ROMANIA: · Web viewThe report benefited from thoughtful comments from Costel Todor (Expert of the World Bank), Gary Reid (Strategic Planning Specialist) and Corina Grigore (Operations

Advisory Services Agreement on

Strengthening Planning and Budgeting Capacity and Supporting the Introduction of Performance Budgeting (P156889)

Output No. 5Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2021 for the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

July 2018

Project co-financed from the European Social Fund through the Operational Programme

Administrative Capacity 2014-2020

This report has been delivered under the Advisory Services Agreement on Strengthening Planning and Budgeting Capacity and Supporting the Introduction of Performance Budgeting signed between the General Secretariat of the Government and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on June 8, 2016. It corresponds to Output 5 under the above-mentioned agreement.

Disclaimer

This report is a product of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / the World Bank. The findings, interpretation, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work.

This report does not necessarily represent the position of the European Union or the Romanian Government.

Copyright Statement

The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable laws.

For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with the complete information to either: (i) the General Secretariat of the Government (1 Victoriei Square, Bucharest, Romania); or (ii) the World Bank Group Romania (Vasile Lascăr Street, No 31, Et 6, Sector 2, Bucharest, Romania).

i

Table of Contents

Preamble.............................................................................................................................................1

Executive summary..............................................................................................................................3

I. Mission, mandate and vision............................................................................................................4

II. Strategic objectives, programs and measures...................................................................................6

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1: INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND EXTREME HYDROLOGICAL EVENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES AND STRATEGIES ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WATERS............................6

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods..................................................9Program 1.2: Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources..........................................................................................................................................................14

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2: SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST STOCKS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SECURING CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS...........................................................................................................................................16

Program 2.1: Preservation of forest and hunting resources..............................................................22Program 2.2: Extension of forest surfaces.........................................................................................23Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility of forest resources............................................................24

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3: STRENGTHENING THE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE MAP...........................................26Program 3.1: Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence........................................................................................................30

III. Arrangements regarding the implementation, the monitoring and the assessment of the ISP........33

IV. Financial resources........................................................................................................................36

Annex 1a: Budgetary objectives and programs for the period 2018-2021............................................38

Annex 1b: Programs, measures and related budgets for the period 2018-2021...................................39

Annex 2: Institutional Strategic Plan (summary table)........................................................................44

Annex 3: Programs and connected measures, output indicators (summary table)..............................48

Annex 4: Institutional profile; Assessment of the internal and external environment.........................60

Annex 5: Measure datasheet..............................................................................................................60

ii

List of Acronyms

ABA Administrațiile Bazinale de Apă (Water basin administration)

ANANP Agenția Națională pentru Arii Naturale Protejate (National Agency for Protected Natural Areas)

ANAR Agenția Națională "Apele Române" (“Romanian Waters” National Agency)

ANPM Agentia Națională pentru Protecția Mediului (National Environmental Protection Agency)

CE Comisia Europeană (European Commission)

CO2 Carbon dioxide

EIA Procedura de evaluare a impactului asupra mediului (Environmental impact assessment procedure)

FEADR Fondul European Agricol pentru Dezvoltare Rurală (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development)

GDP Gestionarea durabilă a pădurilor (Durable forest management)

GES Gaze cu efect de seră (Greenhouse gas)

ha hectares

HG Hotărârea Guvernului (Government Decision)

IFN Inventarul Forestier Național (National Forest Inventory)

IMM Intreprinderile Micro, Mici si Mijlocii (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)

INEGES Inventarul Naţional al Emisiilor de Gaze cu Efect de Seră (National inventory of greenhouse gas emissions)

INHGA Institutului Național de Hidrologie și Gospodărire a Apelor (National Institute of Hidrology and Water Management)

IT Tehnologia informației (Information technology)

KM Kilometer

m3 Cubic meter

MAI Ministerul Afacerilor Interne (Ministry of Internal Affairs)

MAP Ministerul Apelor și Pădurilor (Ministry of Waters and Forestry)

MFP Ministerul Finanțelor Publice (Ministry of Public Finances)

MM Ministerul Mediului (Ministry of the Environment)

MMAP Ministerul Mediului, Apelor și Pădurilor (Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry)

iii

OS Obiectiv Specific (Specific objective)

OUG Ordonanță de urgență (Emergency ordinance)

PIB Produsul Intern Brut (Gross Domestic Product)

POIM Programul Operațional Infrastructură Mare (Large Infrastructure Operational Programme )

POSM Programul Operational Sectorial Mediu (Sectoral Operational Programme Environment)

PSI Plan Strategic Instituțional (Institutional Strategic Plan)

RNP Regia Națională a Pădurilor - Romsilva (National Forest Department - Romsilva)

S.A. Societate pe acțiuni (Joint stock company)

S.C. Societate comercială (Company)

SCR Servicii de asistență tehnică (Reimbursable Advisory Services)

SEA Analiza strategică de mediu (Strategic environmental assessment)

SGG Secretariatul General al Guvernului (General Secretariat of the Government)

SUMAL Sistem informatic de urmărire a circulației materialului lemnos (Computer system for wood tracking)

UE Uniunea Europeană (European Union)

UIP Unități de implementare a proiectului (Project implementation units)

UMP Unităţi de management al proiectului (Project management units)

iv

List of Figures

Figure 1. Evolution of the forest stock in the period 2010-2015...............................................................17

Figure 2. Monitoring cycle for MAP’s Strategic Plan..................................................................................34

Figure 3. Evolution of funding for the strategic objectives in the period 2018-2021.................................37

Figure 4. Evolution of spending financed from the state budget...............................................................79

Figure 5. Share of spending financed from the state budget in the total state budget.............................79

Figure 6. The share of total expenses (financed from the state budget, own revenues, non-reimbursable European funds and loans) in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)............................................................79

List of Tables

Table 1. Strategic objective 1: Funding breakdown on budgetary programs (thousand Lei).......................9

Table 2. Surface of forestry fund, broken down into forms of ownership during 2012-2016....................16

Table 3. Surface of forest stock broken down by species, 2012-2016 (thousand hectares)......................17

Table 4. Volume of collected wood mass, broken down into forms of ownership in the period 2011-2015 (thousand cubic meters - gross volume)....................................................................................................18

Table 5. Strategic objective 2: Funding breakdown on budgetary programs (thousand Lei).....................21

Table 6. Strategic objective 3: Funding breakdown on budgetary programs (thousand Lei).....................30

v

Acknowledgements

The team of the World Bank was made of Cătălin Păuna (Task Team Leader, Sr. Economist), Cesar Niculescu (Sr. Environmental Specialist), Adina Făgărășan, Mircea Tulea and Cosmin Buteică (Experts of the World Bank).

