Tuzara commune in Călărași district is among the localities in Moldova most affected by climate change due to its higher altitude, experiencing snowfalls, freezing rain, droughts, and vegetation fires earlier than neighboring villages. In 2025, Tuzara recorded the highest number of fires in the district, mainly caused by abandoned agricultural land, highlighting the urgent need for rapid interventions to protect households and reduce risks for residents.
To strengthen its resilience, Tuzara City Hall recently received a multifunctional tractor and a full set of equipment, including a trailer, snow plow, water tank with fire pump, and vegetation shredder, provided through the UNDP-implemented project “Resilient communities through women empowerment” with funding from Sweden and Norway. Mayor Ion Rîpă emphasizes that this equipment enables timely interventions during snowfalls, droughts, and other climate-related hazards, and he personally operates the tractor when needed due to the absence of specialized staff.
The new machinery has already demonstrated its value by clearing dry vegetation in fire-prone areas and assisting vulnerable households. The shredder allows the creation of protective strips between uncultivated land and forest, reducing the risk of fire spreading to homes, while the water tank supports both fire control and drought relief, including supplying water to the kindergarten in Novaci that lacks a water system.
Beyond emergency response, the equipment improves winter road clearing, irrigation of green areas during drought, and sanitation works. It will also aid the maintenance of over 60 hectares of newly planted forests, transforming former unauthorized dump sites into productive land. The mayor notes that residents appreciate the tangible improvements to public services, particularly for mothers and the elderly.
Similar climate resilience initiatives are underway in other localities with UNDP, Sweden, and Norway’s support. In Ciorești, Nisporeni district, a 21 kW photovoltaic system and efficient air conditioning units will be installed at the House of Culture, saving over 22 MWh annually and reducing emissions by 9.8 tons of CO2. In Cișmichioi, Găgăuzia region, energy-efficient air conditioning ensures comfort in public spaces, including a 500-seat concert hall, and a 10.5 kW photovoltaic system planned for 2026 will further reduce emissions and increase energy independence.
Together, Tuzara, Ciorești, and Cișmichioi exemplify how multifunctional equipment, green energy investments, and sustainable natural resource management can transform communities. With UNDP and development partners’ support, these localities are improving public services, lowering costs, and enhancing their capacity to adapt to climate change, benefiting thousands of residents across Moldova.
