Margareta Petrusevschi UNDP Moldova Bratislava, 27-28 September, 2005

1. Energy and Environment Community of Practice Water GovernanceExperiences, lessons learned, insights Margareta Petrusevschi UNDP Moldova Bratislava, 27-28 September, 2005

2. Project: Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Project Document preparation path: • Main country strategic and policy papers (PRSP, EU- Moldova Action Plan,) • Advocating with the Government the strategic entry points for UNDP interventions (UNDAF, Env. Performance Review) • Consultations with main stakeholders (NGOs, academic sector, state water bodies etc.)

3. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Intended CP RRF outcome: Sustainable management of environment and natural resources incorporated into poverty reduction strategy/key national development framework and sector strategies MDG 7, Target 10: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation MYFF SL 3.1.: Frameworks and Strategies for SD Intended project output: Viable framework for operational Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) system, consistent with EU requirements, is established

4. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Indicative activities: • Analyze EU water quality requirements, standards of neighboring countries and results of prior and on-going assistance; • Conduct a Stakeholders Analysis; • Asses social, economic and environmental impacts of the new SWQS system; • Drafting policy and management packages, legal amendments; • Organize SWQS system validation workshops for stakeholders; • Piloting of SWQS system and extract lessons; • Clearance of the new SWQS system and elaboration of the implementation plan; • Capacity building – training activities on IWRM and SWQS issues for senior managers and operations staff (inspectorate, LPAs)

5. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Facts: • WQS, based on an inadequate classification of water bodies; • Technically and economically unrealistic requirements; • From 3600 water bodies more than 3400 are man made; • All water bodies are mainly of general use; • Serious barriers for economic development and poverty reduction; • Government -declared obligations and commitment under the PRSP and Moldova–EU Action Plan

6. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Challenges: • Economic – water pollution charges, National Ecological Fund • Legal – “0 risk” principle, enforcement • Operational – inspectorate authority, capacity, ability to pursue the tasks • Social – water bodies’ use scale,

7. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Primary condition for successful implementation of a new SWQS system (relaxation of standards) : E N F O R C E M E N T An Action Plan elaborated and implemented towards gradual obligatory meeting of standards • Ecological Inspection has the adequate authority, capacity (technical, operational) and professional ethics (no corruption) • Well set up mechanism for severe penalties and WP charges in place

8. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Community of practitioners • Active communication • Sharing of information • Working on prioritization criteria • Elaboration of progress indicators • Extract lessons • Knowledge cultivation and codification (Knowledge Products) • Learn “lobbying” • Become real partners

9. Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Challenges: • How to unleash knowledge ? • How to maintain people’s interest? • What to consider a real knowledge? • When to extract lessons? • When codify?