. Source: Lasse, 1978 & National Bureau of Statistics 4

Table 4: Annual temperature anomalies from the long-term average. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service 5

Table 6: Top ten warmest and coldest years. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 6

Table 8: Retail sale of electrical household appliances in percentage to previous year Source: National Bureau of Statistics 7

Table 9: Changes in quality of life between 2004 and 2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 7

Table 10: Population and life expectancy in Moldova. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 8

Table 11: Quantity of livestock in thousand animals. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 9

Table 12: Economic losses due to climate related hazards, 2009-2012. Source: Department for Emergency Situations 10

Table 13: Production of main crops in Moldova in tonnes, 2004-2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 10

Table 16: Key medical indicators in Moldova . Source: National Bureau of Statistics 12

Table 15: Percentage of drinking water sources deemed unsafe. Source: National Centre for Public Health 12

Table 14: Recent DREF appeals in Moldova. Source: IFRC 24

Figure 1: Map of Moldova. Source: x 1

Figure 2: Annual average temperature in the period 2000-2010. Source: Nedealcov, 2013 1

Figure 3: Population density of Moldova, 2000. Source: Global Rural Urban Mapping Project 2

Figure 4: Annual average air temperature in Moldova 1887-2010. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service 4

Figure 5: Temperature anomaly compared to the 1961-1990 baseline. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service 4

Figure 6: Spatial distribution of the sums of active temperatures in the reference period 1989-1999 (left) and for the forecasted period 2000-2029 (right) in the Republic of Moldova. Source: Nedealcov, 2012 5

Figure 7. Protected areas in the Republic of Moldova. Source: Biotica, 2002 16

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List of acronyms

AA – Association Agreement

CCA – Climate Change Adaptation

CCO – Civil Society Organization

CHF – Swiss Frank

CVA – Climate Vulnerability Assessment

DRPC – Danube River Protection Convention

EC – European Commission

EaP – Eastern Partnership

EU – European Union

GWP – Global Water Partnership

IFRC – International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

MDL – Moldovan Leu

MoA – Ministry of Agriculture

MoE – Ministry of Environment

MoH – Ministry of Health

MEM – Ecological Movement of Moldova

NGO – non-governmental organization

RCM – Red Cross Moldova

TDS – Total Dissolved Solids

WMO – World Meteorological Organization

WWF – World Wide Fund for Nature

moldova 1 Climate change in Moldova

1.1 Climate change and natural disasters

1.1.1 Geographic overview and current climate The Republic of Moldova is situated in the north-western part of the Black sea basin with a total area of 33.8 thousand square kilometres. The capital is Chisinau, located in its central part. The territory of the country is divided in two main river basins – the Dniester and the Danube (Figure 1).

Schema regiunilor teritoriale şi bazinele de apă a Republicii Moldova K U R 1

t 2 Pru Edineţ R Soroca 3 1 A

3 2 O 5

4 Băţ li Rîţ bni a

4 I M 5

Orhei 6 Dubă sari Ungeni 6 7 Ă

N 8 Chişă in u 7 9 Tiraspol Bazinele rîurilor principale Hîş nce ti Bender 3 8 Nistru 10 Căş u eni N Dunărea

Leovo

2 A

11 Comrat

Bazinele rîurilor de ordinea I I Nistru: 1-Camenca ; 2- Beloci ; 3-Ciornaia ; 4- Iagorlîc ;5- Răut ; 6-Icheli ; 7- Bîc ; 8- Botna ; Cogîlnic; Figure 2: Annual average temperature in the period 2000-2010. Source: Ciaga; Hadjidăr ; etc. Cahul Nedealcov, 2013 Dunărea: Prut;1- Lopatinca ; 2- Racovăţ ; 1 3-Ciugur ; 4- Camenca ; 5- Gîrla-Mare ; 6-Delia ;7- Brătuleanca ; 8- Nîrnova ; A 9-Lăpuşna ;10- Sărata ; 11- Larga ; Ialpuh ; Lunga ; Catlabuh ;;. Chitai Cahul The average annual precipitation varies from 500-550 mm in the central part of the country to 370 mm in the southern region. The natural conditions of Moldavian territory were Figure 1: Map of Moldova. Source: x formed under the influence of relief and climate factors. This led to the forming of the two types of landscapes – steppe The length of the country for north to the south is 350 km and forest steppe, with specific climatic conditions in regard and from west to east is 150 km. The minimum altitude is 1 m to temperature and precipitations. in the southern part in the lower Dniester (close to the Black sea) and the maximum is 428.5 m at Balanesti hill located in The territory of Moldova is located between Dniester and Prut the Codri region in the central part of the county. The average rivers (the last significant tributary of the Danube River). The annual temperature varies from 9.1˚C in the northern region total flow of the Dniester River is around 10.7 km3 per year and and 10.7˚C in the southern part of the country. the Prut River around 2.7 km3/year. Around 1.34 km3 of water

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sources for the capital and other municipalities including Tigina, Balti, Soroca, and Orhei, are the Dniester river. The Prut river water resources are not large and used for different purposes. Rural localities are supplied with the water mainly from underground sources.

There are five main protected areas in Moldova: Codrii with a total area of 5177 ha located in the central part of Moldova; Iagorlic (1044 ha) situated in the Transnistria region; Padurea Domneasca (6500 ha), located in the northern part of Moldova in the Prut river valley; Plaiul Fagului(5600 ha) located in the Codru region (central part of Moldova); and Prutul de Jos (1691 ha) in the Lower Prut region (southern part of the country). Figure 3: Population density of Moldova, 2000. Source: Global Rural Urban Mapping Project resources are formed on the territory of Moldova and about 1.1.2 Population and demographics 70% of these exist in the Moldavian part of the Dniester river The total population of the Republic of Moldova in 2012 was basin. 3,555,900 people, of which 41.7% live in urban areas and 58.3% in rural areas. The average population density is 117 The average density of the river network in Moldova is around per/sq.km. The population has decreased for last 20-25 years 0.46 km/km2 and the average flow speed is 0.2-0.7 m/sec. The from 4,335,400 people in 1989 (120 per/sq.km). In 2011 the life construction of the water bodies in 1950s-1980s led to strong expectancy was 67.1 years for men and 75 years for women2. changes in the rivers flow and created new micro climate conditions and thus also contributed to a rising evaporation rate, a The population of the country is distributed in a rather uneven deterioration in water quality and hydrological changes, which form (Figure 21). The central and northern parts of the country are caused intensification of certain geological processes (land- more populous in comparison with the southern part, and the slides, ravines, bank erosion etc.). One of the biggest water main towns with industrial enterprises are located in the north- bodies in Moldova is Dubasari water body located in the mid- ern and central regions of Moldova. The main types of industrial dle part of the Dniester river between Camenca and Dubasari. activities are based on the processing of agricultural products. Its length is around 128 km, surface 67.5 km2, volume 0.486 Enterprises producing confectionary goods, serving transport km3, and the active part is 0.214 km3. The river flow velocity is infrastructure, assembling different industrial goods (including around 0.1 m/sec1. electronic items, furniture etc.) are also concentrated mainly in these parts of the country. The population of the main towns of Artificial water bodies are mainly used for flood control, fish the Republic of Moldova is presented in annex 2. production (an industry which has recently sharply diminished by 80-100%) and recreation. The water quality in these water bodies is not suitable for drinking. The main drinking water

1 Territorial Scheme for Environmental Protection and Rational Use of Natural Resources of the Republic of Moldova, 1991-2010 2 National Bureau of Statistics

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The Chisinau region located in the Bic river basin is the most damage was $300 million, or approximately for the budget of populated area. Around 750 thousand people live in the capital an entire state in 1994. city. The total population in the basin of the Bic river is around 1 million and the average population density is around 465 In general flood events have not been common during the persons per square km. The southern regions have the smallest last 20 years and existing protection schemes prevented ma- population density of around 70 persons per square km. jor floods. In spite of this, the danger of floods exists and relevant infrastructure has to be developed. In 2010 the damage The average monthly income of the population is around caused by flooding was estimated to be on the level of $300 3300 MDL in 2012. The gross domestic product is on the level million. This was the biggest flash flood on the Dniester River of around 35200 M lei3. The main branch of the economy is in recorded history.5 agriculture, responsible for around 80% of the national economy, and around 70% of the population is involved in the Droughts agricultural sector. The number of the population connected The most significant droughts over the past twenty years are to the centralized water supply in urban areas is around 85%, presented in the table below. Droughts have been responsible while in rural localities it is only 22%. The connection to the for the most dramatic economic losses in recent years because national sewer system in urban areas is approximately same of the effect on the agricultural industry, including 1.25 billion as for drinking water supply and in rural localities only around MDL in 2012. 23% of the population is connected to the sewer system4. Table 2 Significant drought years in Moldova, showing average temperature and precipitation. Source: National Bureau of Statistics 1.1.3 Natural hazards and disasters Year Average temperature Average precipitation Moldova is vulnerable to natural disasters, especially droughts, in ˚C in mm flooding and storms. According to the data of the Department for Emergency situations of the Republic of Moldova there 2007 12.1 420 were 102 emergencies in 2012 caused by natural phenomena 2009 11.4 400 with total economic losses of 1.6 billion MDL. The main cause 1994 11.3 410 of economic losses was due to drought which caused losses 2008 11.3 460 of 1.25 billion MDL, while torrential rains and hail caused 31.5 2000 11.2 430 million MDL in damage, and storms 23.8 million MDL. The total number of natural disasters occurring and the economic dam- 1999 11.0 500 age caused over the past five years are presented in table 1 2003 10.8 460 below.

