Context
Țelița Municipality, located in the Anenii Noi district of the Republic of Moldova, is a rural community with significant natural assets, including the Nistru River and the Țelița Landscape Natural Reservation. Despite this potential, the locality faces increasing challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic stagnation. Rising temperatures, seasonal flooding, limited public spaces, and the absence of mobility infrastructure have contributed to car dependency, and declining attractiveness of the area for residents and visitors. The municipality the urgent need to revitalise the community by modernising its public infrastructure and creating healthier, greener, and more inclusive spaces. Local strategic planning efforts, including on the development of a Smart Local Development Strategy, have identified green infrastructure and sustainable mobility as key drivers for local regeneration and long-term resilience. The EcoRoute Țelița project was conceived as a catalyst for territorial revitalisation. The initiative proposes the development of green mobility infrastructure – bicycle lanes, pedestrian paths, and eco-friendly access routes – that reconnect residential areas with the river corridor and natural reserve. Beyond improving transport options, the project aims to transform underused public spaces into attractive, safe, and climate-resilient areas that stimulate social interaction, active lifestyles, and local tourism.
Objectives
The objective of EcoRoute Țelița is to revitalise the municipality through the development of green, climate-resilient infrastructure that improves sustainable mobility, and quality of life for residents and visitors.
These challenges currently contribute to higher emissions, environmental degradation, and reduced social and economic vitality in the community. To respond to these needs, the project aims to:
- develop an integrated network of safe bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths connecting residential areas with the river and the natural reserve;
- create eco-friendly public spaces and access points that encourage active mobility, recreation, and community interaction;
- implement nature-based and green infrastructure solutions to improve storm water management, reduce erosion, and protect local biodiversity;
- promote low-carbon transport alternatives that decrease pollution and enhance climate resilience;
- strengthen the municipality’s technical and planning capacity through the preparation of feasibility studies and investment-ready documentation for sustainable infrastructure.
Through these actions, EcoRoute Țelița aims to transform mobility infrastructure into a catalyst for environmental regeneration, healthier lifestyles, and sustainable local economic development, positioning the municipality as a model for green and inclusive rural revitalisation.
Implementation
The EcoRoute Țelița project is designed as a municipally led green infrastructure initiative and is fully prepared for implementation. The Țelița Town Hall will act as the lead authority, responsible for project coordination, procurement, financial management, and long-term operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. The project has reached an advanced level of technical maturity. All technical drawings and design documentation have been completed and officially approved, detailed cost estimates have been prepared, and all required permits and regulatory approvals have been obtained, allowing construction works to start immediately upon securing financing. The total estimated investment cost amounts to EUR 1 210 000.
A dedicated project management team, composed of municipal staff from the technical, urban planning, environmental, and financial departments, will oversee implementation. External engineers and contractors will be engaged through transparent public procurement procedures to ensure high technical standards and compliance with national legislation and EU best practices.
Implementation will focus on the construction of eco-friendly public access. Residents, schools, civil society organisations, and local businesses have already been consulted. With complete documentation, secured approvals, and strong local governance capacity, EcoRoute Țelița represents an investment-ready project capable of immediate execution and delivering rapid, visible benefits for the community.