Expert-Grup invites citizens to help flag problems in the exploitation of natural resources in the Republic of Moldova

Economist Iurie Morcotîlo said the management of mineral resources is rarely discussed and that available data point to systemic problems: a lack of transparency in recording resources and poor management. A 2017 report by the State Ecological Inspectorate put the damage from exceeding mining perimeter limits at MDL 30 million, and at MDL 214 million for 2010-2017. In 2017 alone, 237 unauthorised quarries were detected: 133 of clay (103.04 ha), 83 of sand (98.55 ha) and 21 of stone (35.61 ha). Illegal extraction has not diminished over time.

Economist Tatiana Savva announced plans to build a network of local whistleblowers made up of environmental organisations, journalists, activists and the wider public, and called on all those interested to join. The project, “Use of natural resources: improving records and transparency”, is financially supported by the Soros Foundation Moldova.