Table 1: Natural disasters in Moldova 2008-2012. Source: Department for Emergencies Extreme temperature Year Total number Economic damage in The hottest year in the Republic of Moldova during the period of natural disasters thousand MDL of instrumental observations was 2007, when average tem- 2008 64 326748 perature exceeded the long-term average of 9.6˚C by 2.5 ˚C. 2009 49 137112 In addition, the years 2009, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2000, 1999, 1966, 2010 70 335644 of which floods 1989, 2002 were also very hot with an average temperature for 84188 the year of above 10.8˚C. 2011 58 83900 2012 102 1599905 of which drought The coldest years occurred in 1933 and 1929 when average 1252000 temperature was 7.2-7.9˚C. However, extreme cold temperatures still occur, causing considerable damage. Modelling of the absolute minimums of the winter period in 2012 dem- Floods onstrate that it varied in the limits -21.0 0C to -30 0C, which A hazard which significantly affects the population is flood- strongly affected agricultural crops planted in the autumn ing. A flood on 30 August 1994 in the central and southern (including cereals, orchards, grapes etc.). part of Moldova left 33 people dead and 14 missing. The total Landslides and erosion 3 IMF 4 National Bureau of Statistics 5 CRED, EM-DAT

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Table 3: Changes in temperature and precipitation in Moldova during the period 1887-2011. Source: Soil and subsoil resources are severely influenced by extreme Lasse, 1978 & National Bureau of Statistics weather, and erosion and landsides are a risk throughout Moldova. The surface of area influenced by erosion activity Season Change in average Change in average is around 11837 ha and another 50000 ha have experienced temperature in ˚C precipitation in mm some soil erosion. Landslides have become more frequent in Winter 1.3 9 recent years, particularly in the wake of torrential rains and ac- Spring 0.9 -5 tive snow melting, and according to the cadastre revision in Summer 0.7 20 2005 the land area affected by landslides is 25301 ha6. Autumn 0.2 32 1.1.4 Climate trends and future climate Average 0.8 56 change The average annual air temperature (Figure 4) in the Moldova has According to climate data for the past 100 years, there have registered an increase of 0.01 ºC/year during the years 1887-2010. been significant rises in temperature, especially in summer Analysis of annual temperature deviation from the 1961-1990 period. Climate trends show a clear temperature increase in baseline (Figure 5) shows a rise in positive anomalies, especially all parts of the country and especially in the southern part at the end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the of Moldova, where conditions for cultivation of agricultural twenty-first. The year 2007 was the hottest year since record crops have changed due to decreasing of the precipitation, began, with an average annual temperature exceeding the mainly in summer period and a rise in temperature during the baseline by 2.5ºC. The years 2009, 1990, 1994, 2008, 2000, 1999, vegetation period of more than 1.5 ˚C7. Table 3 shows how 1966, 1989 and 2002 were also extremely warm, with an average annual average temperature and precipitation have varied in annual temperature of 10.8 ºC or more (the long term average is Moldova since 1887. equal to 9.6ºC). In the last two decades such above-average years have occurred once every two years (table 4). The lowest values of thermal were recorded in 1933 and 1929 when the average annual temperature was 7.2 – 7.9 ºC. Likewise with low values by an annual average temperature of 8-8.3 ºC is characterized the 6 National Report on the State of Environment in Moldova, 2012 coldest years: 1934, 1985, 1912, 1940, 1987, 1888, 1976, and 1980. 7 Nedealcov, 2012.

12,5 12 11,5 y = 0,01x + 8,9836 11 10,5 10 9,5 9 8,5 8 7,5 7 1887 1889 1891 1893 1895 1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 1909 1911 1913 1915 1917 1919 1921 1923 1925 1927 1929 1931 1933 1935 1937 1939 1945 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009

Figure 4: Annual average air temperature in Moldova 1887-2010. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service

2,5 2 1,5 1 0,5 0 -0,5 -1 -1,5 -2 -2,5 1887 1889 1891 1893 1895 1897 1899 1901 1903 1905 1907 1909 1911 1913 1915 1917 1919 1921 1923 1925 1927 1929 1931 1933 1935 1937 1939 1945 1947 1949 1951 1953 1955 1957 1959 1961 1963 1965 1967 1969 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 Figure 5: Temperature anomaly compared to the 1961-1990 baseline. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service

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Table 4: Annual temperature anomalies from the long-term average. Source: National Hydrometeorological Service Briceni (northern part) Chisinau (central part) Cahul (southern part) Years Anomaly, ˚C Years Anomaly, ˚C Years Anomaly, ˚C 2000 1.3 2000 1.1 2000 0.9 2001 1.3 2001 1.0 2001 1.0 2002 1.3 2002 0.9 2002 0.8 2003 -0.2 2003 -0.8 2003 -0.4 2004 0.7 2004 0.2 2004 0.5 2005 0.5 2005 0.4 2005 0.6 2006 0.2 2006 0.1 2006 0.5 2007 2.1 2007 2.4 2007 2.3 2008 1.3 2008 1.2 2008 1.4 2009 1.6 2009 1.6 2009 1.9 2010 0.9 2010 0.7 2010 1.1 2011 0.4 2011 0.0 2011 0.2 2012 1.7 2012 1.7 2012 1.9

Projections indicate that these warming trends will in- compared with current conditions, by 2030 the growing season crease. Under scenarios developed for the recent (2013) will be extended even in the northern part of the country. National Communication to the UNFCCC, the average temperature in Moldova is projected to increase by be- Models are not in complete agreement about precipitation; tween 2.7˚C - 4.8˚C by the 2080s with northern areas however, a slight increase in winter and spring precipitation experiencing more warming in the winter and southern levels in anticipated, with a larger decrease in the summer areas greater warming in the summer. resulting in an overall annual average decline over the coming century8. The onset of the growing period (with temperatures above

10˚C) is also expected to become earlier. Figure 6 shows that 8 Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, 2013

Briceni Briceni Soroca Soroca Camenca Camenca

Balti Balti

3600 3450

CornestiBravicea CornestiBravicea 3500 3350

3400 Chisinau 3250 Chisinau Tiraspol Tiraspol 3300

3150 3200 Leova Leova 3050 3100 Comrat Comrat

2950 3000

Cahul 2850 Cahul 2900

5 national climate vulnerability assessment

1.1.5 Impacts of climate change on hazards As one can see from the table the period with the coldest years and disasters was before 1980, while 10 from last 30 years are characterised According to climate change projections one could expect with temperature records, especially in the period since the year further warming and drying of the climate in the country and 2000. Such extremes affect consumption patterns and lead to thus increasing of the intensity of emergencies caused by the- increasing in the use of natural resources (see 1.2 below). sel conditions. The hottest and warmest years are presented in the table 6 below. Based on projected temperatures and precipitation trends one could expect further increasing of the frequency of droughts in Table 6: Top ten warmest and coldest years. Moldova, especially in the southern region. The rate of precipita- Ten coldest years Ten hottest years tions will also change and it is expected that there will be an in- 0 0 (Tmed.year., C) (Tmed.year, C) crease in number of torrential precipitation events, which could 1933 7.2 2007 12.1 cause floods. Additionally, spring snow melting has also become 1929 7.9 2009 11.4 more intensive due to higher temperatures and rapid changes 1934 8.0 1990 11.3 of moderate temperatures to high ones. Such phenomena can cause further intensification of erosion and floods during the late 1985 8.0 1994 11.3 spring period. 1912 8.1 2008 11.3 1940 8.1 2000 11. 2 1987 8.1 1999 11.0 1888 8.3 1966 10.9 1976 8.3 1989 10.9 1980 8.3 2002 10.8 Source: National Bureau of Statistics

1.2 Changing vulnerability to climate change

The effects of climate change will not be felt equally in all re- are at an increased risk from hotter weather. Similarly, agricul- gions and by all groups, and vulnerability to climate change tural and other manual workers, especially those who work depends on many factors. The groups most vulnerable to outdoors, are also at particular risks during heat waves. Those current climate impacts and a changing climate in the future living in poverty with an income of less than 2 dollars per day in Moldova include children, people with chronic diseases are also less able to adapt to changing conditions caused by (including heart conditions and diabetes) and reduced im- climate change. mune systems, pregnant women and the elderly, all of whom

Table 7: Consumptions patterns and consumer price indices for services provided to population in the Republic of Moldova in the period 2004-2011 expressed as a % of previous year (December of previous year =100%) Source: National Bureau of Statistics Year Water supply to all Increase in electricity Increase in access to Increase in hygiene and customers in million consumption as a % health protection services cosmetics consumption cubic m of previous year as a % of previous year patterns as a % of previous year 2004 63.4 100 123.9* 109.6 2005 67.1 100 103.9 109.4 2006 67.9 100 102.5 116.9 2007 84.5 131 110.5 119.1 2008 82.8 115.2 108.8 126.0 2009 78.1 100.9 102.5 104.4 2010 75.0 120.4 102.5 102.8 2011 73.6 110.3 104.4 104.1

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Changes in climate also affect consumption patterns. Table 7 The cost of living can become greater due to rising of ex- shows the sales of household electrical appliances in Moldova penses associated with electricity payments and the necessity in recent years. As one can see, the year of 2007, which was of installing air condition in living spaces. The amount of liv- characterized with the strongest deviations from the average ing space per 1 person in Moldova has increased form 21.3 temperature and one of the most severe droughts in the coun- square m in 2004 till 22.4 square m in 2011. This has led to try for the whole period of instrumental observations, shows the increasing of the number of electrical air condition instal- some of the highest values for all consumption patterns. Based lations (see table 8). Based on data from the table one could on this and also on projected trends in rising temperatures it estimate average increasing of energy consumption for elec- is possible to forecast further stress of the drinking water sup- trical household appliance for around 10% and based on that ply system together with the sanitation and energy supply. population will spend approximately same amount of money Similarly, the the steep increase in consumption of hygiene more for creation of more comfortable conditions during the items in 2008 can be attributed to major flooding the Prut and heat waves. Consequently those with less disposable income Dniester rivers. will be less able to afford to cool their homes

Table 8: Retail sale of electrical household appliances in percentage to previous year Source: National Bureau of Statistics Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % increase in sales of household electrical appliances 3.7 4.3 5.0 6.2 6.1 5.2 4.6 4.4 Energy consumption in million kWh 124.6 134.6 144.4 155.1 159.3 145.7 144.,5 146.9

However, social data also show some improvement of the liv- some of the population will be able to pay more for the coming standard for main part of population table over the past fort and this will serve as a basis for further development of years (table 9). Based on current trends one can assume that in the centralised water supply and sanitation especially in rural the next 15-20 years expenses associated with the comfort of areas. According to the plans for development of this sector life will increase by 10-12%, while trends in the salaries show number of inhabitants connected to the water infrastructure that in real costs these could be increased for 15-20%. Thus should increase by 20-25% by the year 2020.