The report benefited from thoughtful comments from Costel Todor (Expert of the World Bank), Gary Reid (Strategic Planning Specialist) and Corina Grigore (Operations Officer) in the name of the Portfolio team in Romania, as well as general guidance from Ivailo Izvorski (Practice Manager, Macro Economics and Fiscal Management) and Tatiana Proskuryakova (Country Manager in Romania). We also want to thank Brigita Orzan (Expert of the World Bank) for her constant support.

The team would like to thank the staff at the Secretariat General of the Government (SGG) for the support and excellent collaboration provided throughout the elaboration of this Note, in particular to Secretary of State Oana-Elena Pintilei, and General Director Dragoș Negoiță, as well to the counselor Radu Iacob and the project team, who provided useful recommendations and achieved a proper project.

The team is also grateful to the personnel from the Public Policies Unit and the members of the working groups from the Ministry of Waters and Forestry for the excellent support and collaboration for drafting this document.

vi

Preamble

Justification

The General Secretariat of the Government (SGG) and the World Bank have concluded an agreement for Reimbursable Advisory Services (SCR) in order to strengthen the capacity of planning, budgeting and monitoring policies at the center of the Government, of the Ministry of Public Finances (MFP) and selected competent ministries. Aiming to strengthen the efficiency of public spending, the advisory services focused on i) further strengthening the process of development of the existing Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP), under the guidance of the SGG; ii) strengthening the government’s capacity to monitor the update of the ISP and to implement such by means of a joint IT system, developed with the support of the World Bank; iii) developing a central panel at SGG level in order to report the implementation of the high-level ISP priorities of selected ministries.

The activities defined in the advisory services derive from the functional analysis of the public administration which showed that the public sector is affected by gaps between planning and budgeting, which leads to further gaps between the resources used and results obtained. As such, the government requested the World Bank to help institutionalize a policy implementation monitoring process, with clear roles and responsibilities for the SGG, MFP and competent ministries, using the methodologies, instruments and processes developed in these advisory services. This will be an integral part of the reforms promoted by a government in the field of budgeting. Starting from the objective to make the strategic planning process mandatory for all ministries in Romania, SGG aims for the ISP to become a product regularly developed by each ministry.

Being on the selected competent ministries, the Ministry of Waters and Forestry committed itself in the direction of a substantial program of reform, covering both policy-related and public administration-related aspects. Strengthening the strategic planning functions in the environmental sector is an important component of this reform.

Developing an ISP for the budgeting cycle 2017-2020 takes place at a right time in the cycle of policies 2014-2020.

Methodology

Preparing the draft ISP 2018-2021 of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry was for the most part achieved between December 2017 and April 2018. This process saw the rich, constant and substantial participation of all members of senior management and of the operational staff of the MMAP (and afterwards, as of January 2017, of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry), as well as of SGG's high-ranking experts.

The World Bank provided technical support during the entire process, the Public Policy Unit having a role of facilitation and mediation. Out of the wish to have an inclusive, informative and participative approach, the World Bank organized training sessions for members of working groups (including for the staff responsible for budget and human resources) on 13 February 2018 and 19-20 February 2018, in order to help them become familiar with the main elements in view of the ISP update.

1

The workgroups met when necessary during period January 2018 - April 2018. The final product will be presented to the Coordination Committee and it is estimated that the ISP will be afterwards approved by the minister.

2

PUBLIC POLICIES UNIT, WITH THE SUPPORT OF

THE WORLD BANK

STATE SECRETARIES

SECRETARY GENERAL

GENERAL DIRECTORS

THEME WORKGROUPS

TECHNICAL COORDINATION

GROUP

COORDINATION COMMITTEE

MINISTER

Executive summary

The SGG committed to render public spending efficient. By developing an Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) for the budgeting cycle 2017-2020 in the Ministry of Public Finances and in ten other selected competent ministries, the SGG aims to strengthen the Romanian Government’s budgeting, planning and monitoring capacity.

ISP 2017-2020 is anchored in the strategic objectives associated to the sectors of water and forests, institutional priorities followed by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry; it also provides clear programs and measures (including budgets) that are necessary to reach these objectives on medium-term and a solid performance assessment framework, in order to measure to progress in reaching these targets.

The ISP is structured on the 3 strategic pillars, as follows:

Strategic Objective 1 - Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and strategies on the sustainable development of waters

This strategic objective is based on 2 programs:

(i) Program 1.1 - Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods.

(ii) Program 1.2 - Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources.

Strategic Objective 2 - Sustainable management of forest stocks for the purpose of securing current and future needs

The 3 main programs supporting this strategic objective are:

(i) Program 2.1 - Preservation of forest resources.

(ii) Program 2.2 - Extension of forest surfaces.

(iii) Program 2.3 - Increasing the accessibility to forest resources.

Strategic objective 3 - Strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

This strategic objective is based on one program:

(i) Program 3.1 - Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence.

3

I. Mission, Mandate and Vision

The mission and mandate of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry (MAP)

The mission of the Minister of Waters and Forestry is to achieve the nationwide policy in the field of water, forest and wildlife management regarding all the sector and subsectors it administers, developing the strategy and specific regulations for developing and harmonizing these activities in the Government's general policy framework, assuring and coordinating the application of the governmental strategy in its fields of competence, having the role of state authority, as well as the role of synthesis, coordination, regulation, monitoring, inspection and control in these fields.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry is organized and operates as a specialized body of the central public administration, with legal personality, subordinated to the Government. The Ministry of Waters and Forestry is active in the following fields: strategic planning, management of forests and wildlife, water management, hydrology, hydrogeology, protection, preservation and restoration of the natural capital in the field of waters and forests.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry coordinates the activity of integrating the requirements regarding strategic planning, the management of forests and wildlife, water management, hydrology, hydrogeology in the other sector policies, in accordance with the European and international requirements and standards.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry assures the inter-ministry coordination of the process of developing, implementing, monitoring and revising the national policy on the sustainable development in its scope of competence.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry assures ex-ante conditionalities are met and the compliance with the measure plans assumed to meet such conditionalities, in the fields of water management, in accordance with the commitments assumed in the Partnership Agreement 2014 - 2020 and Operational Programme Large Infrastructure 2014 - 2020.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry is appointed as implementing authority of the European Union Solidarity Fund, as per the provisions of Government Decision no. 478/2010 for approving the organizational structure of the Coordinating and Managing Authority from Romania and the structure of the implementing authorities for managing the community financial assistance granted through the European Union Solidarity Fund, as further amended and supplemented.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry takes over from the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry all the management units of the project / project implementation units associated to the field of waters and forests, regardless of the financing program.

