World Bank Approves $7.9M RE-MAP Grant to Restore Moldova’s Dniester Basin

The RE-MAP project is part of the broader Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program, which supports global efforts to reduce marine pollution and rehabilitate degraded land and freshwater systems.

In a major boost to Moldova’s environmental and climate resilience agenda, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$7.9 million grant to finance the Restoring Ecosystems for Marine Pollution Prevention Project (RE-MAP). The funding, provided through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to restore degraded landscapes, combat land-based pollution, and promote sustainable land use in the Dniester River Basin, one of the country’s most vital ecological regions.

The RE-MAP project is part of the broader Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program, which supports global efforts to reduce marine pollution and rehabilitate degraded land and freshwater systems. Through this initiative, Moldova is taking a transformative step in addressing long-standing environmental challenges while aligning with regional and international goals for sustainable development.

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

Why the Dniester River Basin Matters

Stretching through Moldova and parts of Ukraine, the Dniester River Basin is not only a crucial water resource for agriculture and domestic use but also a biodiversity hotspot. Its protection is essential for the ecological integrity, food security, and economic stability of hundreds of thousands of people. However, the region faces serious environmental threats, including land degradation, deforestation, pollution from agriculture and industry, and climate-related impacts.

RE-MAP responds to these threats by deploying nature-based solutions—proven ecological interventions that harness the power of ecosystems to address climate, biodiversity, and pollution challenges. These include wetland and forest restoration, afforestation, and integrated crop-livestock-forest systems, which work together to rebuild soil health, increase carbon sequestration, and restore hydrological balances.

Key Components of the RE-MAP Project

The project’s comprehensive strategy is organized into several priority pillars:

1. Forest and Wetland Restoration:

   • Restoration of degraded forests and wetlands to improve ecosystem services.

   • Expansion of afforestation efforts in erosion-prone and underutilized lands.

   • Implementation of integrated crop-livestock-forest systems to diversify land use and reduce pressure on natural ecosystems.

2. Policy Harmonization and Institutional Strengthening:

   • Revision and alignment of pollution prevention and land use policies with EU and international standards.

   • Development of regulatory tools and enforcement mechanisms for sustainable land management.

3. Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

   • Training and technical assistance for government institutions and local authorities.

   • Empowering communities through participatory restoration planning and local employment.

   • Integration of gender-responsive strategies to ensure at least 40% of beneficiaries are women.

4. Socio-Economic Impact:

   • Approximately 99,200 people are expected to benefit directly from improved natural resource conditions.

   • Creation of green jobs and alternative livelihoods through ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture.

   • Enhanced access to ecosystem services, including clean water and fertile soil, improving quality of life and community health.

A Broader Vision for Sustainable Development

Moldova’s environmental commitment through RE-MAP aligns with its long-standing partnership with the World Bank, which has invested over US$2.3 billion in more than 70 operations since the country joined the institution in 1992. Current World Bank engagements in Moldova focus on energy, agriculture, education, land governance, health, infrastructure, water and sanitation, and business regulatory reform.

In parallel, World Bank Group institutions such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) are actively supporting Moldova through private sector development, advisory services, and risk insurance mechanisms.

By backing the RE-MAP project, the World Bank is reinforcing its long-term strategy to support Moldova’s green transition, climate adaptation, and regional environmental cooperation. The initiative not only builds ecological resilience but also supports Moldova’s aspirations for European integration, which emphasize sustainable governance, environmental protection, and inclusive economic growth.

A Step Forward for Climate and Biodiversity

In the face of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss, the RE-MAP project represents an innovative, science-based solution to ecological decline. Its implementation marks a significant moment for Moldova’s environmental leadership in Eastern Europe.

As a part of the Clean and Healthy Ocean Program, RE-MAP also contributes to regional and global efforts to protect marine ecosystems from the cascading effects of land-based pollution, particularly in the Black Sea basin.

“By restoring ecosystems and preventing pollution, we are not just safeguarding nature—we are building the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities,” concluded Schmitt.