A partnership for capacity building and exchange of best practices in conservation

Strengthening the capacity to manage protected areas knows no borders. In 2024, Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas launched a series of key activities in the Republic of Moldova, partnering with local environmental organizations to support the professional development of teams in the field and to transfer best practices from Romania.

Starting collaborations and developing essential resources

First steps in cross-border cooperation
The year 2024 marked the beginning of an active partnership with environmental authorities and NGOs in the Republic of Moldova. These collaborations arose from a shared need to align conservation approaches at the regional level and to provide tangible support for on-the-ground professionals.

Developing a Competence Register for protected area authorities
Within the project coordinated by Propark, a Competence Register was created for Moldova’s environmental authorities – a reference tool for professional planning, training needs assessment, and human resource policy development in nature conservation.

 

Professional training and ecological restoration

Courses on ecological reconstruction in forests and landscapes
At the end of June 2024, Propark facilitated a training course on ecological reconstruction and the restoration of forest habitats and degraded landscapes. The session, led by Tiberiu Chiricheș (Propark) and Daniel Bucur (ecological restoration expert), was warmly received by participants – specialists eager to enhance their skills and apply practical solutions in the field.

Steppe landscape restoration – a pilot project with impact
Propark actively contributed to a project focused on the ecological restoration of steppe landscapes, a vital habitat for biodiversity. Efforts targeted the conservation of the European Roller (Coracias garrulus) – an indicator species for steppe ecosystem health. Activities included mapping, reintroducing native species, installing artificial nest boxes, and engaging local communities in the restoration process.

 

Collaboration with local partners – Biotica and EcoContact

All these initiatives were carried out in partnership with two of Moldova’s most active environmental NGOs: the Biotica Ecological Society and EcoContact. These collaborations combined technical expertise with local knowledge, laying the groundwork for sustainable, replicable action.