4

The vision of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

To be a transparent, trusted and responsible institution, to serve the interests of the society and to actively pursue the matter of environmental protection in Romania, based on European and global evolutions. The Ministry of Waters and Forestry acts to protect waters and forests, in harmony with the economic development and social progress.

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry is the main public institution responsible with policies on the management of water resources and management of forest resources in Romania1.

The MAP assumes this responsibility, observing the highest standards in terms of transparency, responsibility and integrity, in cooperation with other public institutions, with the private sector and organizations of the civil society.

The MAP makes efforts to strengthen its management capacity and organizational performance, with the purpose to be able to see through the important responsibilities assigned to it by the Romanian people.

The MAP answers citizens’ needs. It is interested in their problems and opinions and in having a dialogue with them and it constantly assesses the results of the actions it undertakes, in order to adjust activities depending on requirements.

1 And the Ministry of the Environment is the main public institution responsible for environmental protection policies.

5

II. Strategic Objectives, Programs and Measures

Strategic Objective 1: Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and strategies on the sustainable development of

waters

Analysis of current situationRomania covers a surface of 238,391 km2, has a population of roughly 20 million people and is located to a share of 97.4% in the Danube river basin, which accounts for 29% of its surface. The Danube River, the course of which on Romanian territory accounts for 37.7% of its total length, is the collector and emissary to the Black Sea of all upstream tributaries from countries cross by this river, which affects the quality of the Danube Delta waters, and also the Black Sea coast area. Romania has a hydrographic network with a length of 78,905 km. The water resources from interior rivers add up to 40 billion m3, which accounts for 20% of the water resources of the Danube River. Romania has a specific resource from interior rivers of 1,870 m3/capita/year and, from this standpoint, ranks 13th in Europe. Our territory is host to the upper and middle courses of a significant number of rivers crossing the state border and rivers Tisa, Prut and Danube form a part of the Romanian border. Water management in Romania has had a long tradition. River basin management has been in place since 1956.

97.4% of the Romanian surface, respectively 232,193 km2 is included in the Danube River Basin. Furthermore, in the Danube’s river basin were included Romanian coast waters as well as basins of tributaries flowing into the Black Sea (with a surface of roughly 5,198 km2), thus forming the Danube Water District, as per the provisions of Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. Romanian coast waters were included in the Danube’s Water District given that the state of the waters and the shore morphology are substantially influences by the Danube.

In order to manage the large volume of natural resources and work related to waters, a series of priorities have been set so as to solve/optimize water management problems, namely:

legislative priorities addressing the amendment and adapting of laws to allow the application of an integrated and sustainable management of water resources; economic priorities mainly referring to assuring financial resources for: making the investments required for implementing projects of development of water management infrastructure, so as to prevent and reduce the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, to ensure water resources in various points of use and to reduce coast erosion; the activity of land surveying and registering of the public domain of the state under management, providing materials and operative defense means against flooding, ice and accidental pollution; implementing requirements deriving from the European law, both new requirements and requirements resulting from amending/supplementing European directives and from Romania’s obligations in conventions / agreements on water management that Romania is a part of;

6

technical requirements referring to: re-updating the methodologies to delimitate minor beds of water courses and the other assets in the water sector, analyzing and assessing risks associated to dams, completing the procedure of inventory of dikes in operation, etc.

7

8

Strategic objective 1: Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and

strategies on the sustainable development of waters

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of

natural calamities on population and goods

Measures of the Program 1.1:Measure 1.1.1.1. Executing projects for the prevention and reduction of the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources in various points of use and reducing coast erosionMeasure 1.1.2.1 .Delimitating minor water beds and registering lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure (mainly minor water beds) Measure 1.1.3.1. Assuring the stock of defense materials and meansMeasure 1.1.4.1. Monitoring the implementation of measures of the updated National Management Plan in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological pressures at the level of water courses, in order to protect biodiversity Measure 1.1.4.2. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for collecting biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capitaMeasure 1.1.4.3. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for treating the biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capitaMeasure 1.1.4.4. Monitoring the implementation of measures to adapt to climatic change, to prevent and manage risks of flooding and coast erosion

Program 1.2: Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and

management of water resources

Measures of the Program 1.2:Measure 1.2.1.1. Modernizing the system of forecast of dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users, and modernizing the structures for assuring intervention in emergency casesMeasure 1.2.1.2. Elaboration of support studies for the systematic assessment of the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources, including through the implementation of new data collection systemsMeasure 1.2.1.3 .Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the fieldMeasure 1.2.1.4. Continuous professional training of specialized staff

9

Volume of water resource available to cover all requirements (Unit: million cubic meters / Reference value: 6,704 / Target 2021: 10304).

Population exposed to the risk of effects of flooding (referring to the minimization of risk of flooding on social-economic, cultural and environmental components) (Unit: number of population (risk reduction) / Reference value: 1500000 / Target 2020: 1450000 / Target 2021: 1300000).

Degree of implementation of hydrological warning alerts for quick rush floods. (Unit: % / Reference value: 65 / Target 2020: 70 / Traget 2021: 72).

