The "Strategic Communication for the Implementation of the National Solid Waste Program in Moldova" Project was launched

On 14.12.2023, AO "E-Circular Training and Consulting Center" and AO "EcoVisio" with the support of Sweden launched the National Project "Strategic Communication for the implementation of the National Solid Waste Program in Moldova in Waste Management Regions 5, 8 and 1". The event took place in the premises of the "DIMITRIE CANTEMIR" Public Library in Ungheni and brought together the key actors involved from several localities benefiting from the project.

The project will be implemented with the financial support of Sweden in the period 2023-2025 and will represent a support mechanism on the side of communication and capacity building of LPA/NGO/community in order to successfully implement the National Program "Solid Waste in the Republic of Moldova", implemented at the national level by the Ministry of the Environment and ONIPM IP based on Loan Agreements with EIB, EBRD and E5P grant. The project's activities will also support the achievement of the objectives of the National Waste Management Program for the years 2023-2027, recently approved by the Government.

During the launch event of the Project "Strategic Communication for the implementation of the National Program "Solid Waste in the Republic of Moldova" in the Waste Management Regions 5, 8 and 1", Mr. Igor Afteniuc, the Swedish Embassy pointed out the importance of promoting behavioral changes at the national level for the achievement of the proposed objectives in the field of waste management, including the concentration of the joint efforts of AO EcoVisio and AO E-Circular, which together with the Ministry of the Environment and IP the National Office for the Implementation of Projects in the field of the Environment, but also all the beneficiary regions, will exert effort and involve resources and will strengthen capacities needed for RESULTS.

Dul spoke about the importance of the launched project and its role in the successful implementation of the "Solid Waste in the Republic of Moldova" national program Grigore Stratulat, Secretary of State Ministry of the Environment. He presented the existing problems regarding waste management and the Action Plan for the year 2024 with reference to project implementation in RMD 5, 8 and 1. Also during the event, Mr. Alexandru Ambros, Solid Waste Project Manager in the Republic of Moldova, presented the results achieved up to at the moment regarding the implementation of the project. According to Mr. Ambros, so far:

• It was approved by the Local Councils of RMD 5, 8 and 1, Feasibility and Gap Assessment Studies.
• The Regional Operator for RMD 5, SA "Salubritate Grup", was created.
• The land for the construction of the Waste Landfill (Florițoaia Veche, Ungheni) was transferred from APL property to state property.
• The lands for the construction of the transfer stations (Nișcani, Călărași and Nisporeni) were transferred from APL property to state property.

The second part of the event was dedicated to the presentation of the Project "Strategic Communication for the implementation of the National Solid Waste Program in Moldova in the Waste Management Regions 5, 8 and 1".  Vica Diavor, project manager from AO EcoVisio presented the basic objectives of the project and the main planned activities for various target groups:

Objective 1: Mapping the current waste management system based on a regional approach and creating a strategic communication plan

Objective 2: Promoting the development of expertise and skills in the field of waste prevention and integrated waste management among LPAs and local NGOs

Objective 3: Developing awareness campaigns to promote waste reduction and correct waste disposal practices among the general public

Objective 4: Implementation of pilot projects in selected communities to promote waste reuse and encourage residents and businesses to reduce waste production.

Awareness and information are the basic foundations of a successfully implemented project. In this context, Aurelia Bahnaru, expert and project manager from the AO "E-Circular Training and Consulting Center" presented how important it is to strengthen the capacities and improve the level of knowledge of the more than 690 thousand inhabitants of 506 project beneficiary localities and part of RMD 5 ( Ungheni, Nisporeni, Călărași), RMD 8 (Edineț, Briceni, Ocnița, Donduseni) and RMD 1 (Cahul, Cantemir, Taraclia, Comrat, Vulcănești, Ceadîr-Lunga), whose health is directly negatively influenced by the more than 300 garbage dumps already existing in the project beneficiary regions.

An important step in this direction is the creation by design of a Online platform: Strategic communication on waste management and which will be accessible to LPAs, Municipal Operators, NGOs, etc. Through this platform and through the regularly organized meetings, we will discuss the project activities and the progress of the national Solid Waste Management Program for RMD 5, 8 and 1, legislative news, applicability and compliance at the local level, discussions with representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, the Environment Agency, the Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, IP ONIPM, etc. Also through this platform, thematic trainings will be organized on various topics of interest and advisory support will be provided.

AO E-Circular and AO EcoVisio invite their partners, local authorities and citizens to join this joint effort to build together a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Republic of Moldova. Through sustainable behavioral changes, we can transform the way we look at and manage waste, contributing to a healthy environment and the prosperity of our communities!