Table of content:

Acknowledgements & Authors

Summary

List of abbreviations

Introduction

1. Ecological Network of Moldova

1.1. Components of Eco-Network

1.2. Geographical Aspects of NENM

1.3. Levels of Components of the Eco-Network

1.4. Eco-Network as Informational System

2. System of Criteria for Estimate of Value of Components of Ecological Network

2.1. Criteria for Attribution of Particular Status to Core Areas with Natural and Semi-Natural Ecosystem Cover

2.2. Criteria for Ranking Areas of the Eco-Network which are Not Core Areas

2.3. Principles for Designating Areas Intended for Ecological Restoration and for Establishing Biological Corridors in Conditions of Excessive Economic Land Use

2.4. Use of Lands for Establishing Biological Corridors and Restoration, which Not Meet Criteria of Areas Intended for Ecological Restoration

3. Operational Checklists

3.1. Operational Checklist of Vascular Plants

3.2. Operational Checklist List of Endemic Vegetation Associations

3.3. Operational List of Insects

3.4. Operational List of Terrestrial Vertebrates

4. Objects of Eco-Network

5. Main Actions Concerning National Eco-Network of Moldova

6. Estimation of Potential and Some Recommendations for Establishing National Ecological Network of Moldova

6.1. Main Conditions for Establishing NENM

6.1.1. Elaborating the Concept of Eco-Network in Moldova

6.1.2. Ecological and Socio-Economical Conditions of Forming Eco-Network

6.1.3. Analysis of Legal Framework for Establishing National Eco-Network

6.2. Comment on Results of Area Estimations, Based on Main Components of Ecological Network of Moldova (by Biological Indicators)

6.2.1. Estimation of Core Areas

6.2.2. Designated Components of Eco-Network in the Structure of the Country’s Area

6.3. Recommendations

6.3.1. Concerning the Development of a System of Management for Natural Protected Areas

6.3.2. Priorities of scientific estimation of core areas

6.3.3. Law on Modification and Completion of some Legislative Acts (Draft)

Conclusion

References

Map of the Ecological Network

2. System of Criteria for Estimate of Value
of Components of Ecological Network

PREAMBLE

Criteria are intended to enable an objective estimate to be made of the Eco-Network components from the position of their functional importance at the present time and in the future.

Bearing in mind the state of current methodological guidelines and the experience of solving similar problems in the practice of estimating, planning and monitoring in nature conservation,

a) taking into account their unequal value in relation to different components of biological and landscape diversity,

b) as a result of available data shortages, concerning these components in Moldova, and tools for their collection, as well as rapid changes of conditions over the last years,

the system of criteria has been worked out as a dynamically developing system.

General principles for estimating biological diversity
in the areas and respective values

The system of criteria is based on the general principles of estimation, indicated in methodological chapters and annexes of international legislation, as well as in other documents and materials.

The principles of estimation reflect the input of core areas of the Eco-Network to:

1. overall conservation of fauna, flora and the other components of biological diversity within the country (biogeographical regions etc.), which find conditions suitable for survival throughout critical natural cycles, for stable populations and ecosystems, reproduction and spreading;
2. conservation of species and other taxonomic units, threatened with extinction in the country and beyond its borders;
3. maintaining landscape diversity, as well as geological and physiographic formations and monuments of nature and history inherent to them.

Principles for estimating elements of biological and landscape diversity occurring in the areas of the Eco-Network take into consideration:

1. uniqueness in terms of endemism;
2. value for the stability of ecological systems, natural or artificial (agricultural, aquatic);
3. value of the elements of biological and landscape diversity, occurring in the areas of the Eco-Network, as viewed from economic, social, and aesthetic standpoints;
4. their importance in terms of ecological security, both in general and in such functions, as counteraction to the loss of elements of biological diversity and effectiveness of ecosystems, soil erosion, climate change, disturbance of humidity balance and desertification.

Assessment principles take into account representativeness of the elements of the Eco-Network, its measurable characteristics, distinguishing this from notions of value, stability and value for the maintenance of biological and landscape diversity.

Criteria enabled assessments to be made of:

1. reduction gradients of different components of natural diversity at the level of biomes and landscapes, under the effect of human impact;
2. unequal values of natural areas protected by the state;
3. uniqueness of the components of the country’s nature;
4. vulnerability of biological and landscape diversity;
5. taxonomic and ecosystem diversity of the areas;
6. natural heritage, extant in the areas;
7. the principle of relativity in selection.

In Moldova, the least damaged macro-ecosystems are forest; in contrast, steppe and transitional ecosystems have undergone a process of species extinction and habitat loss to the greatest extent.

Under these circumstances, any steppe and wetland habitats, which:

1. maintain their natural aspect, or are situated outside direct human impact (disturbance);
2. have a surface area, which can ensure species viability in established conditions and environment; and
3. can serve a genetic reserve in situ for the natural propagation or artificial restoration of other habitats,

- should be viewed as habitats of national importance.

The same is valid for the areas, covered by the representative endemic communities.

The criteria stated below present the quantification of key principles, listed in this section, or their generalized interpretation.

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