Deliverables:

    D2.1 – Institutional and legislative baseline findings and recommendations in order to establish and improve the management of Emerald sites in Moldova

    D2.2 – Roadmap (revised to the existing one) to transform the establishment and management of the Emerald Network to Natura 2000 in Moldova

    D2.3 – Training report on legal aspects and fundamental principles of the EU Directives

    WP2 focuses on addressing the objectives crucial for the establishment and management enhancement of the Emerald network in Moldova. The key objectives include:

    1. analysing the existing institutional and legislative framework concerning the establishment of the Emerald network in Moldova by identifying barriers, risks, and including baseline findings pertinent to site management and monitoring.
    2. developing recommendations on an institutional and legislative level to align with the EU Nature Directives in Moldova. These recommendations will pave the way for efficient management practices and adherence to regulatory requirements.
    3. proposing best practices that can be implemented to establish and improve the management of Emerald sites in Moldova. These practices will contribute to the effective conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
    4. creating a Roadmap to outline the steps needed to transition from the Emerald Network to Natura 2000 designation in Moldova anticipated in mid-2024.
    5. enhancing the capacity and competence of national authorities and relevant stakeholders. This involves providing training and educational events to ensure a thorough understanding of legal aspects and fundamental principles of the EU Directives.

    Site designation, ecological criteria fulfillment, management, monitoring, and the integration of new policy trends such as ecological coherence and restoration are crucial to map the current landscape. Stakeholder mapping and international agreements and legislation analysis will contribute to recommendations and improvements aligned with Moldova’s international and national obligations. Recommendations will address governance frameworks, designation processes, and transformation to Natura 2000, informed by a SWOT analysis and international examples. After this input has been consolidated, WP2 can further establish a Roadmap to adjust the Emerald Network to Natura 2000 designation. A key aspect is to engage and train the relevant stakeholder groups, through targeted gender-balanced training events.