On 19 June 2025, the EU4ClimateResilience project and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova hosted the National Conference “Climate Resilience for Local Development”. The event gathered more than 80 representatives from national and local public institutions, climate specialists, development partners, and civil society organisations.
The EU4ClimateResilience project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

During the conference, the city of Cantemir and the municipality of Ceadir-Lunga were officially awarded grant certificates worth approximately 20.7 million MDL. Over the next two years, both local authorities will launch pilot actions designed to advance nature-based solutions and strengthen local resilience to climate impacts.

Climate Adaptation in Cantemir

Cantemir will develop an integrated rainwater harvesting and automated irrigation system for its central park—an area of 7 hectares. This system will reduce the use of potable water for irrigation by an estimated 30% and help alleviate urban heat.
The project also foresees the planting of 500 native, climate-resilient tree species and will include an educational component reaching more than 800 students and teachers.

Greening and Flood Prevention in Ceadir-Lunga

Ceadir-Lunga will focus on improving rainwater management to reduce flooding risks and enhance conditions for producing planting material in the municipal nursery. By the end of 2026, the municipality plans to plant around 5,000 seedlings across the city and restore 2,250 meters of forest shelterbelts. Citizens will be closely involved through community planting campaigns, workshops, and local activities.

Strengthening Partnerships for Local Climate Action

The National Conference provided an important platform for discussing Moldova’s climate resilience priorities, highlighting the essential role of local authorities in driving adaptation efforts and promoting nature-based solutions.

Sergiu Lazarencu, Minister of Environment, underlined the importance of local leadership:
“Climate change adaptation starts at the local level, and the cities of Cantemir and Ceadir-Lunga demonstrate that vision, community engagement, and international partnerships can turn climate challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. The Ministry of Environment will continue to support initiatives that bring real solutions and resilience to the everyday lives of citizens.”

Representing the European Union, Julda Kielyte, Team Leader at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, highlighted the project’s added value:
“Through EU4ClimateResilience, we aim to build stronger institutions, align regulatory frameworks with EU climate policy, and enable tangible climate adaptation projects on the ground that will protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems, and support Moldova on its EU path.”

Eva Kracht, Director-General for International and European Policy at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), emphasised the urgency of stepping up adaptation efforts:
“Climate change has become a reality, with its impact felt at every level. The costs of adaptation rise each year we postpone meaningful action. Every year of inaction doubles the challenge, making future responses more expensive and more disruptive.”

The conference concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from national stakeholders and international partners to scale up local climate adaptation across Moldova—where proactive measures can deliver the greatest long-term impact.