The area of woods in the Republic of Moldova will rise from 11% of the territory now to 15% in 2023. This is provided in the environmental strategy for 2014-2023 and the plan of action for implementing it. Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment Liviu Volconovici, in a roundtable meeting held to mark the International Day of Forests said the wooded areas will be extended by 130,000 ha, IPN reports.

Liviu Volconovici said the small wooded areas should be a reason for concern. Moldova has few forests owing to illegal tree felling and illegal constructions. “There are enough instruments to ensure the more precautious management of woods. I call on the country’s population to cultivate this spirit of wood safeguarding and protection or we risk remaining only with woods of acacia and hornbeam and other nonproductive sorts,” he stated.

“Moldsilva” Agency director Ion Haralampov said the International Day of Forests marked on March 21 is an occasion for raising the people’s awareness of the importance of woods. “The goal is to make everyone undertake commitments so as to ensure the sustainable management of woods in all the countries of the world, including in the Republic of Moldova,” he noted.

The theme proposed for discussions this year emphasizes the important role played by forests in the sustainable development of towns, starting from the attenuation of thermal excesses, climate chance, storage of energy and reduction of phonic pollution up to food security and diminution of incidence of diseases.