More than 140 thousand saplings are to be planted on March 1 on an area of about 30 hectares in Geamăna, Anenii Noi, as part of a spring afforestation campaign launched by the authorities on Monday. Environment Minister Sergiu Lazarencu said that it is not just an afforestation action, but a joint commitment for a greener future, IPN reports.

"On March 1, we invite central and local public authorities, the private sector, civil society and all citizens, who want to contribute to the protection of nature, to come here, to Geamăna, to get involved and together we will make a big cheer and plant a forest at home, in our country," the environment minister said.

Sergiu Lazarencu said that more than 120 planting sites will be available in all districts.

This spring, the authorities plan to rehabilitate and afforest 3 500 hectares, planting more than 8 million saplings. To ensure the success of the work, Sergiu Lazarencu says that modern soil tillage techniques will be used, which allow planting to the highest standards and contribute to a high rate of seedling take-up.

This spring's afforestation campaign is part of the National Forest Extension and Rehabilitation Program - Forest Generation. The program, initiated by President Maia Sandu, plans to plant 145 thousand hectares of forests by 2032.

"Currently, the afforestation rate is only 11%, while the EU average exceeds 35%. With this ambitious project, we aim to protect the environment, combat climate change and build a green future for generations to come," the minister announced.

Most of the land earmarked for afforestation is degraded, hilly or unsuitable for agricultural works. The director of the Moldsilva Agency, Victor Durbala, noted that through the afforestation process, these lands are "reintegrated into the public use circuit, becoming valuable resources for local communities and the country". The head of Moldsilva added that this year the first forests created under the national program of extension and rehabilitation will be returned to the municipalities.

Various species are to be planted on the land in Geamana, including acacia, acacia, savory, savory, and palm. Mayor Eduard Sturza said that among the wishes is the afforestation of the area with acacia. "The forest has a very high value, because we, as a local public administration, also have income from these forests," Sturza said.

Citizens are urged to take part in planting actions from March 1-15 through the forestry entities of the Moldsilva Agency. Those interested can join the campaign by visiting the agency's webpage under the heading "Participate in spring 2025 planting".