Due to the increased degree of exploitation of soils in agriculture and their unsustainable use in the Republic of Moldova, including in protected areas, the surfaces affected by erosion and landslides have increased, which negatively influences the ecological balance of the region. Many highly degraded and severely eroded lands are owned by local public authorities who are unable to restore them due to high costs, therefore the degradation continues affecting the surrounding lands as well. It is necessary to restore them, in order to provide healthy habitats for plant and animal species, as well as a better living environment for humans. At the same time, concrete actions are needed to protect species of fauna and flora in order to stop the reduction of biodiversity.
The general objective of the project is: Contributing to the preservation of the local landscape by involving the communities of the "Lower Dniester" national park in solving local problems
The area of implementation of the project are 6 villages from the "Lower Dniester" National Park, which is not yet institutionalized and does not have an administration and budget that could contribute to solving local problems.
The target groups of the project are the local public authorities, as well as the local population from the villages of Rascaieti, Talmaza, Palanca (Stefan-Voda district), Plop-Stiubei, Carnateni, Gradinita (Cau?eni district). Local public authorities and the local population are open to participate in land restoration works in their localities.
As a result of the project, the area of local land affected by strong erosion and landslides will be reduced, improved living conditions will be created for rare species of mammals and protection of 3 trees recognized as monuments of nature in the region increased, and the level of information of the population about endangered species raised, that also will be involved in the implementation and monitoring of the project.
The project will contribute to the objectives of the GEF SGP Country Strategy related to improving the management of protected areas by restoring degraded land in rural landscapes and planting forest protective strips.