Impacts

Result 1.1.1 Implementing projects to develop water management infrastructure so as to prevent and reduce the effects on and damage to the population caused by natural phenomena, and to assure water resources at points of use and to reduce coast erosion Result indicator: Degree of completion of the annual investment program (physically % of the annual planning) (Unit: % / Reference value: 0 / Target 2020: 70/ Target 2021: 100) Result 1.1.2 Surveying lands occupied by flood defense infrastructure Result indicator: Degree of delimitation of lands associated to the water management systems and degree of registration thereof in the land register (Unit: % / Reference value: 0.3% / Target 2020: 6% / Target 2021: 10%) Result 1.1.3 Reducing risks produced by dangerous hydrological and weather conditions, accidents at hydro-technical constructions, accidental pollution and hydrological drought Result indicator: Degree of reduction of social vulnerability (Unit: no. of vulnerable persons / Reference value: 820000 / Target 2020: 800000 / Target 2021: 790000) Result 1.1.4 Implementing the requirements of the European Directives in the water sector (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC, Floods Directive 2007/60/C) and Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment) Result indicator: Degree of increase of bodies of water in an ecologically good condition / potentially good condition by applying measures (Unit: % / Reference value: 68.37 / Target 2020: 80 / Target 2021: 86.5) Result 1.2.1 Supporting activities and decision related to the efficient management of water resources in normal situations and in case of special hydrological events Result indicator: Degree of implementation of planned objectives (studies, development/implementation of new methodologies / models, etc.) (Unit: % / Reference value: - , Target 2020: 100 / Target 2021: 100)

Program outcomes

The budgetary resources for the implementation of the measures and the achievement of the outcomes and impacts for the period 2018-2021 are 1.464.756(000 Lei).

Table 1. Strategic objective 1: Funding breakdown on budgetary programs (thousand Lei)

Program budget for TOTAL

thou. Lei

Value/years thousand Lei

Strategic Objective 12018 2019 2020 2021

1.464.756 205.026 425.455 426.053 408.221

P 1.1

Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods

1.450.619 201.596 421.829 422.351 404.843

P 1.2

Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources

14.136 3.430 3.626 3.703 3.378

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods

Justification of the program proposed in the ISP

Program 1.1 contributes to reaching the objective of assuring an integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events, in accordance with policies and strategies on the sustainable water management, in line with the requirements of the environmental acquis of the European Union and in order to answer identified investment needs required for the compliance with these requirements. In this sense, programs and measures are required to contribute to reaching the objective, by assuring the available water resource to cover all requirements, to minimizing the risk of floods of social-economic components, cultural and environmental components and to increasing the degree of completion of hydrological alerts for quick rush floods.

The program mainly answers the requirements for implementing the Water management strategy in Romania and the commitments undertaken by Romania in relation to the European Union, namely: Romania’s Accession Treaty to the European Union, the National Strategy for Sustainable Development in Romania "Orizonturi 2013-2020-2030”, the Water resources management strategy and the Partnership agreement 2014-2020 between Romania and the European Union.

We state that in implementing Program 1.1 a contribution comes from Program 1.2 - Program on hydrology, hydro-geology and water resources management activities, the objective of which is knowledge and sustainable management of ground and underground water resources in Romania, in line with the policies in the water sector and having as result support for the activities and decisions

10

related to the efficient management of water resources in normal situations and in case of special hydrological events.

The objective, result indicator and target/s of the program

The objective of Program 1.1 consists in assuring, rehabilitating, modernizing and extending the investment objectives for preventing and reducing the effects on and damages to population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources at points of use and reducing coast erosion.

In order to reach the objective of the program, certain targets are proposed the results of which are likely to lead to reaching the objective of integrated water resources management, in line with policies and strategies on the sustainable management of waters, namely:

implementing projects of development of water management infrastructure, so as to prevent and reduce the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, to ensure water resources in various points of use and to reduce coast erosion, by performing the annual investment program (physically % of annual planning);

surveying lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure, by performing the program on delimitating terrains associated to the water management system and on registering such terrains in the land register;

reducing risks produced by dangerous hydrological and weather conditions, accidents at hydro-technical constructions, accidental pollution and hydrological drought, by reducing social vulnerability;

implementing the requirements of the European Directives in the water sector (for example Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC, Floods Directive 2007/60/C, Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment) in order to increase the number of bodies of water in an ecologically good condition / potentially good condition.

Description of the program proposed in the ISP

Program 1.1: Assures the management and water infrastructure and resources, prevents risks and reduced the impact produced by natural calamities on the population and property, contains expected results and measures meant to achieve such results for which indicators are proposed to assess the completion of targets. In this sense, several directions were developed:

In order to implement the strategy of defense against floods and to secure the water resources needed by the population and by economical, industrial and farming activities, to protect the Romanian shoreline against erosion and provide integrated management of coastal areas, the investment works were structured according to the financing sources approved by the Romanian Government for this purpose through the annual State Budget Laws. Annually, the Ministry of Waters and Forestry finances in the investment program, according to the limit imposed by the Ministry of Public Finances, various investment objectives from the state budget, from reimbursable external loans, non-reimbursable external loans. Additionally, ANAR finances with its dedicated sources, according to availabilities, investment objectives of national interest.

Surveying the lands occupied by the flood-defense infrastructure is proposed to be done by delimitating minor river beds and by registering the terrains occupied by the flood-defense infrastructure (mainly minor river beds). By 2020, roughly 8% of the terrain surfaces associated to the water management system is expected to be delimitated.

11

According to the Regulation on the management of emergency situations generated by floods, dangerous weather conditions, accidents at hydro-technical constructions, accidental pollution in waterways and marine pollution along the coastline, approved by the Joint Order of MMP/MAI no.192/1422/2012, holders of works with the role of flood defense must establish stocks of materials and means of operative intervention under the approved framework Law only in the varieties and quantities required, depending on the location area, the degree of management thereof, the type of existing flood-defense works, the specificity of operational defense actions, based on previous experience. In late 2020, it is estimated that roughly 33% of the required stock of materials and means of defense will be covered and in 2021 the value will be 35%.

The updated National management plan for the portion of the international river basin of the Danube which is found on Romanian territory, approved by GD 859/2016 includes objectives and measures to implement the requirements of Directive 2000/60 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action the water sector. In the period 2017-2021 the main aim is to accomplish with financing from the state budget works for the implementation of measures to ensure lateral connectivity of water bodies, for improving hydrological conditions and for the ecological reconstruction in agricultural and fishery facilities. In this regard, 15 projects will be implemented in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological alterations on water bodies.

Given that there are gaps in reaching the assumed intermediate targets due to the implementation of projects funded by the Environment Operational Programme (POSM) 2007-2013 and preparing grant applications for the financial programming period 2014-2020, there is a certain risk that commitments under the Accession Treaty be achieved with delays, especially as regards the implementation of the requirements of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60 / EEC, Floods Directive 2007/60/EC and Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste-water treatment.

