The lack of precipitation in the Carpathian Mountains leads to a significant decrease in the flow of the Prut River, and pollution increasingly affects the water quality. The statement belongs to the deputy director of the “Apele Moldovei” Agency, Radu Cazacu, and was made during the public debate “The Prut River today: Environmental situation and influencing factors”, organized by the IPN Press Agency. According to him, climate change and pollution are some of the biggest challenges for the river’s ecosystem.

Radu Cazacu stated that the decrease in the amount of precipitation in the Carpathian Mountains area directly influences the flow of the Prut River, as this region represents one of the main sources of the river’s water supply. At the same time, the official drew attention to the increased pollution with plastic waste in the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, a phenomenon that also affects the living organisms in the water.

“The decrease in the amount of water in the Prut River is influenced by the significant reduction in precipitation volume in the Carpathian Mountains. Moreover, in Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, there is massive pollution of the river. The plastic that ends up in the water, during the degradation process, turns into microplastic. Microplastic negatively affects the water quality because this microplastic also ends up in microorganisms,” explained the Deputy Director of the “Apele Moldovei” Agency.

Radu Cazacu mentioned that, although the Prut River is affected by pollution, the situation is less severe compared to that of the Nistru River. In this context, he highlighted the importance of afforestation for the protection of water resources and the maintenance of biodiversity.

“However, the Prut River is not as severely affected by pollution as the Nistru River, and from this perspective, we are privileged. Reforestation plays a very important role in maintaining the river’s biodiversity. Reforestation is a very important process that protects water resources from drying up and pollution,” stated Radu Cazacu.

The public debate on the topic: “The Prut River today: Environmental situation and influencing factors”, is organized by the IPN Press Agency within the project “Green justice for a protected environment and sustainable communities in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by AO EcoContact, with the support of Sweden.