E of nvi y ro tr n s m i e n i n t M REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA THE FOURTH NATIONAL REPORT on BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY Chisinau, 2010 CZU 57(478)(047) R 46 The Report was developed in the framework of the UNDP project “Support to Environmental Protection and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources” with the financial support from Global Environment Facility. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the largest public The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the funder of projects to improve the global environment. An in- UN’s global development network, advocating for change and dependent financial organization, the GEF provides grants for connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resour- projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international ces to help people build a better life. More information about waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent orga- UNDP at www.undp.org and www.undp.md. nic pollutants. More about GEF at www.theGEF.org. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official views of the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova or the Global Environment Facility. This publication is available in Romanian and English on the webpage: http://bsapm.moldnet.md Autors: dr. Alexandru Teleuta, dr. Andrei Munteanu, dr. hab. Gheorghe Postolache, dr. hab. Alexei Andreev. Contributors: dr. hab. Ion Dediu, dr. hab. Maria Duca, dr. Eugen Alexandrov, dr. Iachim Gumaniuc, dr. Aliona Glijin, dr. Ştefan Manic, dr. Alecu Reniţă, dr. Valeriu Ţarigradschi, Alexandru Apostol, Valeriu Balan, Valentina Căldăruş, Mihai Coca, Alexandru Galupa, Veronica Josu, Alexandru Rotaru, Ala Rotaru, Ion Coţofană, Liliana Josan, Marcela Vatamaniuc, Nicu Vrednic. Text processing Dr. Alexandru Teleuţă Cover & page layout Andrei Ichim Descrierea CIP a Camerei Naţionale a Cărţii Republic of Moldova the Fourth National Report on Biological Diversity / aut.: Alexandru Teleuta, Andrei Munteanu, Gheorghe Postolache [et al.]; contributors: Ion Dediu, Maria Duca, Eugen Alexandrov [et al.]. – Ch. : „Bons Offices” SRL, 2010. – 68 p. 500 ex. ISBN 978-9975-80-352-6. 57(478)(047) ISBN 978-9975-80-352-6 © Oficiul Biodiversitate al Ministerului Mediului CONTENT INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3 CHAPTER I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, TRENDS AND RISK FACTORS .......................................................................................... 3 CHAPTER II. CURRENT STATUS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CONSERVATION STRATEGY AND AcTION PLAN .......................................................... 12 CHAPTER III. THEMATIC INCLUSION ON BIOLIGICAL DIVERSITY AT SECTORAL AND INTERSECTORAL LEVELS ....................................................................................... 24 3.1. Institutional Framework ............................................................................................................................... 24 3.2. Legal framework, strategies, programmes and their implementation in the sphere of conservation of biological diversity. ................................................................................................... 28 3.3. Sector level ........................................................................................................................................................ 30 3.4. Conclusions and recommendations on integration of biological diversity issues at sectoral level. .................................................................................................................................. 39 CHAPTER IV. ReSULTS OF IMPLEMenTATION OF OBJecTIVES STipULATed FOR YEAR 2010 AND THEIR INCLUSION IN STRATEGIC PLANS OF CONVENTION. .............................. 41 TABLE 1. GLOBAL GOALS And TARgeTS SET FOR YEAR 2010 And NATIONAL RELEVANT TARGETS ........................................................................................................ 43 ANNEX I. COUNTRY DATA And THE deTAILS ON THE ORigin OF PRESENT REPORT ...................................................................................................... 49 ANNEX II. InfORMATION RegARding PROceSS OF ELABORATION OF PRESENT REPORT ...................................................................................................... 50 ANNEX III – RESULTS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL STRATegY FOR PLANT CONSERVATION. ................................................ 51 ANNEX IV – AcTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED FOR FULFILLMENT OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF WORKING PROGRAMME ON PROTECTED AREAS, ADOPTed BY COP DeciSION VII/28 .............................................................................. 57 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................... 68 FORewORD iodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural re- sources is currently one of the main problems of humankind. BRecent studies have shown that modern civilization is going through a stage which largely contributes to social, economic, and environmental disturbances. In this context the main objectives of biodiversity conservation refer to sustainable use of natural resources and halting the loss of plant and animal species regardless of their importance to humans. Biodiversity management is one of the priority assignments of the Ministry of Environment, promoted through the implementation of the National Strategy and National Action Plan in the domain of Biological Diversity Conservation and enforcement of legislation re- garding Environmental Protection, Natural Areas Protected by the State, the Red Book, Ecological Network, Flora Register and others through the reali- zation of the provisions established by international conventions and treaties, which declare the achievement of stability and ecological balance in preserving biodiversity as a priority requirement. The Fourth National Report is dedicated to the evaluation of the implementation requirements of the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Bio- logical Diversity. The report reflects the priorities set by the Republic of Moldova in the respective area, the barriers encountered in implementing the Strategy, and in achieving the 2010 objectives regarding the protection of flora and fauna; research and monitor- ing programs, and conservation and sustainable use of biological resources in the country; the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Moldova in implementing the Global Strategy on Plant Conservation; the requirements of Moldovan legislation regarding the Fund for Natural Areas Protected by the State, Flora and Fauna, Forest Code, requirements of the Law on Riparian and Water body Buffer strips and Buffer zones, the Law on Environmental Protection, and others. A comparative analysis was conducted on the requirements set by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the measures taken by the Republic of Moldova towards their achievement. The Report is addressed to specialists in biology, ecology, law, environmental policies, researchers and students, and to the public interested in the domain. Minister of Environment Gheorghe SALARU 4 THE FOURTH NATIONAL REPORT on BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY FORewORD oday, there is increased scientific evidence of the importance of healthy biodiversity for the survival of the planet and hu- Tmankind. The decline of biodiversity that has been happening with astounding speed in the past decades is further exacerbated by climate change. Situated at the intersection of three bio-geographic areas, Moldova plays an important role in the conservation of bio- logical diversity in the region. This Report emphasizes the importance of species’ preservation for sustainable development of the populations, and for providing a healthy habitat for flora and fauna kingdoms, which help sustain the national economy and provide livelihoods. More specifically, the Report examines the role of biodiversity in adaptation to climate change. It was developed in a participatory manner with broad en- gagement of national experts and civil society. UNDP would like to take this opportunity to recognize the progress made since the Third Report was published in 2005. Still a lot remains to be done, and we are positive that this Report will be instrumental in planning the country’s work on biodiversity preservation. Reducing the rate of loss of biodiversity will ensure our planet’s capac- ity to supply humans with necessary goods and services, thus contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The Fourth Biodiversity Report is also a great occasion to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity proclaimed by the General Assembly for 2010. The Report will play a major role in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and about the significance of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ensuring its conservation, sus- tainable use and balanced dividends of its benefits. UNDP will continue to support the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Moldova in promoting implementa- tion of the Convention and engaging all players and stakeholders, as conservation of biodiversity is a vital joint responsibility of the government, private sector, civil society, and general public. Kaarina IMMONEN UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator 5 Forword INTRODUCTION he intensification of the natural capital decline process has been occur- ring for the last few decades. The