Table 9: Changes in quality of life between 2004 and 2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics Year Connection to water Connection to sewage Average living space, Average monthly supply, % system, % square m income in MDL/person Urban Rural Urban rural Urban Rural 2004 78.9 11.0 78.9 6.0 19.1 22.9 1103 2011 84.4 22.3 84.3 22.2 20.8 23.6 3042

Based on an analysis of demographic data one can observe The population in Moldova is decreasing in part due to the social- a decline in population since independence, and a rise in the economic crisis which happened after the collapse of the USSR. percentage of people aged over 60 (see table 10). Regional At the same time life expectancy is expected to be longer in differentiation in the population distribution causes different upcoming 10-20 years and climate change adaptation measures opportunities for local authorities to react in the case of cli- should include development of the measures aimed at improve- mate-related emergencies. In addition, labor migration also ment of the preparedness of the elderly population to extreme impacts the social and economic development of the regions, weather events, medical care, especially for the vulnerable people leading to complications in sustainable regional development. (including the chronically ill), and the extension of infrastructure Around 30 % of all localities have a declining population, while services to vulnerable groups (water and sanitation) et.. It is nec- only 10% of them (mainly urban areas) have population growth, essary to develop a number of measures for adaptation of these due largely to internal migration. It is also expected that number people to climate change conditions, including the allocation of localities with decreasing population will grow in the nearest of extra resources for their treatment and the development of 10-12 years9. relevant facilities in localities for vulnerable people, where for a short period of time conditions will allow for such people to have a short rest during extreme weather events. 9 National Bureau of Statistics.

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Table 10: Population and life expectancy in Moldova. Source: National Bureau of Statistics Year Population, millions % population older Life expectancy than 60 Men Women 1989 4.3354 12.8 64.5 72.2 2004 3.6074 13.8 64.5 72.2 2005 3.6004 13.6 63.8 71.1 2006 3.5899 13.5 64.6 72.2 2007 3.5811 13.7 65.0 72.6 2008 3.5727 13.7 65.6 73.4 2009 3.5675 14.0 65.3 73.4 2010 3.5637 14.4 65.0 73.4 2011 3.5604 14.8 67.1 75.0 2012 3.5595 No data No data No data

8 moldova 2. Sectoral impacts of climate change

The social and economic development of the Republic of supporting of the ecosystem services and biodiversity. The Moldova is based on a variety of sectors which are vulnerable development of these sectors was discussed with representa- to climate change and likely to suffer long term impacts from tives of the Civil society organizations and on the base of con- changing weather conditions. This section discusses agricul- sultations during these events they are included as priorities tural activities, development of the public health sector as for the development of actual study. well as extension of the water supply and sewer systems, and

2.1 Rural development

2.1.1 Overview of the agricultural sector ha (11.8 %)) pasture (373.5 thousand ha (14.8%)) and 10.1 Rural development in Moldova is based on the agricultural thousand ha (0.4 %) of unprocessed lands10. strategy for this sector, adopted for the period 2006-2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture prepared on the base of the Over recent years agricultural products have increased in Governmental Decision Nr.1007-667 from 19.08.2005. output from 11819 million MDL in 2004 to 22619 million MDL in 2011. Plant crop production has grown in the same period The Ministry of Agriculture is the main body responsible for from 7900 to 15511 million MDL and animal breeding products climate change adaptation in this domain, based on the gov- from 3524 to 6547 million MDL. The main cultivated crops are: ernmental program for the period 2010-2015. According to cereals including maize, sugar beet, sunflower, tobacco, filed the institutional structure this Ministry is responsible for the vegetables and fruits11. overall development of national agricultural policies, including irrigation and the use of natural resources. Within the Ministry Table 11: Quantity of livestock in thousand animals. Source: National Bureau of Statistics are several key subdivisions. These include the Institute of Livestock 2005 2012 Soil Science, which is responsible for the development of soil Cattle 331 202 fertility and reduction of land degradation and erosion, the Pigs 398 439 Agricultural University, which is the main centre for agricul- Sheep and goats 942 842 tural research in the country, and eight agricultural colleges Poultry 2050 2850 responsible for the training of technical staff I agriculture, including climate change issues. Table 11 illustrates the change in livestock numbers. According to the presented data relating to animal breeding one could The current agricultural input to the national economy is 20% conclude that there is a relatively stable increase of animals in of the PIB and together with processing industry consists of farms and private households. The development of the sector 33% of total GDP of Moldova. The export of agricultural prod- could be influenced by a deficit of available water resources ucts makes up around 65% of the total of Moldavian exports. and forage for animals because of a reduction in the grass Around 45% of the population is involved in different types biomass on pastures and a reduction of the productivity on of agricultural activities. At the same time average income agricultural lands due to droughts. of population in this sector is only around 60% of average income in the country. The total area of agricultural lands is

2521.6 thousand ha (74.5%) consisting of arable lands (1840.2 10 National Bureau of Statistics thousand ha (72.9%)) perennial plantations (297.7 thousand 11 National Bureau of Statistics

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2.1.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities According to the data from table 12 one can conclude that the The agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to extreme weather drought event in 2007 caused a significant decline in the pro- and climate-related disasters. Table 12 outlines the economic ductivity of the main agricultural crops of between 25% and losses from climate-related disasters between 2009 and 2012. 72% in comparison with the previous year. Data on the 2012 4. Data are based on the information from the Department for drought are not yet published, but preliminary estimations emergency situations, annual reports for 2009-2012 suggest even more severe consequences for the agricultural sector during this year. Thus a rise in the drought risk is likely to Table 12: Economic losses due to climate related hazards, 2009-2012. Source: Department for hit agricultural production further. Emergency Situations Climate-related hazards Losses in million MDL As the risk of more frequent and intense droughts rises, there Cold waves 268.605 will be a greater demand of water and energy for irrigation Snow storms 0.212 in agricultural areas. A rise in water withdrawals coupled with already reduced surface runoff is likely to result in further de- Ice rain 95.843 crease of river flow and reduction in surface water bodies and Strong winds 22.047 groundwater resources High groundwater level 8.994 Floods 51.848 Increasingly intense rainfall is likely to lead to an increase in Long period rains 2.000 soil erosion and land degradation, and reduced soil fertility, Torrential rains 155.535 with the risk of soil salinization and sedimentation of water reservoirs increased. Warmer temperatures could also lead to Torrential rains with a strong wind 123.524 an increase in the length of the vegetation period, and con- Torrential rains 58.769 sequently, the need to apply more fertiliser. Overall this could Droughts 2,100.183 result in increased costs for agricultural production, and consequently higher food prices within Moldova.

Table 13: Production of main crops in Moldova in tonnes, 2004-2011. Source: National Bureau of Statistics Crop/year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Cereals 2993.7 2837.9 2290.2 901.9 3169.5 2176.5 2421.3 2498.2 Grain maize 1794 1492 1322 362.7 1478.6 1141.1 1419.1 1468.1 Sugar beet 911.3 991.2 1177.3 612.3 960.7 337.4 837.6 588.6 Sunflower 335.2 331.1 379.9 155.5 371.9 284.2 382.3 427.4 Tobacco 7.9 6.7 4.8 3.6 3.9 4.4 7.6 5.4 Vegetables 315.2 389.3 475.2 221.8 376.3 307.9 341.2 361.5

2.1.3 Recommendations usage of new machines with less impact on soil aggregation during its processing and crop rotation based on • Encourage the development of irrigation systems the soil fertility and moisture conservation should also be based on low water demand such as drip irrigation and encouraged. harvesting of atmospheric precipitation, and through • Further develop the water supply system in rural localities water conservation measures such as the construction so that waste water is reduced and all households are at- of small-scale terraces and basins. Current levels of irriga- tached to the water and sewage systems. tion are around 2500 m3/year/ha. This amount seem to

be possible to be reduced by introduction of the drop Increase the involvement of the civil society institutions in technology, harvesting of atmospheric precipitations by elaboration of adaptation documents for social and economic construction of the small retention water corps planning, since these organisations frequently have special- • Develop a drought management program and educa- ised local knowledge that can assist in efficient planning. tional materials for farmers on the best moisture conservation practices and how to combat soil erosion. The

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Case study: Improved soil management in agriculture

In 2004-2011 the Agricultural Pollution Control project funded by GEF was implemented in Moldova. The main goal was to mainstream environmental concerns into agricultural practices and thus to contribute to the rural development and pollution reduction. The objective of the project was to increase significantly the use of environment-friendly agricultural practices by farmers and agro-industrial enterprises in Moldova in a move towards sustainable development of rural communities in Moldova through integrated land and water resources management.