The estimated total investment required in the period 2018-2021 for complying with the provisions of these European Directives in the water sector can be identified in the proposed budget by:

The Ministry of European Funds, the Managing Authority for the Environment Operational Programme, the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020 (co-financing priority Axes 3 and 5)

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the managing authority for the National Program for Rural Development (co-financing for the Intervention domain 6B “Encouraging local development in rural areas”).

The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, coordinator of budget financing of the National Program for Local Development (European funds through FEADR).

Factors driving success in the program proposed in the ISP

Program 1.1. A critical success factor pertaining to this program refers to prioritizing investment projects and the efficient management of financial resources allocated for water management infrastructure development projects meant to prevent and reduce the effects on and damage to the population caused by natural phenomena, providing water resources at points of use and reducing coastal erosion, activities to be carried out by the National Administration "Romanian waters" together with the Ministry of Water and Forests, within the annual allocated budget.

Another important aspect to support the implementation of Program 1.1 refers to providing an optimal legal framework for surveying and registration of the state public domain under management, providing materials and means of operative defense against floods, ice and accidental pollution. Delimitation of

12

minor river beds and registration in the Land Register of minor river beds of watercourses belonging to the public domain of the state and of the other terrains belonging to the National Water Management System are absolutely necessary in order to define and make legal the area boundaries within which any social-economic activities are carried out, with the observance and compliance with all the requirements on the correct usage of the National Water Management System. For the period 2017-2020, we can make a preliminary estimate that no more than 8% of the total surface of minor river beds including lakes and reservoirs (about 36,240 ha) will be registered, reaching this target depending on the manner and time by which the required supplementations and amendments to administrative acts and laws are completed, acts and laws that the proper course of the action depend on.

Furthermore, the successful implementation of Program 1.1 will also benefit from the contribution of both a good trans-sector integration of allocation of funds needed to implement projects and from strengthening the cooperation between central public institutions / managing authorities involved in the management of EU funds.

Also, another important factor contributing to the success of Program 1.2 consists in the human resources allocated and the degree of professional training of the staff of the Ministry of Water and Forests (MAP), the National Administration Romanian Waters (ANAR) Water Basin Administrations (ABA) and National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA).

Another special focus in implementing Program 1.2 can be the participation of specialists from the MAP, ANAR, ABA and INHGA in projects / international cooperation, taking advantage of the obtained results and knowledge, which will bring added value to performed activities.

13

14

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods

Result 1.1.1. Executing projects for the prevention and reduction of the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources in various points of use and reducing coast erosion

Measure 1.1.1.1. Executing projects for the prevention and reduction of the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources in various points of use and reducing coast erosion

Result 1.1.2. Surveying terrains occupied by flood-defense infrastructure

Measure 1.1.2.1. Delimitating minor water beds and registering lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure (mainly minor water beds)

Result 1.1.3. Reducing risks produced by dangerous hydrological and weather conditions, accidents at hydro-technical constructions, accidental pollution and hydrological drought

Measure 1.1.3.1.Assuring the stock of defense materials and means

Result 1.1.4. Implementing the requirements of the European Directives in the water sector (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EEC, Flood Directive 2007/60/EC) and Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment

Measure 1.1.4.1. Monitoring the implementation of measures of the updated National Management Plan in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological pressures at the level of water courses, in order to protect biodiversity

Measure 1.1.4.2. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for collecting biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita

Measure 1.1.4.3. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for treating biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita

Measure 1.1.4.4. Monitoring the implementation of measures to adapt to climatic change, to prevent and manage risks of flooding and coast erosion

Program 1.2: Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources


Program 1.2 aims to know and provide sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources in Romania, in accordance with policies in the water sector and resulting in providing support to the activities and decisions related to the efficient management of water resources in normal situations and in case of special hydrological events.

Also, Program 1.2 provides information that is necessary for the proper unfolding of activities of defense against flooding and dangerous hydrological events and of rational usage of resources of surface waters so as to meet the water demand and to know the status in terms of quantity and quality of the surface and groundwater resources in order to make timely and correct decisions necessary to effectively manage these resources, both at national and local level.


The objective of Program 1.2 consists in developing support studies for acquiring knowledge and providing sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources in Romania, in accordance with policies in the water sector, resulting in providing support to the activities and decisions related to the efficient management of water resources in normal situations and in case of special hydrological events. In this sense, the government aims to increase the degree of implementation of planned objectives (number of studies, development / implementation of new methodologies / models), etc.


Program 1.2: Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources. In this sense, the following directions were developed:

Modernization of the system of forecasting dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users and of the structures assuring interventions in cases of emergency by developing a new model of forecast and warning against dangerous hydrological events, implemented nationwide, by 2021.

Develop support studies to systematically assess the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources by increasing the number of studies to 16 by 2021.

Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the fields of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the field by developing 6 methodologies / models / calculation programs / apps / database structures by 2021.

Continuous professional training of the specialized staff by increasing the number of persons trained annually (by 2021).

15


Program 1.2. One first factor for the successful accomplishment of the objective of this program is to apply in carrying out the hydrology, hydro-geology and water management activities the most modern and advanced concepts, methods and methodologies used in Europe and around the world.

Also, another important factor contributing to the success of Program 1.2 consists in the human resources allocated and the degree of professional training of the staff of the Ministry of Water and Forests (MAP), the National Administration Romanian Waters (ANAR) Water Basin Administrations (ABA) and National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA).

Another special focus in implementing Program 1.2 can be the participation of specialists from the MAP, ANAR, ABA and INHGA in projects / international cooperation, taking advantage of the obtained results and knowledge, which will bring added value to performed activities.

16


Result 1.2.1. Supporting activities and decisions related to the efficient management of water resources in normal situations and in case of special hydrological events

Measure 1.2.1.1. Modernizing the system of forecast of dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users, and modernizing the structures for assuring intervention in emergency cases

Measure 1.2.1.2. Develop support studies to systematically assess the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources

Measure 1.2.1.3. Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the field

Measure 1.2.1.4. Continuous professional training of specialized staff

Strategic Objective 2: Sustainable management of forest stocks for the purpose of securing current and future needs

Analysis of current situation

According to the information provided by the National Institute of Statistics, Romania’s national forest stock covered at the end of 2015 a surface of 6,555 thousand hectares, which is 27.5% of the country surface. The surface of the forest stock on December 31 st 2015, compared to the same time of 2014, showed an increase by 0.2% owed mainly to the restoration of forest grasslands and the introduction of degraded terrains into the forest stock, under Law no. 46/2008 on the Forest code, republished2.

