Young people unite to shape the future of the Dniester River Basin

For more than sixteen years, the Dniester Youth Summer School has demonstrated that a shared river can bring people together across borders, communities and generations. Since 2008, the initiative has inspired hundreds of young people to learn about protecting one of Europe's most important transboundary rivers while promoting dialogue, trust and co-operation across the basin.

From 10 to 20 July, in Molovata Nouă, the OSCE hosted the Dniester Youth Summer School, welcoming 70 participants, aged 15 to 21, from both banks of the Dniester River, for ten days of environmental learning, practical field experience, teamwork and intercultural dialogue. Organized in the framework of the GEF-UNDP-OSCE project "Advancing transboundary co-operation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Dniester River Basin through implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP)," the initiative continues to invest in the next generation of environmental leaders, who will help shape the sustainable future of the Dniester River Basin.

Throughout the ten-day programme, participants worked alongside ten trainers, ten national experts, two international experts and representatives of partner institutions, combining scientific learning with practical experience. Through lectures, discussions, workshops, field exercises and outdoor activities, they explored climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, integrated water resources management, water quality, ecological monitoring and European environmental legislation.

The programme also highlighted how effective co-operation over shared water resources can strengthen resilience, build confidence and contribute to regional stability and security, in particular for the sustainable management of the Dniester River Basin. 

The Dniester River itself became the classroom. Participants visited protected areas, explored local biodiversity and met scientists and environmental practitioners working to conserve the basin's unique ecosystems. At the Iagorlîc Nature Reserve, they learned directly from researchers about biodiversity conservation and the importance of protecting aquatic habitats. Practical activities, including biomonitoring of natural waters and creating spawning nests for fish, demonstrated how scientific knowledge can be translated into tangible conservation action.

Beyond environmental science, the Summer School strengthened leadership, communication and teamwork skills. Through interactive workshops, public debate simulations and role-playing exercises, participants examined how environmental decisions are made, how scientific evidence informs public policy and how social, environmental and economic interests can be balanced. These experiences encouraged critical thinking, active citizenship and collaborative problem-solving while reinforcing the importance of public participation in environmental governance.

One of the defining features of the Dniester Youth Summer School is its ability to create a neutral and inclusive space where young people from different backgrounds learn from one another while working towards a common goal. By focusing on shared environmental challenges rather than political differences, participants build trust, strengthen intercultural dialogue and gain first-hand experience of the value of transboundary co-operation in managing shared natural resources.

By strengthening dialogue, trust and co-operation around a shared resource, the Summer School also demonstrates how environmental co-operation can contribute to broader stability and security in the region. This year's programme included 10 expert sessions, 4 practical workshops, 3 field visits and 6 team-building and cultural activities, providing participants with numerous opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships across communities. 

"Within this school, we not only received some knowledge related to ecology, but also overcame fears, made new acquaintances, with young people from several localities, and connected with good, friendly and understanding people. Thank you, very much ECO-TIRAS, and OSCE for these unforgettable memories," shared Fabiana Vladimirov, participant from Cocieri.

"Our child is back home, and I hardly recognize him, he is simply glowing! On the outside, he looks the same, but on the inside, it’s like a little light was turned on," said Tatiana Muravenko, mother of a Ukrainian refugee residing in Moldova, participant in the Youth Summer School.

"My experience at the summer school allowed me to understand that nothing is impossible. It taught me so much: that any problem, even those that initially seem trivial, should be brought up for discussion; that asking questions isn't scary; that you can communicate and initiate conversations with anyone, regardless of where you were born or what language you speak. Ecology became a connecting link. Thanks to the engaging presentation and the invited guests, I wanted to delve deeper into environmental issues in our country and explore ways I could help nature," noted Taisia Moroz, participant from Tiraspol. 

The programme concluded with participants reflecting on lessons learned, presenting creative projects and selecting an initiative group to support preparations for the Dniester Youth Summer School 2027. More importantly, they left with new knowledge, stronger networks and a shared understanding that protecting the Dniester River requires continued dialogue, scientific co-operation and joint action across borders.

Since its establishment in 2008, the Dniester Youth Summer School has become much more than an annual educational programme. It has created a growing network of young environmental advocates, future scientists, water professionals and community leaders committed to safeguarding the Dniester River Basin.

As implementation of the Dniester Strategic Action Programme (2021–2035) continues, these young people represent an important investment in the basin's future, bringing fresh ideas, scientific knowledge and a shared commitment to ensuring that the Dniester remains a source of life, co-operation and sustainable development for generations to come.

The project will continue to support future editions of the Dniester Youth Summer School, including in 2027, creating new opportunities for young people across the basin to strengthen their knowledge, build lasting connections and contribute to a more sustainable, resilient and secure future for the Dniester region.