Monuments – Republic of Moldova

On the occasion of the UNESCO International Day for Biosphere Reserves (3 November), let’s explore the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve which is located in the south of the Republic of Moldova.

Lower Prut encompasses the Prut River and its floodplain lakes. Two-thirds of the surface of the area is occupied by Lake Beleu. A wetland area extends along the Prut River, covering a mosaic of water, meadow and forest ecosystems. Agriculture is the main economic activity, providing 90% of the inhabitants' income.

The Reserve is a museum of biodiversity, home to 196 species of birds, including 45 species under international protection. For this reason, the Reserve is most often associated with the “land of migratory birds” and is the ideal destination for birdwatchers. The flora of the Reservation is completed by rare species of mammals, including the otter, ermine, European mink and over 30 species of fish.

In 2018, Lower Prut was inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. These sites test interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems.

Travel Tip!

The main attraction within the Reservation is Beleu Natural Lake, which covers an area of ​​1691 hectares. Visitors have to experience the boat trip on the lake, which is best done in spring or the early months of summer. It is 5-6 thousand years old and is a relic of the Danube. From the lake there is also a wonderful view of the Golden Hills from the village of Văleni.

Sources & photographs taken from: https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/lower-prut, https://guidesofmoldova.com/en/locations/17-lower-prut-reservation-beleu-lake, https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/wnbr/about

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