The distribution of forests is not uniform from a geographical standpoint: 6.5% of the forest surface is in the plains, 33.8% in hill areas and 59.7% in mountain areas. Broadleaf forests are predominant in Romania (approximately 70%), the rest being coniferous forests. In relation to the total surface of forests, beech is predominant (32%) and also oak (17%) and among coniferous trees the predominant ones are the spruce (23%) and fir tree (5%).

The sustainable management of forests (GDP in Romanian) and the principles underpinning it are defined in the Forest Code - the fundamental law in the forest sector, the GDP being equivalent with the compliance of the forest regime, which is defined as a unitary system of forestry technical, economical and legal norms on the setup, culture, use, protection and safeguard of the forest stock, for the purpose of sustainable development.

As per the Forest Code’ provisions, the management of forests, assuring the administration or provision of forest services are mandatory for all forests, regardless of the type of property and are provided by the forest administrations, which are structures handling forests with professional forest staff, authorized by the ministry. Thus, owners may provide forest management through their own forest administrations or may contract forest management services from other forest administrations, including those of the National Forest Administration - Romsilva.

Table 2. Surface of forestry fund, broken down into forms of ownership during 2012-2016

Forms of ownershipSurface of the forest stock in

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016th. ha % th. ha % th. ha % th. ha % th. ha %

Forest stock – total 6529 100.0 6539 100.0 6545 100.0 6555 100.0 6559 100.0

Public property 4286 65.6 4262 65.2 4253 65.0 4249 64.8 4245 64.7

– of the state 3245 49.7 3228 49.4 3217 49.2 3203 48.9 3194 48.7

– of TAUs 1041 15.9 1034 15.8 1036 15.8 1046 15.9 1051 16.0

Private property 2243 34.4 2277 34.8 2292 35.0 2306 35.2 2314 35.3– of natural persons and legal entities

2167 33.2 2188 33.4 2203 33.7 2215 33.8 2225 33.9

– of TAUs 76 1.2 89 1.4 89 1.3 91 1.4 89 1.4

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

2 Annual report on the stat of the environment in Romania, 2015, ANPM

17

Table 3. Surface of forest stock broken down by species, 2012-2016 (thousand hectares)

Species categories 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Forest stock surface – total 6373 6381 6387 6399 6404

Softwood 1945 1937 1930 1931 1929

– spruce 1490 1485 1484 1487 1488

– fir 305 303 299 298 297

– other resinous (including duglas, larchs, pine) 150 149 147 146 144

Hardwood 4428 4444 4457 4468 4475

– beech 2081 2095 2108 2125 2131

– cvercinee (oaks) 1069 1064 1062 1060 1058

– various hard species 959 964 965 959 961

– diverse soft species 319 321 322 324 325


Figure 1. Evolution of the forest stock in the period 2010-2015

18

Table 4. Volume of collected wood mass, broken down into forms of ownership in the period 2011-2015 (thousand cubic meters - gross volume)

Forms of ownership 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Volume of collected wood mass - total 19081 19282 17889 18133 17198

- from forests owned by the state 9571 9579 9077 9110 8717

- from forests owned by administrative-territorial units 3079 3010 2771 2896 2687

- from private forests 5836 5993 5414 5378 4966

- from forest vegetation situated on land outside the forest stock 595 700 627 749 828


The forest surface per capita was from 0.29ha/capita in 2015 (on January 1st 2015 the Romanian population was of 22,298,253 inhabitants - resident population), close to the European value which is 0.31 ha/capita.

The total wood volume per capita is estimated at 2221.6 million m3, the average volume per hectare is 322 m3/ha and the average annual increase is 7.8 m3/ha (National forest inventory, 2012).

Private forests, with approximately 830,200 forest owners, represent 35% of the total forest stock and are generally characterized by small and fragmented possessions, which is a challenge for the sustainable development thereof3. The absence of forest surveying is a barrier for any joint efforts to strengthen properties.

Entities that collect wood mass are mainly SMEs and are weak and suffering from a chronic lack of investments in new equipment and technology, due to a combination of (a) limited access to financing, (b) lack of continuity of activity and (c) low profit margins.

The forest stock is poorly served in terms of accessibility, the road network having a total of 42,000 km of which about 33,000 km of forest roads and 8,000 km of public roads, the rest belonging to other sectors, for example, mining roads and hydro-electric roads. The average density of forest roads of 6.4 m / ha4, is way below the level of other European countries which have for the most part a similar topography (Austria 36 m /ha, Switzerland 40 m/ha, France 26m/ha, Germany 45 m/ha). Therefore, the conclusion is that more than 2 million ha of forest is practically out of reach for technical and economic 5 reasons. The network of forest roads is unequally distributed, mountain areas having the lowest density.

The contribution of the forest sector, including wood industry, to the GDP varies between 3.5 and 4.5% in the last ten years6. The sector is an important employer, especially in rural areas, although values

3 Functional analysis of the Environment and Forests Sector in Romania - Vol.2, World Bank, 2012.4 Functional analysis of the Environment and Forests Sector in Romania – Vol. 2, World Bank, 2012.5 Idem.6 Abrudan et al, 2009.

19

dropped from 235,000 in 2000 to about 161,000 employees in 20097. Furniture industry is an important employer, with roughly 80,000 employees, followed by wood processing and RNP - Romsilva. Romania is an important exporter of forest products, including furniture, lumber and plywood planks.

The Ministry of Water and Forests is the central public authority responsible with forests, having 9 subordinated Forest Guards with legal personality, acting as secondary spending units.

The National Forest Administration - Romsilva (RNP) administers forests owned by the state, is under the authority of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry and operates based on economic accounting and financial autonomy.

Currently, the National Forest Strategy 2017-2026 is pending completion; this strategy will be necessary to efficiently answer the current realities and challenges in the sector.

