Ukraine and Moldova are working together to tackle environmental challenges in the Dniester River basin.

The fifth meeting of the Commission for the Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin (Dniester Commission) has commenced in Chișinău. The meeting was opened by Olena Kramarenko, the First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, and Sergey Lazarenko, the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Moldova.

The Ukrainian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy, the State Water Agency, the State Fisheries Agency, the State Emergency Service, Ukrhydroenergo, the Institute of Hydrobiology, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, as well as representatives from regional military administrations and public organizations involved in the Ukrainian portion of the Commission. Some members are working in Chișinău, while others are participating online.

“The Dniester Basin is facing several significant challenges, including climate change, flooding, and biodiversity preservation. Today, we are analyzing the hydrological regime of 2023 and assessing the effectiveness of ecological releases for 2024. It is crucial to enhance water monitoring, including groundwater, and to restore joint sampling at control points. Work on the Dniester River Basin Management Plan for 2025-2030 will aid in ensuring the sustainable development of water resources. However, only through close cooperation between Ukraine and Moldova can effective solutions to these challenges be found,” noted Olena Kramarenko.

The working group on monitoring reported on the conduct of joint water sampling, the assessment of the chemical and ecological status of the waters, as well as the preparation of national reports on the state of waters in the Dniester Basin.

On the first day of the meeting, the members of the working group presented the results of the implemented activities regarding:

• Joint monitoring within the Emerald Network.
• Control of invasive aquatic species.
• Development of a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of ecological releases for the preservation of biodiversity and aquatic biological resources.

The Commission also discussed amendments to the Rules for the Operation of Reservoirs of the Dniester Integrated Hydro Complex, updating scenarios on the impact of climate change on the Dniester River Basin, and identifying priority actions for both countries.