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

Summary

The concept of an "Ecological Network of the Republic of Moldova" (an Eco-Network) has been elaborated by the BIOTICA Ecological Society in a project supported by the National Ecological Fund of the Republic of Moldova. The realisation of the concept will lead to Moldova's integration within the Pan-European Ecological Network and regional harmonization, taking into account the diversity of Moldova's natural and social conditions.

The Concept provides framework definitions and notions for a Moldavian system, setting criteria for classifying and prioritising Eco-Network components, designating agricultural land as components of Eco-Network and Operational checklist of threatened and extinct species to be used along with the Red Data List of Moldova.

Components of the Eco-Network are mapped at a scale of 1:500,000, illustrating the geographic distribution of core areas, geo-systemic buffer zones, international, national and local biological corridors. In addition, the framework contains a plan of the main actions necessary to secure the establishment and effectiveness of the scheme. It includes an analysis of the legal framework supporting the inclusion of various eco-network components. Proposals are also made for establishing a legal status for a national ecological network.

Pre-conditions for constructing the Eco-Network have been analysed.

Operational checklists provide the foundation for developing a new version of the Red Data List of threatened animals and plants of Moldova, which can be used as a basis for regional Red Data, lists, enabling assessment procedures to be conducted in Moldova comparable to those in other biogeographical zones.

A system of staggered numerical thresholds presents a new phase in the development of guidelines for area identification and weighting according to their role in maintaining biological diversity and geo-systemic balance.
Geographic referencing of the Eco-Network presents an informational and analytical tool for directing priority activities, including those related to the management of Areas of High Natural Value, as well as for designating restoration and survey areas.

Further elaboration of the action plan and inter-ministerial co-ordination will allow an efficient approach to establishing an Eco-Network in Moldova to be developed, thus ensuring biodiversity maintenance, restoration of natural resources and prevention of desertification.

Establishing the Eco-Network will permit optimal conservation and restoration of biological and landscape diversity and create the prerequisites for sustainable agriculture in Moldova, reduction of soil erosion, improvement of the hydrological regime and water quality.

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