The main problems of the forest sector with an influence on preserving forest resources refer to:

Inconsistency and insufficient legislative harmonization, the impossibility to enforce certain legal regulations;

Lack of an efficient correlation of legal provisions in the domain of silviculture with regulations from other domains / ministries (fiscal code, criminal code, civil code and law on arms and ammunitions, environmental protection, etc.);

The existence of a surface of roughly 430,000 ha for which no administration or forest services are assured and for which no forest planning is developed;

Fragmented ownership over forests and especially the existence of a large number of landowners with small forest areas;

Illegal forest cutting;

Failure to grant proper forms of support to private forest owners;

Inadequacy of technical regulations on the management of small areas of privately owned forest, according to legislative changes;

Lack of forest surveying and delimitation between owners;

Lack of preset instruments of internal/external communication at sector level generates on the one hand communication blockages in relation to partners and stakeholders and on the other the dilution and delay of messages to the wide public.

7 Functional analysis of the Environment and Forests Sector in Romania – Vol. 2, World Bank, 2012.

20

21

Strategic objective 2: The sustainable management of the forest stock in order to meet current and future needs

Program 2.1: Preservation of forest and

hunting resources

Measures of the Program 2.1:Measure 2.1.1.1. Assuring forest services (security)Measure 2.1.1.2. Planning and organizing the national forest stockMeasure 2.1.1.3. Reducing illegal tree cuttingMeasure 2.1.1.4. Assessing and monitoring the forest resourcesMeasure 2.1.1.5. Granting compensations for owners who have forests with special protection functions (type I and II)Measure 2.1.1.6. Developing the wood tracking system (SUMAL)Measure 2.1.1.7. Increasing the contribution of forests to mitigating the effects of climate change - (carbon storing and adapting)Measure 2.1.1.8. Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resourcesMeasure 2.1.1.9. Compensation for damages caused by species of fauna of hunting interest

Program 2.2: Extension of forest surfaces

Measures of the Program 2.2:Measure 2.2.1.1. Forestation of degraded terrainsMeasure 2.2.1.2. First forestationMeasure 2.2.1.3. Execution of protective forest skirts

Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility

of forest resources

Measures of the Program 2.3:Measure 2.3.1.1. Extending the network of forest roadsMeasure 2.3.1.2. Extending works of complex management of torrential river basins

The budgetary resources for the implementation of the measures and the achievement of the outcomes and impacts for the period 2018-2021 are 549.196(000 Lei).


Program budget for TOTAL thou. Lei



549.196 130.821 142.362 144.709 131.305

P 2.1 Preservation of forest and hunting resources 483.841 115.225 125.990 127.800 114.827

P 2.2 Extension of forest surfaces 58.487 14.014 14.588 15.084 14.801

8 The targets will be set in the next ISP

22

Impact indicator 2.1: Total surface of forest stock (Reference value: thousand ha / Target 2018: 6470 thousand ha / Target 2020: 6557 thousand ha / Target 2021: 6600 thou. ha)Stopping illegal exploitation of hunting resources (Reference value 2018 / Target 2018 / Target 2021) Impact indicator 2.2: Forest surface related to the total surface of the country (Reference value: 27.14% / Target 2018: 27.501% / Target 2020: 27.505% / Target 2021: 27.65%)

Impacts

Result 2.1.1 Conservation and development of forestry resources by providing forestry arrangements, forestry services or management services Result indicator: Share of forest surface for which there is a forest planning elaborated through GIS of the total arranged forest surface (Reference value 2015: 65% / Target 2018: 70% / Target 2020: 80% / Target 2021: 85%) Result indicator: Share of surface for which there are forest or administration services (Reference value 2015: 93.4% / Target 2018: 95% / Target 2020: 96% / Target 2021: 96.5%) Result 2.2.1 Extension of forest surfaces Result indicator: Total extended forest surface - thousand ha (Reference value: 0,5/ Target 2018: 1,5 / Target: 2020: 10) Result 2.3.1 Increasing the accessibility of forest resources Result indicator: Average transport network density index

Program outcomes

P 2.3 Increasing the accessibility of forest resources 6.868 1.583 1.784 1.825 1.677

Program 2.1: Preservation of forest and hunting resources


Program 2.1 “Preservation of forest and hunting resources" comes to approach the above-mentioned problems through a series of measures listed below.


Program 2.1 aims to preserve forest resources.

Result indicator: Share of forest surface for which there is forest planning elaborated through GIS, out of total arranged forest surface9 (%)

Result indicator: Share of the surface for which there are forest or administration services (%)


The program includes a series of measures aiming to: Ensure forest services (security); Planning of the national forest stock; Reducing illegal tree cutting; Assessing and monitoring the forest resources (IFN); Granting compensations for owners holding forests with special protection functions (type I and II); Develop the wood tracking computer system (SUMAL); Increase the contribution of forests to mitigating the effects of climatic change (storing carbon and adaptation); Evaluating and monitoring hunting resources; Granting compensation for damages caused by fauna species of hunting interest.


Legislative coherence and synchronization across sectors, increasing the professional performance of staff, development and maintenance of information systems for wood tracking, as well as inter-institutional dialogue represent key factors for the success of the program.

9 MAP.

23



Program 2.2 “Extension of forest surfaces” comes to approach the above-mentioned problems through a series of measures listed below.


Program 2.2 aims to extend forest surfaces by forestation of degraded terrains, first forestation actions and protective forest skirts.

Result indicator: Total extended forest surface10 (thousand ha)


10 Forestation of degraded terrains, first forestation and forest skirts.

24

Program 2.1: Preservation of forest and hunting resources

Result 2.1.1.a. Conservation and development of forestry resources by providing forestry arrangements, forestry services or management services Result 2.1.1.b. Conservation of the hunting resource by stopping illegal exploitation through the realization and implementation of hunting management based on sustainable use of the hunting fund and on biodiversity preservation, by regulating, guiding and controlling the hunting activity, by developing specialized research (applicative and fundamental)

Measure 2.1.1.1. Assuring forest services (security)

Measure 2.1.1.2. Planning and organizing the national forest stock

Measure 2.1.1.3. Reducing illegal tree cutting

Measure 2.1.1.4. Assessment and monitoring of forest resources

Measure 2.1.1.5. Granting compensation for owners holding forests with special protection functions (type I and II)

Measure 2.1.1.6. Developing the wood tracking system (SUMAL)

Measure 2.1.1.7. Increasing the contributions of forests to mitigating the effects of climate change (carbon storing and adaptation)

Measure 2.1.1.8. Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resources

Measure 2.1.1.9. Compensation for damages caused by species of fauna of hunting interest

Program 2.2 includes a series of measures aiming to: Afforest degraded terrains - The measure aims to improve by forestation 50,000 ha of the degraded terrains unsuited for agriculture; First forestation - The measure aims to perform the first forestation of 50,000 ha of farming and non-farming terrains; Performance of protective forest skirts - The measure aims to perform 10,000 ha of protective forest skirts as part of the national system.


