1. Lower Prut region - current situation and development perspectives

2. Description of the Lower Prut Region
Area: ha; Location: Lower Prut Lakes were included in Ramsar Site 1029; (WI Site 3MD001) on

3. The Manta is one of the biggest lake complexes in Moldova
The Manta is one of the biggest lake complexes in Moldova. Surface of 24 km².
Roman Emperor Trajan’s wall. Archeological monument from II century A.D. which was build up by the Romans on a length of 126km from the Prut (Vadul lui Isac village, Republic of Moldova) till the Sasac Lake (near Tatarbunar, Ukraine). Its height don’t exceed 1,5-3 m.
The Valeni geological outcrop (3 hectares). It is a section, characteristic of the Upper Pliocene alluvial deposits with fluvial molluscs shells of Levantine type and Tamanian and Moldovian (“Rousillon”) land-mammal assemblages(5.3 million years ago) .
In 1991, "Lower Prut" ("Prutul de Jos") State Reservation was established with a total area of 17,8 km2. This Reservation includes Beleu Lake (800 ha) and adjoining meadows.

4. Lower Danube Green Corridor Lower Danube Green Corridor Agreement was signed in 2000 by the governments of Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and R.Moldova. Declaration pledged to boost protection for 775,000 ha of existing protected areas along the river’s final 1000 km.

5. “LOWER DANUBE” EUROREGION
Founded on
Republic of Moldova:
Cahul and Cantemir District.
Romania: Braila, Galati si Tulcea Counties
Ukraine: Odessa region.

6. Socio-Economic Aspects of the Region
Population:
Cahul town– population
10 rural localities:
1. Crihana Veche – population
2. Pascani – population
3. Manta – population
4. Vadul-lui-Isac – population
5. Colibasi – population
6. Brinza – population
7. Valeni – population
8. Slobozia Mare – population
9. Chislita-Prut – population
10. Giurjiulesti population
Total rural population –
Employment
Agriculture – 98%
Services – 1,9%
Industry – 0,07%
Fishing– 0,01%
others– 0,02%

7. Specific features of the natural environment
The site contains the largest natural lakes in Moldova: Beleu and Manta. These lakes are unique ecosystems, described as the last natural floodplains in the lower Danube region. The site supports the globally vulnerable and endangered mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish species.
Total: 40 mammals, 192 birds, 7 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 27 fish species.

8. THE FUTURE BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA (PROJECT)
The future biosphere reserve in Moldova will include:
Ramsar Zone Nr.1029 ( )
"Lower Prut Lakes"
Surface: 191,52 km² ( ha)
This area, together with its surrounding villages are intended to be a part of the future biosphere reserve. Within the project: “Consolidation of the nature protected area’s network for biodiversity protection and sustainable development in the Danube Delta and Lower Prut River Region – PAN Nature”, financed by European Union, through Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova, is foreseen for preparation of the necessary materials in order to constitute the first biosphere reserve in Moldova. Lower Prut region contains the largest natural lakes in the country - Manta and Beleu lakes.

9. Future Projects: Setting up of the Cross-border multifunctional protected area
Romania
1. Natural Park Lunca Joasa a Prutului Inferior (Ro) 82,5 km2
4. Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Ro) Km2
Republica Moldova
2. Lacurile Prutului Inferior- 191,5 km2 (Ramsar Sites)
3. Rezervaţia Ştiinţifică “Prutul de Jos” – 17,8 km2
Ucraina
5. Danube Biosphere Reserve (Ua)
464 km2
Total area
6 538 km2

10. Thank you! Artur NEBUNU Director Ecological Counseling Center Cahul,
21, A.Mateevici str.,
3900, Cahul, Republic of Moldova,
Tel/fax:
GSM:
Skype: cce_cahul