50 students from Moldova from various academic backgrounds—journalism, education, and ecology—participated in a summer school for future environmental journalists from 20 July to 27, where they learned to write about climate change, the circular economy, and sustainable development.

Young students learn about environmental journalism with the EU and UNDP support

28/07/2025

50 students from Moldova from various academic backgrounds – journalism, education, and ecology – participated in a summer school for future environmental journalists from 20 July to 27, where they learned to write about climate change, the circular economy, and sustainable development. The summer school was organized by the Association of Environmental Journalists as part of the project “Enabling an inclusive green transition in the Republic of Moldova,” funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP Moldova.

For eight days, the young people participated in theoretical sessions, practical workshops, discussions with experts, and several field visits.

“I realized how essential it is to have accurate information about the rational use of natural resources and that this is a powerful step towards our country’s green transition. By understanding and documenting current environmental issues and interacting with experts in the field, I confirmed my belief that we do not have a planet B and that it is up to every citizen to show civic spirit and contribute to a sustainable future,” said Nicolae Cernomaz, a student at Georgetown University in the U.S., Faculty of International Politics.

One day, the young people visited a waste sorting plant in Chișinău, where they learned about the processes involved in collecting, separating, and preparing waste for recycling. They understood the importance of reducing consumption, reusing, and recycling as part of a sustainable lifestyle, as well as the essential role of citizens in proper waste management. They also visited the Museum of Lost Things, created with the support of UNDP, where they rediscovered several discarded objects: paintings, books, souvenirs, which were saved from becoming waste and were exhibited to visitors.

“I learned how to communicate about environmental issues through various media platforms, social networks, and ecological photography. Environmental camps encourage active learning and develop a responsible attitude towards the environment and encourage active involvement in protecting it,” says Argentina Fron, a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences, Moldova State University.

The participants also visited the wind farm in the village of Chișcăreni, Orhei district, and the Botanical Garden in Chișinău.

Following the field visits, the young people wrote video scripts for social media, filmed and edited videos, and wrote articles, all these under the guidance of mentors.

In previous years, UNDP has conducted training for 140 students from six universities in the country in the field of biodiversity, environmental protection, and water, within the framework of the Eco Media Academy, funded by the Government of Sweden.

At the same time, during the 2024-2025 school year, students from 87 schools across the country studied energy and climate as part of modules incorporated into school subjects such as physics, geography, social studies, and personal development. This was made possible thanks to modules developed with the support of the European Union and UNDP Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.