Wetlands constitute one of the most valuable compartments of the natural heritage, on the condition of which the efficiency of sustainable development of the national economy of the Republic of Moldova largely depends.
The Convention on Wetlands, known as the RAMSAR Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty which has as its main objective international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.
For the first time this day was celebrated in 1997 to mark the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, which took place on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the coast of the Caspian Sea.The Republic of Moldova ratified the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as a habitat for waterfowl, by Parliament Decision no. 504-XVI of July 14, 1999, and became a member of this Convention in June 2000, when the “Lower Prut Lakes” area (191.5 km2) was included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
The 2025 theme – “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” – reflects the urgency of action to conserve these ecosystems and is aligned with the topics addressed at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), which will take place from July 23-31, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
This year’s World Wetlands Day campaigns emphasize the need for strong action to combat pollution, restore damaged ecosystems and manage aquatic resources sustainably. Protecting these habitats is essential because wetlands provide fresh water, maintain climate balance by storing carbon dioxide, protect against flooding and are a refuge for rich biodiversity. They also support many economic activities such as fishing, rice farming, tourism and drinking water supply.
Wetlands bring important economic, social, cultural, scientific, recreational and tourist benefits:
- Reduce flooding. Wetlands act like giant sponges that absorb stormwater. In coastal cities, they act as a barrier against
- It supplements drinking water supplies. Groundwater aquifers, rainwater and rivers are the main source of drinking water. Wetlands filter water entering aquifers, helping to replenish this important water source.
- They filter waste and improve water quality. The mineral-rich soil and abundant wetland plants act as filters that absorb toxins, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste.
- Improve atmospheric air quality. Wetlands keep the air moist thanks to high water levels and an abundance of plants. They naturally cool the surrounding air.
- They contribute to human well-being. When preserved as green spaces in cities, wetlands provide space for recreation and access to a diversity of plants and animals.
The Republic of Moldova has three wetlands of international importance, covering a total area of about 90,000 ha, which are a refuge for many endangered species of flora and fauna:
Lower Prutul Lakes, Cahul district. It has a total area of 19152 ha. It is home to the largest natural lakes in Moldova, Beleu and Manta, which represent unique ecosystems.
Lower Dniester, districts of Causeni and Stefan Voda, territorial unit on the left bank of the Dniester. The area covers approx. 60000 ha.
Unguri-Holoshnita, Ocnita, Donduseni and Soroca districts. The area covers approx. 15553 ha.
Considering the ecological, social, cultural, scientific, scientific, recreational-touristic importance for the Republic of Moldova, these three wetlands of international importance have been given the status of protection by the Law no. 1538 – XIII of February 25, 1998 on the fund of state protected natural areas (Annex no. 13).
Moreover, for the Ramsar sites “Lower Dniester” and “Unguri-Hololshnița” management plans have been developed, which included provisions aimed at ensuring the conservation of biodiversity, history and culture, risk reduction and the development of international cooperation in the field.
In the south of Moldova, where the Prut River hugs the meadows and forests, lies the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, a fascinating place for nature lovers.
Lake Beleu, the jewel of the reserve, is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife. Over 240 species of birds live here, 51 of which are listed in Moldova’s Red Book. These include egrets, pelicans, egrets, herons and swans.