World Bank approves $7.9 million grant for ecosystem restoration in Moldova

World Bank approves $7.9 million grant for ecosystem restoration in Moldova
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Ajay Banga, 14th president of the World Bank | Linkedin

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a grant of $7.9 million for Moldova to support the Restoring Ecosystems for Marine Pollution Prevention Project (RE-MAP). The project will be funded through the Global Environment Facility and aims to expand sustainable landscape management in the Dniester River Basin, an area important for both environmental and socio-economic reasons.

The RE-MAP initiative will use nature-based solutions to restore degraded landscapes, prevent pollution from land sources, and improve biodiversity and climate resilience. It is part of the Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program, which seeks to address marine pollution and land degradation across the region.

“This project marks a significant step toward Moldova’s sustainable development goals and its commitment to regional environmental cooperation,” said Ulrich Schmitt, World Bank Group Country Manager for Moldova. “By restoring ecosystems and preventing pollution, we are investing in the health of communities and the resilience of country’s environment.”

Key components of RE-MAP include forest and wetland restoration, afforestation, integrated crop-livestock-forest systems, policy harmonization for pollution prevention, capacity building for institutions and communities, as well as socio-economic benefits such as improved natural resource conditions and employment opportunities. Approximately 99,200 people are expected to benefit from these activities, with women making up about 40 percent of beneficiaries.

Since joining the World Bank in 1992, Moldova has received over $2.3 billion through more than 70 operations. The organization currently supports projects in energy, regulatory reform, business development, land registration and valuation, education, infrastructure such as roads, health care services, social sectors including agriculture and water sanitation. In addition to these efforts by the World Bank itself, members of its group—the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—are involved in financial sector projects as well as advisory services for both private and public sectors.