World Bank to assess climate change impact in Moldova

Chisinau, 25 September /MOLDPRES/ - Government Secretary General Serghei Palihovici today met the World Bank team (WB), led by Ms. Kulsum Ahmed, the practice manager of Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice for the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

The sides reviewed the activities to be undertaken to carry out the Study on climate change and adaptation to new climate conditions, as well as the subsequent implementation of the investment project titled “Adaptation and resistance to climate change” which will begin in 2017.

In this regard, the World Bank will provide technical assistance for the study in the field of climate change in Moldova. The secretary general of the government said that this comprehensive analysis was necessary to identify environmental problems and establish priorities. "Climate change affects all areas of Moldova. Therefore, all actors from most state institutions will show unprecedented involvement. It is also necessary to have discussions with all development partners of Moldova to ensure that the actions will not overlap with other activities from similar projects", Sergei Palihovici said.

According to the Secretary General, the State Chancellery of Moldova is ready to assume its role as coordinator in carrying out the Study on climate change and subsequently, the implementation of the investment project. "At this stage it is important to establish a mechanism for coordinating the activities that will be undertaken by state institutions, which will streamline communication between sectors and will help us identify priorities, so as to intervene with concrete actions where necessary. Furthermore, the activities must also be coordinated with Moldova’s Environmental Strategy for the years 2014-2023", Sergei Palihovici said.

The head of the Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice highly praised the cooperation between the Moldovan government and the World Bank. "We are here to help and offer you consultancy on carrying out the studies and implementing the Climate Change Adaptation and Resistance project”, WB representative Kulsum Ahmed said.

The first version of the study on climate change and adaptation to climatic conditions will be presented in February 2016 and the final version – in the spring of 2016.

(Editor A. Raileanu)