29 November 2012: The Governments of Ukraine and Moldova have signed a treaty pledging cooperation on the sustainable management of the Dniestr/Nistru River Basin.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) jointly facilitated the agreement, which was signed during a UNECE meeting in Rome, Italy.

The treaty provides a framework and principles for cooperation to prevent and control water pollution, regulate water flow, conserve biodiversity, and protect the Black Sea environment. It outlines joint activities, including data sharing, public participation, and emergency response.

In a press release, OSCE notes that the agreement “significantly broadens” existing cooperation arrangements, and highlights the contribution of the Dniestr/Nistru to fisheries and hydropower generation, as well as the challenge of maintaining environmental quality. [OSCE Press Release]