Minister Sergiu Lazarencu leaves the Recean Government to become a deputy
Another member of the new government will not be in the future Cabinet of Ministers. The acting Minister of the Environment, Sergiu Lazarencu, announced on Friday, October 24, that he is giving up the ministerial portfolio in favor of that of deputy after being elected on the electoral list of the Action and Solidarity Party in the parliamentary elections of September 28.
Lazarencu emphasized, in a conference where he presented the results of his activity at the head of the Ministry of Ecology, that he will remain, in his new position, focused on promoting environmental projects and harmonizing national legislation with that of the European Union.
"I will help boost the national afforestation program, the project on solid waste management and the alignment of legislation with the community acquis, so that waste ends up where it needs to be - not on hills, in lakes or forests. The Republic of Moldova must have more forests, and through these actions we can contribute to the country's integration into the European Union", the official declared.
Sergiu Lazarencu mentioned that his activity in Parliament will represent a continuity of the efforts made within the Ministry of Environment.
"Love for the environment is incurable, especially after working in this field", Lazarencu added.
Reporting on the activity of the Ministry of Environment over the past four years, the acting minister noted that the institution has promoted policies, initiated projects and strengthened partnerships focused on protecting nature and creating a cleaner and healthier environment for citizens.
According to Lazarencu, in recent years, environmental issues have become a priority for both the authorities and society.
"Moldovans are increasingly involved in nature protection actions. Economic agents are adopting green standards, and city halls are starting to integrate the principles of the circular economy into their development plans. Today, I can say with confidence that, after four years, the Ministry of Environment is stronger, with major projects that have become irreversible. I am referring, first of all, to the National Program for the Expansion and Rehabilitation of Forests, but also to the "Solid Waste in Moldova" project, through which we will build waste management infrastructure throughout the country," said Lazarencu.
The official also highlighted the importance of the afforestation program, initiated by President Maia Sandu, considered the most ambitious project of this type since the independence of the Republic of Moldova. According to the acting minister, the program managed to mobilize people from all corners of the country - teachers, pupils, students, entrepreneurs and local authorities - around a common goal: planting 145,000 hectares of forest by 2020. 2032.
To date, 17,000 hectares have been afforested, and by the end of the year, the threshold of 20,000 is expected to be reached.
"These figures may seem technical, but they mean oxygen, shade, rain, biodiversity and a healthier life for each of us. This means being better prepared in the face of climate change, as well as extreme phenomena," noted the acting minister.
To continue these projects, the Ministry of Environment attracted during this period the largest funding in the history of the field - over 300 million euros. The money came mainly from the European Investment Bank - 200 million euros, the European Union - a 15 million euro grant, the Global Environment Facility - 7.9 million dollars, the Green Climate Fund - 49 million dollars and the French Development Agency - 40 million euros, including 1.2 million in the form of a grant.
Sergiu Lazarencu also said that the use of these funds will begin next year and that the money will be used mainly for planting the first 80,000 hectares of forest, representing proof of the trust and support offered to the Republic of Moldova by international partners.
