Energy and Environment Community of Practice Water Governance Experiences, lessons learned, insights Margareta Petrusevschi UNDP Moldova Bratislava, September, 2005

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.)

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

Convergence with EU Water Quality Standards in Moldova Indicative activities: 1. Analyze EU water quality requirements, standards of neighboring countries and results of prior and on-going assistance; 2. Conduct a Stakeholders Analysis; 3. Asses social, economic and environmental impacts of the new SWQS system; 4. Drafting policy and management packages, legal amendments; 5. Organize SWQS system validation workshops for stakeholders; 6. Piloting of SWQS system and extract lessons; 7. Clearance of the new SWQS system and elaboration of the implementation plan; 8. Capacity building – training activities on IWRM and SWQS issues for senior managers and operations staff (inspectorate, LPAs)

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

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,

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

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

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?