"Charm of Dniester": Moldova's new eco-adventure
Fairytale landscapes, absolute tranquility, and an authentic connection with nature. These can all be discovered on the newest ecotourism trail in the Republic of Moldova, launched in Mărcăuți village, Dubăsari district.
Named "The Charm of the Dniester" (Farmecul Nistrului), it promises not just a stroll along the riverbanks but also an immersion into the traditions, tastes, and spirit of the region, in a joint effort to transform rural tourism into a real opportunity for sustainable development.
The nearly four-kilometer-long "Charm of the Dniester" trail promises visitors an authentic experience where nature, traditions, and local gastronomy harmoniously intertwine.
"Come and see our picturesque places and our pristine nature."
"I've just moved to this village. This place charmed us from the very beginning. We came to visit and simply never left."
"We invite you to discover these unforgettable places. You have nothing to lose; on the contrary, you'll gain a memory for a lifetime."
The trail winds through the villages of Mărcăuți, Molovata, and Molovata Nouă, passing through meadows, orchards, steep riverbanks, and spectacular viewpoints. Additionally, tourists can observe rare birds, explore traditional mills, or taste traditional dishes at the open-air food theater.
"This trail is very important for Mărcăuți village because we're now taking the first step towards tourism development. The trail links Mărcăuți village with Molovata village and Molovata Nouă," stated Alexei Leahu, the Mayor of Mărcăuți village.
The initiative is part of a project implemented by the Moldovan National Tourism Office, with the support of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"You have something very special, something you've started to realize. You have peaceful landscapes untouched by civilization. These places have huge potential; they're exactly what people are looking for."
"Here is something we've lost because we live through the lens of social media. We've lost our connection with nature. The Republic of Moldova has the chance to create something that truly embraces untouched nature."
"Currently, only a portion of the trail is marked, but we'll gradually mark a network of trails that will connect Mărcăuți with the Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve," said Elena Balațel, a specialist at the Moldovan National Tourism Office.
The trail is digitized through the "Eko App Moldova" mobile application, which offers maps, biodiversity information, and local stories. Through this endeavor, authorities aim to encourage responsible tourism and involve communities in sustainable development.
"Tourism unites multiple areas. It brings together local development, promotes the creation of new jobs, economic development, cultural development, and cultural preservation," stated Andrei Chistol, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
The project is implemented by the Moldovan National Tourism Office as part of the "Eco App for Sustainable Tourism in the Republic of Moldova" initiative, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, with the support of the HumanDoc Foundation. The new route is part of a broader network of digitally connected ecotourism trails, aiming to promote responsible tourism, conserve the Dniester riverbanks' ecosystems, and involve local communities in sustainable economic development.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
