GEF SGP celebrated the Environmental Day in Chisinau

On June 5, 2016, in the Valea Morilor Park in Chisinau, GEF SGP celebrated the World Environment Day.

The event, organized with the support of GEF Small Grants Programme, together with its grant beneficiaries (PA Ecological Movement of Moldova, PA OIKUMENA and PA CCE Cahul), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Climate East , Biodiversity Conservation, Energy and Biomass, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change Office, Moldsilva Agency, brought a lot of good music, entertainment, thematic workshops and gifts to those present.

"For the Republic of Moldova, the biodiversity issue is relevant because any extinct species, even at local level, jeopardizes the functionality of natural systems, and these are the basis of life and all human activities. The goods and services that natural ecosystems offer, such as food, soil, clean water and air, wood and others, are vital for maintaining the life on earth, but also for future social and economic development. UNDP, through its projects, supports the Government of the Republic of Moldova in achieving the Sustainable Development Objectives, for which environmental protection has a key role” mentioned Ms. Silvia Pana-Carp, Program Analyst at UNDP Moldova.

Deputy Environment Minister Mr. Victor Morgoci said: "The Ministry of the Environment has been, is and will be concerned to implant in the mind and soul of every citizen of society the concept that man as a biological species is dependent on nature and can not live outside it. I urge everyone to become aware of the need to protect the environment, because a clean environment is indispensable to human life."

The interpreter Cristofor Aldea-Teodorovici impressed visitors with a DJ mix set with live vocals.

The Moldovan Ecological Movement together with a professional group of tourists instructed the guests how to "live in the right way" – how to organize a tourist stop, and, of course, the code of ethics of a tourist. Beyond the informative side, visitors walked over the rope, fixed tents – an exciting sport of concentration and balance.

Specialists from the Moldsilva Agency have exposed their working tools and have told curiosities about trees and animals.

Another active attraction of the day were the recycling workshops, where each participant left with a bag made of banners and decorative objects that children weaved from recycled fabrics. Here, the folk craftsmen taught the guests the braided woven fabrics and vegetable fibers.

Another eco exhibition was organized in the "Renewable Energy" area, presenting biomass boilers assembled in Moldova, as well as biofuel produced locally.

Each participant was able to find out the personal carbon footprint and how many trees owes to the universe.

The "Leave a Message Earth to Earth" area has provided support for the expression of everyone, where the guests were able to leave their own message of sustaining the environment. There were also photo sessions here.

A photo exhibition regarding the activities of the implemented projects were exhibited on the cliff of the Valea Morilor Park.

At the event, popular craftsmen from across the country exhibited their products. Precious products obtained from nature such as honey and medicinal plants have been presented.

The celebration of the World Environment Day was established in 1972 at the United Nations General Assembly in order to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

This year, the slogan chosen by the United Nations Environment Program is "Go Wild for Life " and the theme "Zero tolerance of illegal wildlife trade" drawn attention to the disastrous effects of poaching and illegal wildlife trade that dramatically affects biodiversity, diminishes the natural heritage and causes the disappearance of some animal species.

The natural environment can not be defended in a single day, June 5th, but all year, every moment of every day, by all the inhabitants of the planet Earth. Celebrate World Environment Day every year, everybody, everywhere! Protect Nature!

Photo Gallery:

Image 1: The volunteers are presenting the statistical informative data on the pavement.

Image 2: Leave a message to the Earth!

Image 3: "Tourism and Birds" area within the event

Image 4: The GEF SGP Stand and its beneficiary PA Ecological Movement in Moldova within the "Tourism and Birds" area

Image 5: The visitors learn how to fix a tent