The project included three main components:

i) The promotion of mitigation measures to reduce soil run-off into water bodies, including appropriate manure management; promotion of environment-friendly agricultural practices; planting forest vegetation; wetlands restoration; control/ monitoring of water and soil quality;

ii) The strengthening of national policy and regulation capacity through identifying gaps in national legislation in relation to agricultural activities, a comparative analysis between national and EU legislation, especially the Nitrate and Water Framework Directive and drawing up a Code of Good Agricultural Practices;

iii) A public awareness and replication strategy through public awareness campaign and training of the public and other stakeholders in the pilot area who will ensure the public support of the project, and replication of the results obtained in the pilot area at the local- and country-wide levels.

Within the project the mitigation measures related to improvement of manure storage and handling facilities, waste water treatment plant capacities, storage of agro-processing wastes, agronomic (conservation tillage, buffer strips etc.) and irrigation systems were undertaken. These related to building manure platforms with a total storage capacity of about 30,000 m3, rehabilitation of about 6 ha of degraded lands, plantation of 170 ha of buffer strips and rehabilitation of irrigation systems on agricultural lands with area of 825 ha.

The results of the project have demonstrated that, in fact, agronomic measures applied on treated fields reduced soil erosion by 33-51% and run-offs by 17-52% as compared to the control land plots. Consequently, these helped to reduce losses of soil nitrogen by 11-53% and phosphorus by 20-47%.

Source: GEF

2.2 Public health

2.2.1 Overview of the public health sector cost of such a policy is around 2500 MDL per year which cov- Medical care is a challenge in Moldova, because of insufficient ers the main necessities of medical treatment. The Company number of medical staff, especially in rural areas. According to of National Medical Assurance makes contracts with the the statistics, the average number of doctors per 1000 people formations which offer such services and activate according in recent years has slightly increased (see table x), but accord- to the existing legislation and together with the local admin- ing to the Ministry of Health it is not enough. The current ca- istrative authorities tries to make this project popular for the pacity of local and central authorities to finance public health population, especially in rural localities. However, rural people activities will not lead to serious improvement in this sector. complain on high cost and often do not have this document.

Medical insurance is obligatory according to the law on Introducing such a program in Moldova is complex, in part be- Obligatory Medical Assurance for the year 200612. Currently the cause the funds which were not enough even for the first year of the scheme. That is why the following situation happened 12 Law nr 1585 – Xlll on 27 February 1998

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Table 16: Key medical indicators in Moldova . Source: National Bureau of Statistics Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Number of medical emergency 122 127 132 132 132 136 136 136 stations (total) Number of doctors per 1000 34.9 34.9 35.4 35.6 35.6 35.9 35.9 36.3 people Number of beds per 10000 people 64.2 63.9 62.7 61.3 61.1 61.6 61.8 61.9 Morbidity with acute diarrhoeic 198.3 241 229.6 258.2 230.1 237.0 253.7 273.4 diseases per 100000 people Number of visits to the physician 5.6 6.1 6.1 7.3 6.3 6.3 6.5 6.4 per inhabitant in Moldova: people were coming to the hospital, holding supply13. In case of climate emergencies, underground sources the policy in their hands and the doctors were unable to become the most admissible for drinking purposes and that is help them, because their financial recourses (hospitals) were why one could expect increasing of morbidity in rural localities ended, due to insufficient financing from the state budget. due to the limited availability of water resources of good quality, Hospitals were unable to provide the necessary medicines to especially in shallow wells. the population, as there were insufficient reserves, and people were obliged to purchase the medicines privately. The data presented in table 15 show an increase in the morbidity rate and visits to doctor in 2007 – the hottest year for 2.2.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities the whole period of instrumental observations. The average Temperature records for the last 20 years show increasing of the exceeding of visits is around 10-12%. This means that necessity annual temperatures, which may cause further degeneration of for additional expenses associated with the Health care system water quality used for drinking water supply and thus can affect will also rise by 10-12%. If actual budget allocations for health human health. Additionally, increased water temperatures lead system are around 700 million MDL, one could expect deficit to the microbiological pollution, especially pathogenic flora and of resources for this sector for 70-75 million MDL as a result of fauna. The rural population mainly consumes water for drinking this warm weather. The limited capacities of state institutions purposes from shallow wells (more than 60% of rural popula- and private persons to pay for additional medical services will tion), where the level of contamination, (especially micro- have negative impact on effective medical treatment and as- biological contamination) exceeds permitted levels in several sistance in case of heat waves and other emergencies associ- areas (see table x). Water related diseases in Moldova are mainly ated with climate change. caused through insufficient quality of the drinking water supply sources. According to data from National Centre of Public The water supply system is one of the key elements, Heath, the majority of sources of drinking water, especially in ru- which assures comfort of population particularly dur- ral areas do not correspond to the standards for drinking water ing droughts and heat waves. In the year of 2007 the

13 National Centre for Public Health, 2013

Table 15: Percentage of drinking water sources deemed unsafe. Source: National Centre for Public Health Source of water % water samples with chemical contami- % water samples with microbiological nants above permitted levels contaminants above permitted levels 2012 2011 2010 2012 2011 2010 Urban water pipe 44.5 43.7 41.4 10.82 9.2 12.7 underground Rural water pipe 61.5 51.6 49.3 14.24 14.1 16.7 Urban water pipe with 8.27 10.4 13.5 0.77 3.3 6.9 surface water Wells 84.5 82.8 84.2 29.11 38.3 41.2

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volume of water consumed by population has increased statistical data on floods presented for last 20 years such al- for 7-10% in comparison with average consumption locations for flood protection could annually increase as much . This means that expenses associated with that could also as 10-12%. Flood events could affect functioning of the sewer increase for the same level. Thus one could expect growing system and dilute existed storages of wastes near localities. of water sector revenues for 10%. Impact of such consumption could also lead to more water abstraction from water The rise in life expectancy over the past 20 years has led to sources and in addition to can increase water consumption by an increase in vulnerable groups of population. The capacities population for 7-10%. The volume of possible produced waste of people from these groups to resist emergencies associated waters will also increase on the same level and this could with climate change is a concern of different level of authori- cause additional degradation of water ecosystems and loss of ties as well as members of the families. It leads to the necessity biodiversity. to develop new schemes for rescue operations in case of such events, which frequency increase for last 20 years for 20-25%. Changes in temperature could also cause significant evapora- Based on that costs associated with development and imple- tion of water from the surface of water bodies and worsening mentation of such plans could also increase for same value of water quality first of all due to the increasing of the total dis- and poor capacities of authorities and private persons to al- solved solids (TDS) content. This could lead to the limitation in locate such resources, could cause slowing of the life duration the use of water resources not only for drinking purposes, but growth as well as increasing of the morbidity rate, especially also for development of the irrigation system, where admis- in rural areas. Due to the limited capacities of different level sible level is less than 1 g/l. Actually TDS of main water bodies of authorities to increase different type of support for these in Moldova has increased for 30-50% for last 50 years. issues one could assume increasing of expenses of health care for the population. This could affect life expectancy, diminish Drinking water supply can also be affected by decreasing in quality of life and cause additional morbidity due to worsen- the precipitations, especially in summer time. Projections sug- ing drinking water quality. gest that precipitation levels will fall by as much as 10 % and in the southern region this could be event more severe – up A sectoral strategy for climate change is being discussed in to 15%. Heat waves reduces capacities of ecosystems provide Moldova under the auspices of the Ministry of Health. This doc- needed water for sanitary issues and one could expect increas- ument is being developed in cooperation with International ing of pollution loads with further impact on human health. organizations (WHO) and will serve as a basic political document for further development of the climate change adapta- The energy sector in Moldova is based on the use of the gas tion measures in regard to public health in Moldova. and oil resources. Increasing of temperatures in summer time led to increasing of purchase of air condition equipment, which 2.2.3 Recommendations leads to the over consumption of energy resources. According General recommendations are aimed at development of to estimations growing of energy demand for these purposes measures for improving of the health care, better building de- could increase for 10-12% in the summer period and thus con- sign and insulation, development of the early warning systems tribute to the higher emissions of the greenhouse gases. Such for extreme weather events, improved emergency prepared- installations will also demand more water for cooling and thus ness, especially on local level, disaster management plans. contribute to growing of water consumption and electricity. In These could be included in a National political agenda for the addition to it there are not enough studies in Moldova on the Health Sector and Strategy for adaptation to climate change. influence of air condition on the state of public health. Anyway • Introduce an early warning system with regards to ex- one could assume increasing of the negative impact on hu- treme weather events, especially heat waves. Specifically, man health, especially in respiratory deceases. for managing negative effects of heat-waves authorities should develop capacities for implementing relevant res- The likely increase of flood events will lead to a worsening of cue activities and develop a model for heat watch, with a the sanitary situation in affected localities, due to decomposi- special focus on activities designed to protect vulnerable tion of organic matters in water and soil and an increase of the groups. pathogenic flora and fauna content in waters and soils used Develop and monitor water quality standards to screen for for agricultural activities. It will also need additional alloca- bacteria presenting serious health risks. tions from local budgets and reallocation of resources from lines, which could be used for social programmes. Based on

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• Ensure hospital areas for vulnerable people with air condi- and creation of a relevant data base. There is a need to tions, ventilation systems and medical kits during heat waves. increase allocations from the state and local budgets for • Prioritise the extension of further medical insurance for additional medical treatment and maintenance of existed coverage of the poor and the rural population; public health infrastructure. • Implement improved sanitation and water treatment • Organize tents in main towns of Moldova in case of projects for improving of the comfort of life, especially in extreme weather events – heat and cold waves with rel- rural areas and assure access to good water and sanita- evant services (warm or cold drinks, air condition etc) in tion system; cooperation with emergency department and civil soci- • Provide family doctors and ambulances with diagnostic ety organisations such as the Red Cross (see case below) equipment and medical aid kits to be used in case of ex- • Prepare plans for development of health care system in treme weather events and emergencies. the case of extreme weather events and specific meas- • Encourage regular examination people for hypertension, ures to be undertaken in certain emergency situations intestinal infections and diseases provoked by climate • Develop relevant legislation, normative acts, institutional change and extreme weather events and improve sani- structure etc. in order to ensure multisectoral involve- tary management. ment in adaptation to climate change and the prepara- • Develop a broad public dialogue and awareness-raising tion of relevant plans and measures for emergencies. involving the general public and civil society, with a focus on behaviour patterns in case of extreme weather events Ensure ongoing monitoring and evaluation for development and emergencies, promotion of the healthy lifestyle of forecasts and program of measures for emergencies, and though such public health campaigns, with a focus on social and human assistance in case of extreme events, espe- vulnerable groups such as the elderly. cially for vulnerable groups of population. • Strengthen of capacities of medical institutions, especially those working in rural area in health documentation

Case study: Protecting vulnerable people in extreme weather

During extreme hot and cold weather, many people are at risk from health complications. For those who have insufficient protection during this time, such weather conditions can be extremely dangerous.

