On March 15, 2025, the national afforestation campaign known as "Marea Plantare Națională" kicked off with great enthusiasm at Geamăna, Anenii Noi, where over 140,000 seedlings were planted across approximately 30 hectares. This initiative, supported by more than 2,000 volunteers, deputies, and ministers, focuses on transforming the area with seedlings of acacia, honeylocust, willow, and maple, all set to become new forests.
Equipped with tools and the spirit of community service, the volunteers diligently planted seedlings under the warm spring sun, embodying collective responsibility for the environment. A participant shared, "Plantăm puieți de salcâm. Înainte de asta, pădurarii au făcut o muncă enormă, adunând tone de semințe de salcâm, le-au pus în pepinieră, ca să să primim puieții,” evoking the extensive efforts prior to this planting day.
The goal of this year’s campaign is ambitious—over 8 million trees are to be planted across the country. Environment Minister Sergiu Lazarencu highlighted this during the launch event, stating: "Astăzi Moldova plantează! În toate raioanele țării este cel puțin o locație în care se va planta pădure," which emphasizes the nationwide reach of this campaign.
Geamăna’s local leaders also expressed their commitment to this environmental effort. Mayor Eduard Sturza remarked, "Erau niște toloace, care erau folosite ca pășune. De când s-a micșorat numărul de animale, am decis să le repartizăm pentru împădurire," explaining the transition to forestry use of former pasture lands as they aim to restore the ecological balance of the region.
The campaign spans more than 120 locations throughout Moldova, intended not just to beautify the land but also to combat previous struggles with illegal logging, which has decimated forests over the years. The collective effort seen today is part of restoring Moldova’s green cover after years of deforestation. Volunteers from diverse sectors joined hands, embodying the spirit of collaboration as they worked together toward the common goal of environmental restoration.
According to the Ministry of Environment, the overarching aim is to rehabilitate and afforest 3,500 hectares during this season alone. This ambitious undertaking aligns with national objectives set forth by President Maia Sandu under the National Program for the Extension and Rehabilitation of Forests – Generația Pădurii, which aims to establish 145,000 hectares of forests by the year 2032.
Through proactive measures such as these, Moldova hopes to not only combat climate challenges but also restore its rich biodiversity and support ecological stability. The partnership between governmental bodies and volunteers reflects a growing awareness among citizens of the importance of environmental stewardship.
The afforestation campaign is not just about planting trees; it symbolizes hope and responsibility for future generations. Volunteers, who had various experiences, echoed the sentiment of contributing to something larger than themselves. One participant expressed, "Mulți ani am avut tăiere ilegală de pădure, iar acum e timpul să reparăm toată flora Moldovei, ca să avem un mediu curat," highlighting the urgency of their actions to reverse the environmental damage done previously.
Overall, as the saplings find their new homes, they carry promises of revitalization, fresh air, and habitats for wildlife. The actions taken today are steps toward healing the land and ensuring sustainability for years to come, signifying a turning point in Moldova’s environmental efforts. The response from the community and officials alike indicates strong support for the initiative, showcasing unity and vigilance toward creating greener landscapes.
The broader impact of this campaign promises to strengthen community bonds and serves as a catalyst for future environmental projects, setting the stage for continued involvement of citizens advocating for ecological well-being. Moldova is on its way to reviving its landscapes and restoring the forests needed for its environmental health, community resilience, and climate initiatives.