Green Economy – a development priority of the Republic of Moldova
- What is the green economy?
The green economy, as defined by the recent United Nations Environment Program Report, results in improved social welfare and equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological deficit. The transition to a green economy means policies and investments that will decouple economic growth from increasing current intensive consumption of raw materials and energy. A green economy can be thought of as a low-emission economy, through the efficient and sustainable use of resources and ensuring social inclusion. In a green economy, revenue growth and employment should be driven by public and private investment that reduces carbon emissions and pollution, increases energy efficiency and resource efficiency, and prevents the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- What are the main sectors on which the green economy is based?
Karl Burkart defines a green economy as being based on six main sectors:
1. Renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.);
2. “Green” constructions (eg LEED constructions – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design);
3.Alternative fuels (electric, hybrid or alternative fuels);
4. Water management (water purification, rainwater collection systems, etc.);
5. Waste management (recycling, storage, etc.);
6. Territorial management (including organic agriculture, habitat conservation, afforestation at urban level-parks, reforestation and land stabilization).
There is also the 7th category called “green markets” and includes markets such as “green banking and financial investment services” “carbon trading” etc..
- What does Moldova have to do with the green economy?
Sustainable development and the promotion of the green economy are development priorities for the Republic of Moldova. These are reflected in the main policy documents of the Government, especially in the National Development Strategy Moldova-2020, Energy Strategy-2030, Development Strategy of the SME sector for 2012-2020, Roadmap for improving competitiveness, Development Strategy of Agriculture 2013-2020 and the draft Environmental Strategy 2014-2023. They are also part of the Republic of Moldova’s commitments to the country’s development partners abroad. The Association Agreement with the European Union expressly aims to ensure sustainable development and promote the green economy in our country. By signing the Agreement, the Republic of Moldova undertakes to harmonize national legislation with European legislation and to ensure the integration of environmental protection provisions, rational use of resources and energy efficiency, in all sectors of the national economy and social life.
The Republic of Moldova has joined international programs and platforms in the field of green economy, such as Greening economies in the Eastern Neighborhood Countries, EaP Green Program, Platform for Green Industry and others.
- Why is it important for Moldova to promote the principles of the green economy?
The transition to a green economy will create major economic opportunities. “Greening the economy” is a new growth factor for the Republic of Moldova, a generator of decent jobs and a key strategy for eradicating poverty. This process can turn many challenges into economic opportunities and can prevent negative effects on the environment, as shown by the results of the Study defining the scope of the green economy in the Republic of Moldova. The green economy approach also has the potential to significantly stimulate economic growth and the number of jobs that require a specific set of skills.
