Moldova has the smallest forested area in Europe, representing approximately 10% of the entire territory. The situation regarding the forest fund is alarming, with a prominent state of degradation, and periodic droughts only exacerbate the context. Studies undertaken by the World Resources Institute indicate that Moldova is among the countries with the highest vulnerability to drought.

Reforestation efforts are currently constrained by the limited resources of the Moldsilva Agency, and the initiatives from the private sector are insufficient and fail to have a substantial impact on the reforestation process. Moreover, traditional methods of producing bare-root seedlings are not very efficient and sustainable, given the recent droughts.

The primary challenge lies in identifying ways in which reforestation activities can become sustainable in the long term, considering the existence of clearly defined greenery objectives stipulated in the National Reforestation Program.

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Frontières initiates an ecological and social project, aiming to expand the forested areas through the adoption of advanced seedling cultivation technologies and the integration of young people and children in ecological education and conservation activities. This not only seeks to increase green areas but also to revitalize young people's connection with nature, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable future and creating forests for future generations. The project aims to build close relationships between landowners, young people, educators, and ecology professionals, coming together for tree planting and conservation, supporting biodiversity, and promoting balanced cultural renewal.

This project foresees the production and planting of 50,000 protected root seedlings on an area of about 15 ha. To achieve this goal, it is intended to refurbish two tree nurseries in Chi?in?u, each with an area of 150 sqm and a production capacity of approximately 25,000 protected root seedlings annually. The planting of seedlings will be carried out on lands managed by the Forestry Enterprise of Chi?in?u in collaboration with the Federations of Trade Unions from the Forestry and Agricultural Machinery Construction Industry and the Waldorf School of Chi?in?u. Also, representatives of local communities and schools from the areas adjacent to the forested areas will play an essential role, contributing to planting and subsequent maintenance efforts.

Modern methods of seedling production (in specialized containers) and involving young people in all activities of the production and planting cycle under the careful monitoring of forestry experts are essential for achieving the project's objectives. Among the advantages of this approach can be mentioned the survival rate of protected root seedlings significantly superior to the traditional one (bare-root), the need for reduced production space, and a significant educational impact, facilitating the project's extension to other schools.

The relevance of the project within the context of the GEF SGP Country Strategy is underscored by its alignment with Strategic Initiative 1: Community-based Conservation of Ecosystems and Threatened Species. The activities of the project aim to extend the forest landscapes and contribute to the afforestation of approximately 15 hectares of forest lands by actively involving youth and local communities in the planting and maintenance activities of these areas, thereby delivering substantial benefits to local biodiversity.

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