Beginning in winter 2012 in the capital city of Chisinau (population of around 750000 people) authorities opened five tents were opened around the city, equipped with facilities for hot drinks and heating and air conditioning where people could go when the weather was especially hot or cold. During these times people were allowed unlimited hours of staying in appropriate conditions (suitable temperature with drinks and light meals). These tents worked in the summer period 2012 and also in winter 2013. Around 60-70 persons visited each tent per day. During extreme weather events these tents worked for between 10 and 12 days on each occasion. Normally they are opened when winter temperature is less than -10˚C and in the summer period when the temperature is over 35˚C.

This initiative was positively met by people, who told about new traditions in the social care of vulnerable groups of population and possibilities to have a recovery during extreme weather events. According to the plans of local authorities such tents are going to be opened in other towns of the country. In 2014 during the winter period a tent was opened in Balti town (population of around 130000 people). According to the estimations around 100 day visits were registered in this locality. In case of a hot summer in 2014, more tents are going to be opened in main towns of Moldova with a capacity for 100-120 visitors per day.

Source: x

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2.3 Biodiversity and ecosystems

2.3.1 Overview of the biodiversity sector Fraxinus excelsior. In the wetlands of the Nistru and Prut River Biodiversity in Moldova is directly linked to what has become ecosystems, forests are also represented by wetland forest known as “Ecosystem Services”. These are things essential to species consisting from Poplar and Salix species. life, and include things like: production of oxygen, purifica- tion of air and water, flood prevention, climate regulation, Steppe ecosystems in Moldova are characterised by multi an- soil formation, nutrient recycling, photosynthesis and natural nual grass communities with predomination of the xerophyte pest and disease control. Large scale removal of trees and plants, which formed on the lands not covered by agricultural changing of agricultural landscapes over the last 20 years have activity on the chernozem soils (humus content >1% till 0.5- resulted in an increase in soil erosion and land slips. Wetlands 0.7m), in arid and dry climate conditions. filter water which help to prevent flooding as well as maintain of holding capacity of soil to retain water and could also be a Wetland ecosystems are characterised by grass vegetation, key element in development of the climate change adapta- which have formed on the areas with excessive moisture con- tion measures, improvement of life conditions of population tent. These ecosystems are characterised by communities of and general landscape development. grass vegetation formed from mesophyte plant species.

According to the cadastre of the Republic of Moldova, 24 % of Water ecosystems and meadow vegetation occupy territo- the territory of the country is under natural and semi-natural ries in the valley of the rivers, lakes and ponds with total area ecosystems, while the rest of the territory is under different of around 95 thousand ha or 2.8% of the country’s territory. types of economic activities. Natural ecosystems include for- According to the zonation of the territory of Moldova there ests, which occupy 365 thousand ha (11.4%) and grass ecosys- are 83 water and meadow plants associations in the country, tems with the area of 381 thousand ha (11.3%). which form reed belts in water covered areas, while meadow vegetation is characterised by different grass species, which Currently there are 512 species of periclitate plants in the risk due form around 1-2 tonnes of the biomass per ha in function to different factors, including climate change. This is 27.4 % of of moisture content and depth of water level. The fauna of the total number of biodiversity species in Moldova. Vegetation such ecosystems is consists of 125 species of vertebrate ani- in Moldova was formed as a result of the interference of 3 mals. This constitutes 87.2% of all vertebrate fauna species in geobotanical regions: Central-European of the mesophyte for- Moldova. Flooded areas of the inferior parts of the Dniester ests; Submediteranean of the semiarid forests (xerophyte) and (Nistru) and Prut rivers are populated by a number of periclita- Euro-asiatic xerophyte steppe landscapes. Each of these regions te and vulnerable mamal and bird species. is represented by a group of plants, which formed relevant communities, phytocenoses, vegetation asociations etc. under The fauna of Moldova constitutes of approximately 1.5 million certain climate conditions and factors such as precipitation, species, including 172 species of terrestrial vertebrates (68% temperature etc. Changes in these patterns lead to changes of the total number) and approximately 9 thousand species in the floristic communities of certain vegetal zones (includ- of insects, all of which have adapted to recent climate and ing dominant abundance, reproduction, productivity, pheno natural conditions for a period of around 1 million years. Climate phases in development etc.). Currently of the total number of change has also affected the state of fauna. In case of animals at-risk species of plants, the most affected by climate change are these changes are not so visible in comparison with vegetation, 126 species of pplants from zonal forest ecosystems ; 151 spe- because animal species can adapt to climate change more cies from steppe ecosystems and 68 species of rock vegetation. quickly due to migration. Indirectly fauna is affected by the degradation of the flora, deficit of nutrition, water and habitat, espe- Forest ecosystems are characterized by forests with leaf trees cially during reproduction. Currently animal species, which are of the Central European type. The flora of Moldovaian fores- in the category of periclitate, vulnerable and rare are affected by ts includes more than one thousand species of the vascular climate change through limitations in reproductivity capacities plants. Allochtone species from other floristic regions occu- due to the loss and deterioration of the state of habitats and py 34.1% of the forested areas. The main species of trees in nutrition. It leads to the appearence of the invasive species with forested ecosystems are Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubes- higher adaptation capacity to degraded habitats and through cens, Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betulus, Tiliato mentosa, and that the restoration process in biocenoses is strongly affected.

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Figure 7. Protected areas in the Republic of Moldova. Source: Biotica, 2002

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One of important approach in the development of climate fires, winds, drought, and also for minimizing of the damage change adaptation of the biodiversity and conservation of the to the biodiversity and its protection as well as protection habitats in the Republic of Moldova is the extension of the na- from destruction of the habitat and protection from pathogen ture protected areas, which already has increased by a factor deceases. These activities are implemented through creation of three over the last 20 years. The total surface of the nature of the stable and diverse forest communities, strengthening protected areas before taking under protection of wetland of the arboretum through selection and planting of relevant areas of international importance was 66 476.6 ha or 1.96% species with respective origin and genotype. of the country’s territory. The largest extension of the surface of protected areas was in 2006, when according to the Law An essential component of climate change adaptation meas- nr. 354, wetland areas of international importance (RAMSAR ures is extension of the forested areas, as well as development Convention) were included in the National Fund for Protected of the green (forest belts) carcasses in agricultural lands, which Areas with a total surface of 94 705.5 ha, including lakes in could strongly contribute to the reduction of the soil erosion, the Lower Prut and Dneister regions (Căuşeni, Ştefan Vodă land slide processes and will lead to the diminution of the regions) and Unguri-Holoşniţa (Ocniţa, Donduşeni, Soroca prejudice from torrential rains, protect agricultural crops from regions). It resulted in an increase of total protected areas different insects etc. This will also bring benefits to the social to 4.65% of the country territory in 2006. The Orhei national and economic development as well as general improvement park was created in 2013 with an area of 33792.09 ha and cur- of life comfort and conditions, production for biomass for rently the total surface areas under different types of nature heating etc. protected activities constitutes 5.61% of the national territory. Despite this progress, one of the gaps in this area is the lack of Current climate change trends may cause difficulties in adap- the biosphere reserves in Moldova, in spite of commitment of tation of the species and its substitution with invasive ones local public authorities to allocate relevant lands in the Lower in water ecosystems. Icthyofauna of the water ecosystems is Prut and Lower Dneister regions. strongly affected by uncontrolled fishing and organizing of industrial fish breeding. Anyway it is characterised by more 2.3.2 Climate impacts and vulnerabilities than 50 fish species like salmon (artificial), cat-fish, pike etc. According to projections, the main impacts of climate change Changes in climate patterns also lead to modifications of the state of biodiversity and habitats in Moldova are associ- water regimes, higher water tempertaure, increasing of the ated with changes in the water balances, soil erosion, increas- TDS and thus changes in the fish habitats. Consequences of ing of frequency of torrential rains, heat waves, droughts, and such changes for the biodiversity (vegetation, animals and as consequence worsening of the habitat quality, loss of native fish) should be studied and evaluated. This is preseumed in and appearance of invasive species. Starting from 1990, a new the recent strategy for biodiversity conservation prepared by period of dry years and severe droughts has been observed the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the Academy in Moldova. This period includes the most severe drought of of Sciences. 2007, which led to the loss of 75% of agricultural crops, and had a serious impact on the state of biodiversity and its repro- The state of water ecosystems in the Republic of Moldova ductive capacities. Currently, drought and heat waves events could be influenced by next risks: high risks of droughts and have become endemic and severely influence the state of water deficit; execive use of water for irrigation needs, espe- biodiversity, its productivity and affects rural development in cially in a low water period; increasing of a number of frequen- the country. cy of strong winds and floods; interuption with surface and ground water levels; interruption in continuinity in wetlands Adaptation measures for the continental temperate zone, due to the hydromorphological alterations; deterioration of which includes the forests of the Republic of Moldova, are water quality due to high temperatures and loss of water due rather diverse. According to the plans main activities in this to high evaporation rate; inunifirm water flow of the rivers due domain are aimed at adaptation of species (development to hydrotechnical activities; application of nutrients and pests of plant nurseries), estimation of impact on the biological on adjacent territories and runoff from these teritories, which and abiotical components of ecosystems, genetic diversity, also leads to the sedimantation of water bodies, changing of forestation of the territory and effective use of the protected substrate and nutrition for aquatic species functions of forests. Such measures as forests regeneration and raring of the arboretum and its harvesting are aimed at reduction of risks of destruction of the habitats due to the

