In almost 20 years, from January 1, 1999, until August 1, 2018, the afforestation rate of Moldova increased by 1.6 percentage points - from 9.6% to 11.2%. In a response provided to IPN, Moldsilva Agency specified that the total forestland surface area is 423,000 ha, of which 376,000 ha are forests.
According to Moldsilva, drought and scorching brought changes to the soil's hydrological regime, reducing groundwater levels and worsening the growth and development conditions of trees and shrubs.
Molsilva Agency manages over 337,000 ha of forestland, which include 303,000 ha of forests. Local public administrations manage 57,000 ha of forestland, out of which 50,000 ha are forests. Private property forestland represent 2,600 ha, including 2,200 ha of forests.
The strategy for sustainable development of the forestland, approved in 2001, forecasted a 15% afforestation rate increase in Moldova by 2020.
On August 1, 2018, the forest structure of the Republic of Moldova is as follows: oak predominates at 44.1%, followed by acacia at 33.1%, ash at 5.7%, hornbeam at 4.3% and poplar at 3%.
