Moldovan head of state says at least 100,000 hactares of woods must be planted in next ten years

Chisinau, 26 July /MOLDPRES/ - We have launched the preparation of a national programme on afforestation. We must plant at least 100,000 hectares of woods in the next ten years and involve the entire society in this major project for the country. President Maia Sandu made statements to this effect at the new parliament’s foundation meeting today.     

At the parliament’s rostrum, the head of state informed about more long-term priorities, among which the plantation of woods, correct management of waste and preservation of the water resources.  

“It is quite important that we make proper order in the waste management. We must collect and sort the waste, have a responsible management of the solid waste. If it is correctly managed, this sector can become a source of income and a new industry, which will create jobs in Moldova. We should manage with care our water resources, have a national plan on providing the settlements with water and sewerage services. We should eventually construct the water-purifying station in Soroca and other cities of the country, in order to no longer contaminate the Dniester and other rivers, from which we everybody drink water. We must encourage the careful use of water in the residential sector. The environment policies must be thought out and implemented together, by a strong and well-intended team at the Environment Ministry and the environment agencies,’’ Sandu said.   

The president also said that the climate changes already hit the farmers and the state must come up with new approaches. ‘’We will have to be better prepared for droughty weather, heavy unexpected precipitation, unforeseen changes of air temperature, late snowfall and hail. For agriculture, this means a better care for infrastructure – we need drop irrigation systems, anti-hail nets for value added crops, a permanent monitoring of the weather’s change, an adaptation of soils and agricultural practices to the weather’s rigours. These challenges deal both with the farmers and agricultural producers and the central and local authorities. We need visionary state policies, which are to encourage the development of the competitive and resilient agriculture, promote the rational use of fields, protect the soils and wisely manage the water resources, based on a long-term thinking,’’ Maia Sandu added.        

The head of state pointed out that, on the next period, the authorities must strengthen the capacities of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the National Army, in order to intervene in bad weather.  

“What kind of country do we want to convey to our descendants? A country with clean soil, air and waters. With woods, nature reserves and rivers. With picturesque landscapes, preserved and turned to account. A country which produces safe, sound and tasty food products. A country with a preserved and turned to account culture, with strong traditions, related to the land, the passing of seasons, to the connection to the nature. Our duty is to provide such a future and such a country to the next generations. And for this, we must protect and re-establish our environment resources, cultivate a careful attitude towards it and remove the bad practices, even if they bring quick money to some people at present. This effort demands the involvement of all people, in their communities and organizations. We need the help of the entire society,’’ Maia Sandu also said.