The OSCE mission in the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the public association EcoContact, organized yesterday, at , a public event dedicated to the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the promotion of chemical safety on both banks of the Dniester river.
The initiative is part of the joint efforts to protect the environment and strengthen trust between communities, he reports
The event, held in a hybrid format, brought together around 50 participants from government institutions, environmental organizations, representatives of civil society and development partners. The discussions focused on the progress made in the management of hazardous chemicals under the provisions of the Stockholm Convention and emphasized the importance of transparent communication and cross-border cooperation.
The participants analyzed the regulatory framework of the Republic of Moldova regarding the management of waste containing PCBs, as well as the technical stages of safe collection, packaging, transport and disposal. International good practices under the Basel and Stockholm Conventions were also presented, including transboundary transport and controlled incineration of waste in Germany.
“On the basis of its technical expertise, the OSCE Mission in Moldova continues to contribute to the strengthening of environmental security and the development of safer and more resilient communities on both banks of the Dniester River. Cooperation within this project demonstrates that protecting people and the environment contributes to understanding and strengthening trust between experts and institutions on both banks,” said George Sand, Program Manager for Conflict Prevention and Resolution within the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
Between May 2024 and January 2025, approximately 265 tons of hazardous chemicals, including highly toxic PCBs, were safely removed from ten warehouses located on both banks of the Dniester and transported to a licensed hazardous waste incineration facility in Germany. The project, financed by OSCE participating states — including the United States of America, Germany, Ireland and Norway — considerably reduced the risks to the health of the population and to the environment, while strengthening cooperation between experts in the region.
During the event, the OSCE Mission to Moldova presented a documentary video and an animated clip illustrating the results of the project and the importance of responsible management of chemicals. These materials are part of the Mission’s public information campaign on chemical safety and environmental protection.
Cooperation in the field of environmental protection remains an essential component of the OSCE’s activity in the Republic of Moldova, contributing to the promotion of security, stability and the strengthening of trust between the communities on both banks of the Dniester.
