---
title: "Moldova teaches environmental education in 308 schools "
url: https://moldova1.md/p/88703/moldova-teaches-environmental-education-in-308-schools
published: 2026-10-27T07:30:00Z
language: en
author: "Cristina Prisacari"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Moldova teaches environmental education in 308 schools 

> More than 300 schools in Moldova offered environmental education as an optional subject in the 2025–2026 academic year, while educators and NGOs called for broader, more practical learning.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/c6bee20c-beb7-4650-94fd-cc009973a887.jpg)

More than 300 schools in Moldova offered environmental education as an optional subject in the 2025–2026 academic year, while educators and NGOs called for broader, more practical learning.

**Environmental education reaches 308 schools**

Environmental education was taught as an optional subject in 308 general education institutions during the 2025–2026 academic year, according to Gabriela Capcelea, head of a department at Moldova’s Environment Ministry.

Speaking to Radio Moldova, Capcelea said the country had made progress in promoting green economy principles and incorporating them into educational programmes.

She also highlighted a digital course on the circular economy and sustainable practices in the textile and clothing industry. Developed by the E-Circular Training and Consultancy Centre, the course is available in three languages.

**Calls to make environmental education compulsory**

Andrei Pavaloi, deputy head of the Chisinau Municipal Directorate for Education, Youth and Sport, said environmental topics were currently addressed only occasionally within other school subjects.

*“Introducing a school subject that explains in greater detail the importance of keeping the environment clean and sorting waste would benefit both today's society and future generations,”* Pavaloi said on Radio Moldova.

**Practical learning beyond the classroom**

Environmental education programmes run by non-governmental organisations also seek to help students develop practical skills and a stronger understanding of nature.

Nadejda Cebotari, executive director of the NGO HAI Moldova, said its initiatives include Eco-School, which covers environmental issues broadly, and the LEAF Programme, which focuses on forest education.

*“If we learn about tree species, we go outside to see them,”* Cebotari said, describing the organisation's approach to hands-on learning.

She said the programmes aimed to prepare young people to protect nature by giving them both environmental knowledge and practical tools.

Environmental education is taught in different ways around the world, either as a separate subject or integrated into other disciplines. Common themes include sustainability, recycling and green energy.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/3fffbba6-981e-47b7-94ea-170938b10e2a.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/10/26/26-10-26.m4a/playlist.m3u8)

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