Seven out of ten Moldovans are concerned about the state of the environment and consider that the lack of adequate infrastructure is one of the main obstacles in adopting an ecological behavior. The conclusions are found in the Public Opinion Barometer in the field of green transition, launched by UNDP Moldova, during an event dedicated to the World Recycling Day, reports IPN.
The study shows that the level of ecological awareness is increasing. Over half of the citizens claim they are informed about environmental issues, although most admit that this information is, usually, superficial. At the same time, changing daily behaviors remains difficult: nearly half of the citizens use their personal car daily, and only some choose more environmentally friendly alternatives. Specialists attribute this to the lack of adequate infrastructure, including efficient waste sorting systems.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Grigore Stratulat, emphasized that the green transition cannot be imposed, but must be understood, accepted, and supported by the population. “We are moving to a system where waste is not just the responsibility of local public authorities. In this system, key players also become producers and importers, who take responsibility for the products they place on the market,” added the state secretary.
The Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section within the Delegation of the European Union in Moldova, Adam Grodzicki, emphasized that the transition to a circular economy implies building a modern, efficient, and competitive economy. According to him, the green transition is a joint effort: governments establish regulatory frameworks, businesses invest and innovate, and citizens play an important role through daily choices.
In the same context, Seher Ariner, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Moldova, announced that two pilot centers for voluntary waste collection have been established, projects that will be later expanded. She specified that these centers will strengthen the infrastructure available to citizens and will provide practical solutions for the management of waste that is difficult to collect through regular services.
The barometer was launched as part of the project “Facilitating an inclusive green transition in the Republic of Moldova”, supported by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Moldova.
