Verde e Moldova Joins EUROPARC: Strengthening Nature, Communities and Sustainability in Moldova

Verde e Moldova (VeM) is a leading environmental NGO in Moldova dedicated to strengthening communities, restoring nature, and supporting sustainable development. Working at the intersection of environmental protection, education, policy support, and socio-economic innovation, VeM delivers practical solutions that connect people with nature and empower local actors to become drivers of change.

With active projects in climate resilience, circular economy, nature restoration, education, and sustainable tourism, Verde e Moldova has become a trusted partner for communities, municipalities, schools, protected area managers, and international networks. Its work spans local action and cross-border cooperation, particularly in ecologically valuable regions such as the Danube Delta and Lower Prut wetlands.

We spoke with the VeM team about how they engage communities, integrate socio-economic development with conservation, respond to policy challenges, and support public institutions.

Engaging Communities Through Practical Action and Education

EUROPARC: You mentioned promoting environmental education in both urban and rural communities. What approaches have proven most effective?

Verde e Moldova: We place people at the centre of environmental action. Across climate resilience, circular economy, nature restoration, and culture-based tourism, we combine participatory planning with visible results that build trust and motivation.

One effective approach is co-creation with communities. In projects such as Plastic Waste in the Circular Economy and Danube Delta Rewilding, local residents helped design eco-tourism opportunities linked to wetland restoration. Together, we installed over 40 mesh collection containers and launched the national #GiveUpPLASTIC campaign, encouraging citizens to adopt circular-economy habits.

Another key area is education and youth engagement. We blend formal, non-formal, and digital learning through teacher toolkits, outdoor activities, and student projects. These resources are already used in schools across Moldova and Europe, helping educators integrate nature-based solutions into curricula.

We also focus on strengthening local authorities and Protected Area managers by facilitating dialogue, planning, and capacity building. This includes consultations with farmers, municipalities, and media, and cross-border coordination between Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine.

Supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs is another priority. We help develop tourism products rooted in culture and nature, encourage circular practices, and build visitor experiences that generate local income.

Finally, through public communication and social mobilisation, we use storytelling, social media, festivals, and biodiversity days to make sustainability visible and meaningful for communities.

When Nature Restoration Meets Local Development

EUROPARC: Can you share an example where environmental protection and socio-economic development came together successfully?

Verde e Moldova: In the Danube Delta and Lower Prut region, we integrated large-scale ecological restoration with sustainable community development through a cross-border rewilding programme supported by Rewilding Europe.

Together with partners in Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, we restored degraded wetlands by improving hydrological flows and habitats for migratory birds and aquatic species. Scientific assessments and stakeholder consultations ensured that both ecological data and local knowledge guided decisions.

At the same time, we worked directly with communities to create tangible benefits. Local guides, guesthouses, and youth groups developed birdwatching routes, interpretive materials, and small tourism services. Training in sustainable tourism and circular practices helped residents build new livelihoods connected to restored landscapes.

This created a positive cycle: healthier wetlands attracted visitors and income, while stronger community engagement reinforced long-term stewardship of natural heritage.

Responding to Policy and Regulatory Change

EUROPARC: What policy challenge has been most significant recently, and how has VeM responded?

Verde e Moldova: Moldova’s rapid alignment with EU environmental legislation has been a major challenge, especially in waste management, circular economy, and nature-based solutions. New regulations created uncertainty for municipalities, schools, and community groups that lacked technical guidance.

VeM acted as a bridge between policy and practice. Through the Plastic Waste in the Circular Economy project, we helped municipalities interpret regulations, develop action plans, pilot collection systems, and apply extended producer responsibility concepts.

In education, our work under NBS EduWORLD and UNESCO programmes translated policy into teacher toolkits and classroom pilots. In biodiversity and Protected Areas, we supported authorities in aligning local strategies with EU restoration and governance standards.

 Turning Technical Support into Real Impact

EUROPARC: What types of technical assistance are most in demand, and how do you ensure real impact?

Verde e Moldova: Local authorities increasingly request practical tools for implementing circular economy and waste regulations. We co-develop local action plans, train municipal staff, and introduce pilot solutions such as mesh collection points, awareness campaigns, and youth-led initiatives.

These pilots help communities understand how regulations work in real life. Over time, municipalities integrate circular principles into budgets and school programs, while residents adopt new recycling habits and local initiatives.

Our approach combines coaching, monitoring, and long-term partnerships to ensure sustainable results beyond individual projects.

Looking Ahead with EUROPARC

Joining the EUROPARC Federation marks an important milestone for Verde e Moldova. It strengthens international cooperation, enhances knowledge exchange in Protected Area management, and reinforces the organisation’s mission to connect people, nature, and sustainable development.

Together with EUROPARC members across Europe, VeM will continue building resilient communities, restoring ecosystems, and shaping a greener future for Moldova and the wider region.