Introduction
On 31 May 2026, the Moldovan National Hub of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea will organise the Dniester Day Educational Expedition on the Botna River, a one‑day field event dedicated to environmental awareness, hydrological practice and source‑to‑sea learning.
The event highlights how inland river processes shape the ecological condition of the Dniester basin and ultimately influence the Black Sea.
The initiative is organised under the motto “From tributary to basin to sea” and contributes to CMA priorities on blue skills, environmental responsibility, and ocean literacy.
About the event:
Dniester Day is marked annually on the last Sunday of May, celebrating the ecological, economic and social importance of the Dniester River. This year’s educational expedition offers students a practical opportunity to understand river‑basin dynamics through direct field observation.
The Botna River provides an ideal teaching environment, allowing participants to examine:
- river morphology and channel conditions
- floodplain structure and land‑use patterns
- human pressures and recent management interventions
- links between local river dynamics and wider basin processes
The visit to the Căușeni hydrometric station will introduce students to hydrological monitoring infrastructure, staff‑gauge reading and the relationship between water level and discharge. Throughout the day, participants will apply a simplified version of integrated water assessment, combining physical, chemical, biological and hydromorphological observations.
Expected results:
- A replicable model for CMA‑related educational field events in Moldova
- A structured educational dataset from the Botna River, complemented by the relevant skills of observation, data collection and geospatial documentation
- Increased awareness of how tributaries influence the Dniester basin and the Black Sea
- Enhanced ocean literacy through a practical source‑to‑sea format
- Reusable visual and analytical outputs for CMA and UPSC
Practical Information
📍 Locations: Botna River, Republic of Moldova
🗓️ Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026
Registration details will be communicated via the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea and the Moldovan National Hub channels. For information, you may contact moldova@black-sea-maritime-agenda.ec.europa.eu