The Pesticide Prevention, Reduction, and Remediation Roadmap for Cimislia, Moldova (PPRRRCM) project, led by The Municipality of Cimislia, aims to establish a platform for preventing, reducing, and remediating pesticide pollution in the region. The project brings together key stakeholders, including local authorities, municipal companies, environmental NGOs, and farmers.

Project goals include:

  • Identifying and mapping pollution hotspots.
  • Gaining technical and organizational knowledge in pesticide prevention, reduction, and remediation.
  • Developing a roadmap for sustainable pesticide management.
  • Disseminating and replicating the roadmap across the Republic of Moldova.

The project has successfully delivered a scientific baseline on pesticide pollution and has begun drafting the roadmap. Sampling was conducted at eight strategically selected sites, including agricultural runoff zones, public water supplies, industrial discharge areas, and a legacy pesticide warehouse. Analysis of the eight soil and eight water samples confirmed the presence of Glyphosate and Atrazine, though levels were below EU thresholds. Additionally, elevated levels of sodium and sulphates were identified at several sites, indicating broader water quality issues with ecological and agricultural implications. Testing for the legacy pesticide DNOC is as well expected to be finalized.

The first draft of the roadmap was prepared based on these scientific findings, integrating them with legal, social, and economic considerations. The draft also incorporates input from stakeholder consultations held in July 2025 with local authorities, environmental NGOs, and farmer associations. These consultations highlighted key issues such as enforcement gaps, economic challenges for farmers, and the urgent need for community-level awareness.

These results lay a strong foundation for evidence-based interventions and for replicating sustainable pesticide management practices throughout Moldova. A Dissemination Conference for the PPRRRCM project is scheduled for September 30, 2025, in Cimislia. The event will feature a presentation on the PPRRRCM project and its roadmap. A dedicated session will also showcase the iMERMAID project and its solutions, and the day will conclude with a workshop for local authorities on the EU legal framework and fundraising for pesticide management.