Moldova declares 56 water bodies nationally important
Fifty-six ponds and reservoirs across Moldova have been declared of national importance. The government approved this decision on July 30.
These were selected based on a draft resolution establishing official classification criteria, which was also approved by ministers today.
The list of nationally important water bodies includes the Naslavcea Reservoir, the Dubăsari Reservoir, the Congaz Reservoir, and the pond in Caplani village, Ștefan Vodă District.
According to the Ministry of Environment, this document aims to identify and protect water bodies that play an essential role for the country—be it for social, economic, or ecological utility.
The criteria applied when compiling the list of nationally important ponds and reservoirs in Moldova include use for irrigation, drinking water supply, infrastructure protection, and proximity to state borders.
Inclusion on this strategic list will enable priority and efficient interventions for the sustainable maintenance and utilization of these resources, including actions such as desilting, dam rehabilitation, bank stabilization, or regulating access during drought periods.
The new status does not change the ownership regime of the lakes and ponds—whether public or local—but rather how they must be managed.
Furthermore, the project stipulates that the National Administration "Apele Moldovei" will develop detailed instructions for the monitoring and management of these water bodies.
This measure comes in the context of the worsening drought in recent years, which has had a major impact on the country's hydrological resources.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