17 national climate vulnerability assessment

Agricultural ecosystems cover an area of 2145.73 thousand ha, is the development of the network of the biosphere of which 1812.73 thousand ha consist of arable lands under reserves in identified areas: lower Prut, Lower Dnester, different types of crops (cereals, legumes, sunflower, maize, upper Dnester (Unguri-Holosnita), middle Prut (protected tobaco, root beets etc). Another 298.78 thousand ha are un- area “Padurea Domneasca”) etc. der different types of perenial crops (grape, orchards etc.) and • Develop regional cooperation, especially in transbound- 34.21 thousand ha are not used for agricultural purposes, thus ary river basins, aimed at the protection of the Red Book presenting potential for restoration activities and adaptation species and implementation of joint actions for rural to climate change through land restoration. Actually the most development and joint and sustainable management of significant impact on the state of the biodiversity in agricultural protected areas. lands comes from the deficit of precipitation. Climate change • Further develop of the green areas network on agricul- issues may result in a decrease in annual water resources as a tural lands and planting of around 81 thousand ha of consequence of decreasing of precipitation especially in the forests on degraded lands and 55 thousand ha of new summer period, mainly in the southern part of the country and forest. Appropriate plant species should be selected for partially in the central part. That is why one of the priorities for planting in each green zone. the development of the agricultural sector and protection of • Prepare and implement measures aimed at moisture the agricultural biodiversity is water use efficiency, reduction conservation in soils; introduce organic farming practices of water and moisture losses in soil, as well as development of in wetland areas and on the territories adjacent to pro- the irrigation network must be based on reduced water con- tected areas. sumption technologies and planning of agricultural lands in • Extend and protect restored wetland areas. According to order to reduce impact of water scarcity and droughts on the the estimations around 34.4 thousand ha in rivers flood state of biodiversity and water ecosystems. plains could be restored and serve as a valuable habitat for species, including those in the Red Book of Moldova. Based on the analysis of precipitation rates and temperatures • Increase the efficiency of state monitoring of protected one could conclude that there is a strong probability of the areas, especially in relation to water balances, contami- increasing of the torrential character of precipitations, fre- nation and erosion control; develop a reporting system quency of ice rains, heavy snows in winter time, heat waves and strengthening of management capacities of different etc. Successions of floods, droughts and strong winds in the level of authorities. River basin and protected areas man- recent period showed strong vulnerability of the country to agement plans should also be developed. extreme weather events and over the coming decades the freqency of these events will grow. The consequences of the climate change will affect quality and quantity of the agricultural production and state of biodiversity in agricultural lands. Climate change will contribute to the extension of the biodiversity species from southern part of the country in direction to the north, appearence of invasive species etc.

The main problems associated with the habitat protection are in losses of the soil strata due to the erosion, contamination form diffuse sources, including acidification of soils, its saliza- tion and aggregation. All these impacts on the state of soils and habitats come from inappropriate economic practices, climate change and overexpolotation of the funciar resources.

2.3.3 Recommendations Based on the risks faced by this sector, recommendations in order to adapt to climate change should cover the following issues: • Develop sectoral policy documents, which will include implementation of measures aimed at biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration. One of the priorities

18 moldova

Case study: Developing a national strategy on biodiversity and climate change

As a result of the increasing impact of climate change on biodiversity and habitats in Moldova relevant national strategy was developed by national authorities based on the following priorities: · Strengthening the institutional capacities for thorough evaluation of the impact of climate change on biodiversity, including transboundary ecosystems; · Developing relevant legislation, planning documents and management plans; · Further improving communication strategies on the policy benefits in the area of biological diversity conservation and environmental education, through offering support to civil society and local public authorities.

In total this strategic document provides for the implementation of more than 260 activities with the involvement of the following primary stakeholders: the Ministry of Environment, the Academy of Science of Moldova, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, the Ministry of Education, along with civil society institutions and cooperation with international agencies.

The activities implemented to realize the provisions of the strategy were the following: 1. The protection of 18.8% of the total surface of forest ecosystems, of 0.40% of steppe and meadows ecosystems and 2.1% of aquatic and meadow ecosystems. 2. The identification, assessment and evaluation of the state of biodiversity and habitats in order to improve the development of protective measures, types of activities and allocation of relevant resources for implementation the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other climate change adaptation activities. 3. Development and approval of a list of criteria and indicators of sustainable management for forest ecosystems. 4. Assessment of the necessity for extension of the network of natural protected areas and development of a set of measures for strengthening of institutional capacities of different level of authorities, as well as the management capacity in the sector of management of nature protected areas, the development of climate change adaptation measures, and implementation of the ecosystem approach in biodiversity conservation and biodiversity adaptation to climate change.

As a result of this extension, the system of the natural areas protected by the state reached a total area of 157227.4 ha or 4.65% of the country, compared to 66476.7 ha or 1.96% in 2001. This considerably exceeded the percentage (2.4%) given by the Millennium Development Goals for the Republic of Moldova. The recent designation of three wetlands of international significance (site no.1026, the Lower Prut Lakes, with an area of 19 500 ha; site no. 1316 , the Lower Dniester, with an area of 60000 ha; and site no. 1500, Unguri-Holosnita, with an area of 15553 ha) will contribute to the improvement of biodiversity conservation activities and better adaptation of flora and fauna species to climate change. It will also create more comfortable conditions for the local population and lead to the attraction of further investments to sustainable development in the region. According to the estimations around 20% of wetland areas could be used for the production of the biomass and development of the rational use of ecosystem services.

19 national climate vulnerability assessment 3. Responding to climate change

3.1 Awareness of climate change

The various levels of public authorities and NGOs are relatively was disaster mitigation and prevention (82.38 million MDL). well informed on climate change issues. However, this is less the Additionally, a number of awareness-raising activities (142 pro- case for the general public and further activities in this domain jects) aimed at public involvement in environmental matters are needed to raise awareness of climate change and its potential have been funded, including ecological information and ad- impacts. The impacts of the extreme weather events in 2007 and vertising, spreading ecological knowledge (12.8 million MDL). 2012 led to an increasing awareness of climate change issues Financial support was also provided to 19 non-governmental among the general public. Financial allocations to disaster man- environmental organizations for environmental protection agement have increased over the last 2 years to 20 million MDL. projects (3.69 million MDL). Finally, 45 research projects in the field of environmental protection were also funded, with In the period of 2007-2011 in the Republic of Moldova, 55 15.37 million MDL allocated for drafting the plans of state projects financed from local sources were implemented in protected areas.. The main source for the financing of such Moldova. The main objective of activities under these projects activities in Moldova is the National Environmental Fund.

3.2 National policy frameworks for climate change and disaster risk reduction

3.2.1 Climate change Strategy, the Strategy on Water Resources Management and The Ministry of Environment and its subdivisions are key insti- the Strategy for the Prevention of Natural Disasters. There is tutions dealing with environmental management and issues also a draft national Climate Change Adaptation Strategy un- related to climate change. Significant insutions also include the der preparation. These should become public for discussion State Ecological Inspectorate, the State Hydrometeorological in 2014. Service, the Geology and Mineral Resources Agency, the “Apele Moldovei” Agency (responsible for management The Ministry of Environment of Moldova is actively involved of water bodies, water supply and sanitation) and the in the “Environment for Europe” and “Environment and Health” Geography and Ecology Institute which is the centre European processes. The Ministry cooperates with the Global for research in environmental management, including Environment Facility (GEF) (in 2004 the country became an climate change. The Ministry of the Environment also alternate member in the GEF Council), the Environmental submitted the Third National Communication to the Policy Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe UNFCCC in January 201414. (UNECE), the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations The environmental authorities are currently preparing new Development Commission on Sustainable Development strategic documents for Moldova in the field of environment (UNCSD) and the United Nations Environment Programme and climate change: the National Environmental Strategy, the (UNEP). The Ministry coordinates the implementation of 19 Strategy for Integrated Waste Management, the Biodiversity regional and global agreements and four protocols to which the Republic of Moldova is part of, and the five environmental

14 http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/mdanc3.pdf protocols signed by Moldova.

