Integration of European biodiversity policies

On 8-10 April 2025, the Republic of Moldova hosted the third meeting of LIFE RENATA project, as well as the second round of training and consultation sessions, marking an important step in the country's efforts to align the Emerald network with EU standards.

Over three days, project partners and experts from Moldova, Greece and Ukraine – including representatives from ministries, non-governmental organizations, research institutions and technical agencies – gathered to present the first official results of this ambitious transition process. The events were organized by LEVER, EcoContact, kartECO, ICAS, EKBY in partnership with the Ministry of Environment.

These meetings marked a reference point for environmental governance in the Republic of Moldova and for its EU integration aspirations. The focus was on the progress made in evaluating the current national level of compliance with the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as the next steps in this process.

Main Results Presented


	
Initial analysis of legal and institutional gaps, highlighting areas needing adjustments to meet EU standards;
	
Progress in updating the boundaries of Emerald sites and reviewing the Standard Data Forms (SDFs);
	
Preliminary version of the transition roadmap outlining the path towards future Natura 2000 site designation – subject to stakeholder consultation;
	
Introduction to the EU Natura 2000 Directives – criteria and specifications – conservation objectives for each site;
	
Preliminary version of the scientific reference center, a tool dedicated to experience and information exchange.


The events included a synergy session with the similar project ConNaturLIFE, implemented in Ukraine, and the project Czech Support for Better Management of Protected Areas in Moldova, carried out with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Experts exchanged ideas on managing transboundary species, ecological corridors, and common conservation goals, thereby strengthening regional collaboration in biodiversity.

The three-day agenda included technical consultations and practical training sessions. Experts presented innovative methods for mapping protected areas, legislative harmonization, and integrating smart digital tools. A highlight was the presentation of the information resource center – a prototype digital platform aimed at supporting the implementation of the Natura 2000 Network by centralizing data, specialized resources, and monitoring tools. Participants also explored ways to integrate Natura 2000 objectives into territorial planning, agricultural, and climate policies, ensuring the inclusion of biodiversity conservation in Moldova's national development strategies.

In this context, project manager of LIFE IP4NATURA was invited to participate as a speaker, providing expert insights on one of Greece's most important initiatives in biodiversity and environmental protection. The LIFE IP4NATURA project, conducted over eight years, with a total budget of 17 million euros, focuses on developing and applying conservation measures and adaptive management strategies in priority pilot sites of the Natura 2000 network.

Through this presentation, participants gained clearer insights into the practical processes and long-term framework that typically follow the official designation of Natura 2000 sites. Greece's experience served as a concrete example for Moldova, offering a benchmark for defining its own path in nature conservation.

Although the Natura 2000 Roadmap is still under development, presenting the first version represents significant progress. 

Activities to be completed by Mid-2025


	
Finalization of the Roadmap;
	
Development of a concrete plan regarding alignment with EU Natura 2000 Directives;
	
Expansion of stakeholder involvement and development of robust biodiversity monitoring systems.


What is the LIFE RENATA Project

The event was hosted in Chisinau by the Institute of Forest Research and Management (ICAS), in partnership with EcoContact. The project's results will be available on the LIFE RENATA project website, accessible through the EU LIFE Program portal: https://liferenata.eu/ro/principalele-rezultate-si-impact/

Supported by the LIFE Program, Life Renata aims to align the management of the Emerald network in Moldova with EU Natura 2000 standards. Coordinated by Lever S.A., the project aims to deliver significant environmental results by January 2026.

Life Renata is a project co-financed by the European Union, aiming to support Moldova in advancing the management of the Emerald Network and aligning with EU standards for species and habitat conservation, by providing legal, technical and operational support.

The project partnership is comprised of six (6) organizations: Lever S.A. Development Consultants (Greece) as project coordinator, ICAS (Moldova), The Greek Biotope - Wetland Centre (EKBY), kartECO Environmental and Energy Engineering Consultancy (Greece), EcoContact (Moldova) and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova.