International conference “Spatial data for the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova”

On October 27, 2022, Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre (ALRC) of the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the EU Twinning project ”Improving spatial data services in the Republic of Moldova following EU standards” financed by the European Union, project partners from Croatia, Poland and the Netherlands, as well as the public institutions that are part of national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI) in the Republic of Moldova, jointly organized an international conference, in order to promote the basic principles of NSDI, the use of spatial data and associated network services from the first source, in order to avoid duplication of spatial data within the state institutions working with them.

The event gathered representatives of institutions and organisations involved in NSDI implementation, central and local public authorities, development partners, representatives of the academic environment, national and international experts, and it served as a platform for discussions and sharing experience.

Ștefan Crigan, ALRC Deputy General Director,mentioned the following: ”The implemen-tation of national spatial data infrastructure in accordance with EU INSPIRE Directive foresees the development of a durable geospatial society, based on cooperation among the authorities, by ensuring technical aspects for the interoperability of spatial data sets and network services, and principles governing the access to data through the Geoportal. At the same time, Geospatial Infrastructure is a functional instrument for the citizens and decision-making factors while checking the information about ownerships, infrastructures and environmental issues in any specific area of the country, improvement of planning capacities within a large spectrum of policies, and, namely, transport, environment, agriculture, forestry, natural resources exploitation, land organisation or land use, tourism and others.”

“Standardised, interoperable spatial data will help the Moldovan Government to efficiently aid citizens, support businesses and improve innovation. The European Union provides support for the implementation of the INSPIRE directive, which enables public institutions to publish their data sets in a way that is accessible and useful to all. This will guide Moldovan institutions to find better solutions to the existing global challenges, but also to improve the cooperation between them. I am convinced that our joint efforts will facilitate the authorities’ engagement in finding innovative solutions for the sustainable development of the country.” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

As a result of the need to organize the process of sharing and updating spatial data, establishing responsibilities for these data and efficient administration of this field, in the year 2014 the Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre of the Republic of Moldova initiated the process of implementing NSDI, by partially transposing the INSPIRE provisions, with the support of the EU Delegation. Currently, the legal framework in the field is complete and updated, and the NSDI implementation process involves about 20 public institutions from the Republic of Moldova, as well as third parties sharing data among themselves.

During the event, the participants addressed subjects connected to improvement of processes and implementation of changes in the fields they manage, in parallel with the usage of spatial data, and namely: the use of geographical information systems in the management of road infrastructure, NSDI importance for official statistics, the use of spatial data within the state forestry fund, the use of spatial data at UNGHENI City Hall, applications for the use of spatial data by local public administration – Orhei City Hall, and the use of spatial data in university teaching courses, etc.

At the same time, the event ensured a space for the interaction and experience sharing with foreign partners from Croatia and Poland, who presented their own experience on NSDI implementation and the evolution of open spatial data.

Agency for Land Relations and Cadastre (ALRC) of the Republic of Moldova is the main beneficiary of the above mentioned EU Twinning project “Improving Spatial Data Services in the Republic of Moldova following EU standards”. Project specific objective is to enhance e-Government through improved spatial data sharing and cooperation among authorities in line with EU standards and best international practices.

Contact person: Tatiana Cebotari, RTA Assistant, cebotari.tanea81@gmail.com; +373 69237979.