20 moldova

Currently the main political document in Moldova is the water body (Costesti-Stinca on the Prut river, cooperation with Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU, initialed Romanian authorities). by both parties in late 2013. In the framework of this document and in order to extend international environmental coop- The governmental decision “Protection of localities from eration, environmental authorities will contribute to the dangerous geological processes”16 covers landslide events implementation of relevant provisions of the document and erosion. It presumes the development of protected con- in the areas of environment, climate change and mining, struction and vegetation planting in the slopes of ravines for and will prepare in cooperation with EU authorities pro- stabilisation purposes. To this end an annual public campaign gram of measures in order to implement these provisions. on the greening of ravine and other landslide-prone areas is organized annually in different parts of the country. 3.2.2 Disaster Risk Reduction The national policy in in the management of the emergency 3.2.3 Climate and hazard monitoring, situations is based mainly on protection from flood events. research and early warning Natural disasters are mainly managed by the Department The national early warning system in the Republic of Moldova for Emergency situations and its activity mainly refers to the is under the control of the State Hydrometeorological Service, floods, fires, earthquakes etc. This institution has plans for which issues forecasts on possible emergencies. The dis- action in emergency situations and assists to people and semination of the warning on the basis of these forecasts is authorities according to the provisions of these documents. the responsibility of governmental agencies; specifically, the Development of emergency plans is organized with involve- Department for Emergencies. Moldova is also part of the ment of main stakeholders for emergency situations. Local WMO and presents relevant data to the secretariats of relevant authorities approve local plans for emergency situations and international agreements. Joint efforts in the Danube river in cooperation with mentioned institutions and Red Cross are basin have allowed the creation of the Danube Early Warning responsible for theirs’ implementation according to the plans System, which informs relevant national authorities about approved by the Department for Emergency situations flood probability. Relevant measures are to be undertaken by national authorities in response to these warnings accord- The Ministry of the Environment deals mainly with estimation ing to the plans for emergencies developed by Emergency of impacts of natural disasters on the state of environment and Department. develops measures aimed at protection of natural resources in function of disaster happened: water quality, biodiversity, pro- Research activity in Moldova on climate change issues is tected areas, state of water bodies etc. The Ministry of Health is mainly concentrated in the Academy of Sciences of Moldova responsible for the organizing of medical staff in case of emer- – Institute of Ecology and Geography, other institutions of the gency and accords of medical assistance, while the Center for section for life sciences. Total financing is insufficient, but a Preventive Medicine estimates the epidemiological situation number of studies on the forecasting of climate change, its due to disasters and prepares measures to combat and miti- influence on the state of biodiversity, natural resources: water, gate sanitary consequences of natural disasters soil, air etc. were undertaken in cooperation with different international Agencies. Currently the Global Water partnership Key political documents in this domain include the govern- for Central and Eastern Europe implements the project on mental decision “Measures on protection of localities located integrated drought management. In the frame of the project in the areas of possible floods”15 which recommends the de- agricultural zonation, forecasts of the soil moisture content in velopment of recommendations on creation of local network soils and evaluation of best practices for moisture conserva- for warning of relevant authorities in case of flood events. tion in soils will be developed in the frame of this project. The document also covers the collection of information on the state of protective hydrotechnical construction, the pro- Health issues in regard to climate change are performed in cessing of information on floods and the issuing of relevant the National Center for Preventive Medicine (sub-division of recommendations to decision-making bodies for undertaking the Ministry of Health). It includes 12 sub-divisions and is fi- relevant measures in case of emergency. This decision also nanced form the state budget 5221.9 thousand MDL in 2012. presumes control on the state of dams and cooperation with Currently, 11 different projects are implemented by the institu- relevant authorities in case of dam affecting a transboundary tion from which 9 are applicative and 2 projects are developed

15 12.10.1992 no. 664 16 21.10.1999

21 national climate vulnerability assessment

in the frame of the state program. According to the data of the 2007 (highest temperatures for instrumental period of ob- studies performed on the base of analysis between morbid- servations), especially in the urban areas, women and elderly ity indexes and high temperatures (heat waves) a correlation people. between these parameters was underlined for the year of

3.3 Regional disaster risk reduction and climate change initiatives

Moldova is an active member of the Danube River Protection river basin. These projects also contribute to the strengthen- Convention (DRPC)17 ratified in March 1999. According to ing of capacities of national authorities to mitigate climate the provisions of the Convention, Moldova is involved in the change impacts through improvement of the functioning of development of joint measures aimed at risk reduction, in- the ecosystem services (including the restoration of wetlands, cluding the development of an early warning system for the carbon sequestration, hillside restoration etc), the introduction Danube river (part of the European Flood Awareness System, of erosion reduction measures in agricultural lands, sustain- EFAS18). The Ministry of the Environment is involved in the able management of river basins based on EU environmental development and implementation of the Climate Adaptation directives etc. Recently Moldova has also been involved in the Strategy19 of the DRPC, published in 2012, and has participat- development of a climate change adaptation strategy for the ed in the study of climate change in the Danube river basin. Danube delta region. Moldavian authorities are also active in the implementation of relevant international and regional agreements through the The WMO and the Global Water Partnership for Central and organisation of common actions on strengthening of flood Eastern Europe have developed an Integrated Drought protection constructions on Prut and Dniester rivers, exchange Management Program22, which also involves Moldova. The of information, and public activities on the emergencies in the main objective of the program is to support moisture con- frame of the Danube20 and Dniester Days. servation practices for local farmer communities and support sectoral development in developing the drinking water Moldova is also involved in the EU-funded Clima East21 project supply, sewer system and water habitats. The program also and the development of the management plan for the Prut aims to bring EU best practices in these domains to Moldova, including the development of a guide for farmers on soil mois- 17 http://www.icpdr.org/main/icpdr/danube-river-protection-convention 18 http://www.efas.eu/ ture conservation activities. 19 http://www.icpdr.org/main/sites/default/files/nodes/documents/icpdr_climate-adaptation- strategy.pdf 20 http://www.danubeday.org/ 21 http://www.climaeast.eu/ 22 http://www.droughtmanagement.info/about-idmp/

3.4 Civil society and the role of the Red Cross

3.4.1 Civil society, climate change and In December 2008, the Parliament passed the Civil Society disasters in Moldova Development Strategy for 2008 to 2011. In addition, several There are approximately 6,500 civil society organisations laws affecting CSOs were adopted in 2010, such as the Law on (CSOs) registered with the Ministry of Justice in Moldova. Volunteering and the Law on Social Services. While further work is These CSOs are active in a broad range of fields, although needed in order to ensure successful implementation, these ini- almost 50 percent are involved in the social and education tiatives are generally supportive of CSOs and contribute to creat- sectors. The majority of active CSOs have a broad mission ing a more favorable environment for non-governmental actions. in order to attract donor funds. Public trust in CSOs remains quite low, in spite of a recent significant increase. Of the to- In 2010, the National Participation Council was established tal number of CSOs in Moldova, over 500 are environmental/ with the tasks of providing expert opinions on draft policies community CSOs. Although, according to the results of the and contributing towards the monitoring the implementation Annual Environmental NGO Forum, only 50 – 70 of them are of the Law on Transparency in Decision Making. The council currently active. includes members representing CSOs and the private sector.

22 moldova

A similar structure, the NGO Consultative Council, was created political situation and the slow pace of work in the Parliament in June 2011 by the Ministry of Environment and its members do not allow for rapid legislative changes. Although in princi- currently include representatives of different environmental ple there is a positive attitude on the part of the government CSOs, covering the whole country. to the use of public funds to finance CSO projects in different domains including activities in the climate change. Most of the active environmental CSOs have a long history in Moldova: many of them were registered in the 1990s or early Businesses do not have sufficient fiscal incentives to support 2000s. The oldest environmental organization in Moldova civil society, and they mainly provide support to individual pub- is the Ecological Movement, which was formed in 1990 and lic actions such as Danube Day, Dniester Day etc. Nevertheless, played an important role in the political changes, as did there are a number of examples of support from businesses, in other ecological movements from this period in various other particular from larger companies. Partnerships have also been Eastern European countries. At the time of its foundation, the established between local administrations and CSOs. Ecological Movement comprised 10 regional organizations and 70,000 members working on the voluntary basis including 3.4.2 The Red Cross activities with involvement of the climate change risk disasters. The Red Cross of Moldova is an apolitical institution acting in the humanitarian domain and operating in Moldova accord- Currently, environmental NGOs in Moldova do not have strong ing to the law 139-XV from 10.05.2001. It mainly works with visibility and their position in the society needs further serious different levels of public authorities. The main priorities of the strengthening. The position of environmental CSOs needs to be Red Cross of Moldova are: generally upgraded based on the new ideas and topics. Climate • preparedness and intervention in case of disaster change issues seem to be one of the most significant and a • involvement in programs aimed at public health number of CSOs expressed their commitment to cooperate • providing assistance to socially vulnerable persons at the and contribute in the frame of the Climate Forum East. It is also community level in case of emergency situations necessary to pay more attention to the involvement of youth organizations in the civil activities in the case of natural disasters Due to the complexity of the issues associated with environmen- provoked by climate change and develop relevant educational tal disasters, the Red Cross is actively involved in the prevention (including vocational) activities with new generations. and intervention in the case of natural disasters and it has become one of the priorties of the Red Cross of Moldova. This is Many CSOs are closely cooperating with the governmental mentioned in the National Strategy of the Red Cross of Moldova. institutions, contributing to the development of different sectors and communities in order to identify solutions to envi- According to the strategy the following issues are a priority for ronmental issues, including those associated with the climate the Red Cross of Moldova: change – development and implementation of measures, • Reducing the number of deaths, injuries and impacts of planning of different activities and realizing of public actions different natural disasters. etc aimed at reduction of risks and consequences of natural • Strenghtening the capacities ofc civil society in local rural disasters. Environmental CSOs are providing public assistance communities to react promptly and efficient in case of and identifying ways to involve the community in environ- emergencies. mental protection activities. • Reducing the level of intolerance and discrimination and promotion of the respect to human life. A number of environmental CSOs deal with the development of different studies and research activities in order to The Red Cross of Moldova is also involved in the preparation raise public awareness on environmental concerns. CSOs in of appeals to different international organizations for as- Moldova find it difficult to attract sufficient private and pub- sistance in case national resources are not enough to cover lic funds, leaving international support as the main source of consequences of natural disasters after 24 hours, in particular funding. In general, the governmental institutions, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent the Ministry of Environment (Ecological Fund) are in favor of Societies (IFRC)23 which works with National Societies such as according financial support to different projects implemented the Moldova Red Cross to assist in emergency situations. In by CSOs. Recent legislative developments, such as a draft law these cases the Red Cross of Moldova launches an emergency that would allow donations to CSOs to be deducted as a small percentage of due income tax, may improve the situation. The 23 www.ifrc.org

23 national climate vulnerability assessment

appeal to the Disasters Relief Emergency Fund (DREF)24 of the Additionally, the Red Cross of Moldova is organizing a tender for IFRC in order to provide assistance to affected communities. procurement and completion of the nutrition packs for vulner- Table 16 outlines DREF appeals in recent years. able groups of population which suffered from the drought of 2012. Another activity, which is ongoing on a permanent basis, Table 14: Recent DREF appeals in Moldova. Source: IFRC is the recruitment of volunteers for their involvement in response Year Disaster Assistance rendered, CHF operations in case of floods, heat and cold waves, and other 2007 drought 148 198 emergencies. In response to recent extreme weather, the first 2008 flood 171 200 tents for vulnerable people were installed in the capital town during cold wave in winter of 2012 and heat wave in the summer of 2010 flood 188 100 2012 (see 2.2 above). Such tents were installed in the capital town 2012 severe winter 111 960 (one in each administrative units of Chisinau). Currently such tents 2012 drought 171 000 are going to be installed and in other localities in the country.

