An Approach Towards Sustainable Development for Moldova: Implementation of 1991 VOC Protocol to the LRTAP Convention (COST -BENEFIT ASSESSMENT)

There are two main environmental problems in Moldova. Olle problem is a continues overexploitation and degradation of the environment linked to the low incomes of the population, and another problem is a forest dec1inelinked to the effects of air pollution. Thus, there is an urgent need for both the economic growth to improve the low incomes and for the reduction of air pollution to improve health of forest ecosystems. Moldova's small economy is completely dependent on agricultural production. Therefore, the increase in agricultural production to drive economic growth in general is seen to be crucial at least in the near future. It is known thai VOC emissions contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone thai is considered to be the major pollutant of concern to the agricultural crop production, productivity and health of forest ecosystem. That is why the problem of reducing ozone concentrations (due to reductions in VOC emissions) is of high importance to Moldova, country thai relies and depends on agricultural production in its development. Only VOC emission reduction can increase both agricultural crop yields and market values of crops in a very sustainable way. Also, it will help to improve the health of forest ecosystems. That is why this study is concerned with the effect of VOC emission reductions in Moldova (insofar as they effect ozone levels). The main objective is to make an economic assessment of: (i) effects of VOC emission control demanded by the 1991 VOC Protocol on agriculture and forestry; and, (ii) cosi of this VOC abatement. Results have found thai implementation of the VOC Protocol is cost-effective and will serve Moldovan national interests. The benefit from reduced impacts on agriculture can alone offset the cosi of necessary VOC abatement measures. Another important finding is thai despite commonly accepted opinion thai "ozone damage to forest productivity is negligible" the benefit in forestry can be comparable with agricultural Olleand it should be considered and quantified in cost-benefit analysis.