The National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for the period 2024 was approved by the Government of the Republic of Moldova on 4 December 2024. The strategy was developed with the support of the UNDP Moldova project “Advancing Moldova’s national climate change adaptation planning”, funded by the Green Climate Fund.

According to the Minister of Environment, Sergiu Lazarencu, by adopting the Strategy, the Republic of Moldova aims to improve its capacity to respond to natural disasters and climate challenges, strengthen civil protection infrastructure, and develop an effective institutional framework for risk management. "The Republic of Moldova reaffirms its commitment to the provisions of the Sendai Framework and European legislation on disaster risk reduction. The Strategy will serve as a reference document in the development of sectoral national programmes that will support the implementation of the proposed strategic objectives." 

Sergiu Lazarencu noted that the implementation of the strategy will significantly contribute to reducing human and economic losses caused by disasters, increasing community resilience, and protecting the environment. Furthermore, it will ensure better integration of the Republic of Moldova into international disaster risk management initiatives.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for the period 2024-2030 includes:

• National risk assessment: Developing detailed assessments based on international methodologies to better identify and understand natural and man-made risks.
• Strengthening critical infrastructure: Modernizing and protecting essential infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to disasters and ensure the continuity of public services.
• Implementing early warning systems: Creating effective systems to inform the population about imminent risks and reduce the impact of disasters.
• Development of institutional capacities: Improving coordination among responsible institutions and creating an effective legislative framework for risk management.
• Promoting international cooperation: Aligning with European and international standards, participating in global initiatives such as the Sendai Framework and the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

The Republic of Moldova is vulnerable to natural disasters, being particularly exposed to floods and droughts. The data contained in the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy for the period 2024-2030 indicate that the drought of 2007 caused losses of $US1billion, the floods of 2008 destroyed nearly 300 houses and caused damages of $120 million, the heavy rains in the summer of 2010 flooded over 3,000 houses in 85 localities across the country, affecting more than 12,000 people, while the drought of 2020 led to a 30% drop in agricultural production.