24 www.ifrc.org/dref

3.5 The importance of knowledge sharing: science, civil society and the state

Information on the state of the environment is generally avail- information dissemination, education and awareness raising able and accessible, although agencies dealing with environ- among the population (via campaigns and the publication mental protection and research activities at different levels of studies, newsletters and bulletins), and the organisation of do not collect and publish relevant information in a properly concrete local direct actions such as camps, summer schools stored, structured and publicly accessible system; information and clean-up activities. A number of CSOs implement pilot is rather scattered among the institutions. projects and campaigns that mobilise a bigger target group. CSOs are also informed about the main results of the environ- CSOs are significant sources of information not only for the mental research activities through the organisation of con- general public and the CSO community but also for govern- sultation meetings with local authorities, implementation of ment agencies. All of them gather, produce and share environ- signed agreements between research institutions and region- mental or sustainable development–related information with al development agencies for providing of scientific and expert the community in which they operate. Much of the available support in planning of relevant climate change adaptation information is the result of CSO project activities, including in measures, evaluation of possible impact of sector develop- areas related to climate change. ment on the climate patterns etc. All these activities are implemented in consultation with local civil society organizations. CSOs are aware of the need to improve the presentation of the information and knowledge they have gained and could Good examples of cooperation between CSOs and govern- also serve as bridge for additional information prepared in the mental authorities exist at regional and local levels in some framework of different studies performed by governmental regions and municipalities in which CSOs are active and im- agencies, in order to be able to share it with target groups or plementing projects. The expertise of CSOs is often used in en- their community in order to have a greater impact in society. vironmental decision-making processes by these authorities, and in some cases CSOs can also become strategic partners CSOs realise the need to learn more about emerging environ- for the local or district authority or are invited onto local advi- mental topics, including climate change and adaptation to it sory councils. and to learn how to use media relations and modern information tools in a more efficient and effective manner in order to collect information for the public and to communicate climate change and adaptation measures in an attractive and easily understandable way for general public.

CSO activities include expert assistance, assessments and research, project-related capacity building and trainings,

24 moldova 4. Conclusions and recommendations

Civil society organizations in cooperation with different level in the field of environment including those associated with of national authorities could play a crucial role in the imple- climate change and development of adaptation measures. On mentation of national development strategies associated with the basis of the results of different consultation meetings the disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change. following recommendations could be proposed for decision Policy makers and decision makers must encourage these or- makers to engage more closely with civil society and areas in ganizations to become actively involved in the management which civil society could expand their work. of natural disasters, rescue operations, facilitation of activities

4.1 Government and civil society engagement

• Encourage different levels of authorities to cooperate of the provisions of the EU-Moldova association agree- with CSOs in the development of actions, plans and ment and in activities under Eastern partnership EU sup- measures presumed for implementation of relevant in- ported project ternational agreements in Moldova. • Involve CSOs in preparing of local agenda (local authori- • Create different forums for the enforcement of imple- ties) for implementation of planning measures aimed at mentation of practices, which would contribute to effi- adaptation to climate change cient development of relevant provisions of international • Support informational campaigns on climate change agreement in the Republic of Moldova, including coop- issues, cooperation with educational authorities, school eration in the field of climate change awareness on climate change, public actions aimed at • Actively reach out to CSOs to get involved in develop- preparedness to disasters in cooperation with CSOs ment of planning documents for mitigation of natural • Facilitate and encourage the active involvement of CSOs disasters, planning of rescue operations and develop- and knowledge centres in the implementation of projects ment of measures for adaptation to climate change in supported by national ecological fund and promotion Moldova of regional cooperation on climate change adaptation • Involve CSOs in the development of legislation related to activities climate change adaptation, especially for implementation 4.2 Sectoral recommendations

4.2.1 Climate change awareness and • Improve information centers in rural areas, which could education be affiliated with local councils or schools. • Engage in activities related to environmental education • Develop educational curriculums for different target and awareness-raising, not only among young people groups of population and authorities on climate change and citizens but also aimed at the business and public issues and planning of adaptation measures authorities sector. • Research new methods and best practices on how to act • Develop practical “How to adapt to climate change” in case of emergencies. courses, case-studies and practices in order to change people’s awareness and behavior in relation to climate change and adaptation measures.

25 national climate vulnerability assessment

4.2.2 Public participation • Raise public awareness of disaster preparedness through • Actively reach out to local and national authorities and the organisation of public campaigns on how to behave civil society to engage with the decision-making process in case of emergencies in cooperation with relevant state (law, policy-making decisions) and planning adaptation bodies (Department for Emergencies), regional and inter- measures, including planning of rescue actions. national societies dealing with climate change adapta- • Encourage public participation in different studies aimed tion (e.g Red Cross) at evaluating climate change risks and impacts on social • Engage in the planning and implementation of emergen- and economic development on national and regional cy response operations based on the relevant experience levels. of civil society organizations (such as the Red Cross) • Help ensure access to climate change information, on • Engage youth in climate change issues by organising best practices to reduce negative impacts of climate events: summer camps, public presentations in schools, change. working with elderly people and representatives of other • Set up consultation meetings with different level of au- vulnerable groups of population thorities on planning and implementation of adaptation • Support mass-media presentation of the guides of be- measures haviour in case of emergencies like heat and cold waves, • Engage in the organisaition of the development of hydro- conservation of ecosystem services etc. technical construction in areas at risk of flooding

4.2.3 Rural development • Promote organic agriculture and education of local farmers, especially in wetland areas and on the territories adjacent to protected areas. • Engage in awareness raising on the potential of agricultural development: provision of guidelines and models, and assistance in setting up soil erosion, soil moisture conservation etc measures as well as rural development practices – water and sanitation, comfort of life, health care system etc. • Engage with the business community in the field of climate change adaptation activities as well as maintenance and further development of the network of protection (flood) constructions.

4.2.4 Nature protection • Encourage and advocate for the creation of the first national park and network of biosphere reserve areas for conservation of species and habitats in Moldova. • Pursue the rehabilitation of the ecological status of wetlands and thus improve hydrological regime of main water courses in Moldova

4.2.5 Water management • Engage in the development of river basin management plans for the Prut and Dniester rivers according to the EU environmental related Directives • Support improved irrigation activities based on water- saving technologies

4.2.5 CSO development

26 moldova Annex 1: List of key political documents relating to climate change in Moldova

• Strategy of the Republic of Moldova on adaptation to the climate change. This document is currently on the discussion level and has been developed by the Government (Ministry of Environment) in 2013 for implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on climate change ratified by Moldova on 16 march 1995, parliamentary decision 404-XIII and support implementation of the Kyoto Protocol adopted by Moldavian Parliament (Law 29-XV from 13.02.2003). In the frame of development of the climate change strategy, Ministry of Health of Moldova is actually developing a document “Development of the health aspect in the frame of the national adaptation plan to Climate Change” • National Development Strategy of the Republic of Moldova until 2020, developed by the Government of Moldova, • National Strategy on sustainable development of the agricultural sector for the period 2008-2015 • National policy on Public Health • Strategy on development of the national health system • Program for the development of the water and sanitation sector until 2015 • Strategy for the development of the Forest sector 2003-2020 • Energy strategy until 2020 • Strategy for the development of the transport infrastructure until 2008-2015, • Danube climate change adaptation, prepared by Munich University in 2012, under activities of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River.

27 national climate vulnerability assessment Annex 2: Main towns in the Republic of Moldova

Name of the town Population in thousands Chisinau 770 Balti 150 Singerei 15,0 Anenii-noi 10,0 Bucovat 3,2 Criuleni 10,0 Yaloveni 13,6 Straseni 21 Donduseni 12,2 Ocnita 10,5 Otaci 7,3 Cahul 40 Ungheni 30 Edinet 20 Leova 10 Orhei 39 Rezina 19,7 Soldanesti 10,0 Telenesti 10,5 Soroca 38,9 Drochia 23,0 Floresti 15,5 Cgindesti 4,8 Marculesti 2,9 Causeni 20,5 Cainari 4,8 Stefan-voda 10,9

28 moldova References

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2. Government of Moldova (2007) National Programme for a Healthy Lifestyle 2007-2015, Chisinau

3. Government of Moldova (2013) National climate change adaptation strategy of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau

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5. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (2014), Third National Communication of the Republic of Moldova under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Chisinau: UNEP [available online at http://unfccc.int/resource/ docs/natc/mdanc3.pdf]

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