The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$7.9 million grant for the Restoring Ecosystems for Marine Pollution Prevention Project (RE-MAP), a transformative initiative financed through the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The RE-MAP project aims to expand the area under sustainable landscape management within the Dniester River Basin, one of Moldova’s most critical watersheds both environmentally and socio-economically. By implementing nature-based solutions, the project will restore degraded landscapes, reduce land-based pollution, and strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience.
“This project marks a significant step toward Moldova’s sustainable development goals and its commitment to regional environmental cooperation,” said Ulrich Schmitt, World Bank Group 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.”
The Dniester River Basin plays a vital role in supporting Moldova’s ecological stability and local livelihoods. As part of the broader Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Program, the RE-MAP project will contribute to regional efforts to combat marine pollution and land degradation.
Key components of the project include:
- Forest and wetland restoration, afforestation, and integrated crop-livestock-forest systems.
- Policy harmonization to strengthen pollution prevention and sustainable land use.
- Capacity building for institutions and communities to implement and monitor restoration initiatives.
- Socio-economic benefits for approximately 99,200 people—40 percent of whom are women—through improved natural resource management and job opportunities.
The project represents an important milestone in Moldova’s efforts to restore natural landscapes, protect water resources, and build environmental resilience.
Since joining the World Bank in 1992, Moldova has received more than US$2.3 billion across over 70 operations. The World Bank continues to support the country in key areas such as energy, regulatory reform, education, infrastructure, health, and agriculture. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)—members of the World Bank Group—also remain active in Moldova, supporting financial sector development, private and public advisory services, and risk insurance initiatives.