Performing forest surveying, increasing professional performance of staff and inter-institution dialogue are key factors for the success of the program.

Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility of forest resources


Program 2.3 “Increasing the accessibility of forest resources" comes to approach the above-mentioned problems through a series of measures listed below.


Result indicator: Average transport network density index (m/ha)


The program includes measures on extending the network of forest roads and extending complex works of management of torrential river basins (legal analysis on the opportunity of amending the legal framework - aspects related to property, correlation with ANAR, etc.)


Legislative coherence and synchronization across sectors, drawing in financial resources required for making the investments, and inter-institution dialogue are key factors for the success of the program.

25


Result 2.2.1. Extension of forest surfaces

Measure 2.2.1.1. Forestation of degraded terrains

Measure 2.2.1.2. First forestation

Measure 2.2.1.3. Performing protective forest skirts

26

Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility to forest resources

Result 2.3.1. Increasing the accessibility of forest resources

Measure 2.3.1.1. Extension of forest roads

Measure 2.3.1.2 Extending the complex management works of torrential river basins

Strategic Objective 3: Strengthening the institutional capacity of the MAP

Analysis of current situation

The Ministry of Waters and Forestry (MAP) is organized and operates based on GD no. 20/2017 on the organization and operation of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry. The main role of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry is to regulate and promote public policies in the field of waters and forests. The main problems to be solved in order to strengthen the MAP’s institutional capacity are the following:

Difficulties in attracting and retaining staff, especially in MAP affiliated institutions (for ex. Forest Guards), because of the insufficient motivation (employees do not feel appreciated and stimulated properly in the complex activity they carry out, which is closely related to the poor labor motivation, which is to say that the lower the appreciation for employees, the less motivated they feel; also, there are gaps between the salaries given in the public sector, that is only a part of public institution employees benefit from certain facilities (meal vouchers, position bonuses, food allowances, incentives, access to cafeteria, transport subscriptions, etc.);

Staff salaries are unequal in the institutions in the sector (MAP and affiliated institutions); big salary difference for the same labor volume and complexity);

Insufficient professional training programs of MAP staff and staff of affiliated institutions.

The MAP’s field of activity is complex from the standpoint of specialized terminology, which is technical (terminology differs from one sector to another: water, forests). The big volume of activities held at European and international level entails the development of most documents in bilingual format, which sometimes entails authorized support by signing contracts with specialized companies;

The technical-material equipment and IT staff are insufficient to optimally carry out the activity;

Insufficient staff in certain ministry departments; the workload is high and the staff overworked (every civil servant must solve several problems at the same time, with very short deadlines);

Very short deadlines within which documents must be drafted and finished, overlapping with other activities lead to the necessity to work overtime, especially in departments that centralize data and documents from all of MAP’s specialized departments.

The study of the Romanian Academy11 reveals the relatively small number of budget programs that received funding under the State Budget Law (period 2004-2015). It was found that at the beginning of the analyzed period, only 2 budget programs were financed at the level of the Ministry of Environment – Ministry of Waters and Forestry. Gradually, their number increased, reaching 6 programs in the years 2014 and 2015. The funds allocated for the funding of these programs were equal, most of them using the total budget of the ministry. The program budgeting rate was very high, in most years being equal to 100%.

11 Study on ISP implementation and program budgeting, Romanian Academy, 2017. Cumulative data for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Waters and Forestry.

27

The Romanian Academy study also indicates that the state budget has increased its share in the financing of the Ministry of Environment – Ministry of Waters and Forestry from 81.4% in 2004 to 98.2% in 2015, while eliminating the loans from the external sources of financing, starting with 2010. Non-reimbursable funds financed about 8.57% of the Ministry of Environment – Ministry of Waters and Forestry budget in 2008 and 2009, but dropped to only 0.8% in 2015. Own revenues began to finance some of the its activities starting with the year 2010, but their share in the total budget of the ministry is modest, reaching the maximum value of 13% in 2013.

The achievement degree of the final budget related to the allocations from the state budget for the Ministry of Environment – Ministry of Waters and Forestry was raised at the beginning of the analyzed period (2004-2015), with a maximum of 99.6% in 2004, after which it started to decrease, the value oscillating, after 2009, around the 90% + 5% threshold. The reduction of the level of this indicator is unfavorable, meaning that there are doubts with respect to the efficient use of allocated resources.

28

29

Strategic objective 3: Strengthening the MAP's institutional capacity

Program 3.1: Strengthening the MAP’s administrative policy management and implementation capacity in its fields of competence

Measures of the Program 3.1:Measure 3.1.1.1. Amending MAP procedures in order to reflect the needs on the policy development process and the ISP implementation needsMeasure 3.1.1.2. Developing IT infrastructureMeasure 3.1.1.3. Operational performance assessment systemMeasure 3.1.1.4. Developing annual and multi-annual programs for all categories of allocated fundsMeasure 3.1.1.5. Improving the management of human resources and adapting to the organization; selecting, hiring and retaining specialized staff, as per the organization needsMeasure 3.1.1.6. Development of staff training programsMeasure 3.1.1.7. Increasing the transparency of the decision-making process on the development of policies / initiation of laws; reporting as per the regulations in force on transparencyMeasure 3.1.1.8. Informing the public on the specificity and activities in the MAP’s fields of competenceMeasure 3.1.1.9. Improving the legislative framework referring to the forest sector (coherence, correlation with other fields, management of surfaces of small owners, amendment of the forest code - surveying procedures, amendment of GD 118, etc.)Measure 3.1.2.1. Implementing the methodology of development and impact analysis of public policies in the field of water resources management and the forest sectorMeasure 3.1.3.1. Development of MAP’s capacity of analysis, audit, control and risk managementMeasure 3.1.3.2. Attracting and using external and extra-budget funds for administrative spending and development of the institutional capacityMeasure 3.1.3.3. Efficient and effective operation of service provided by the ministry via its structuresMeasure 3.1.3.4. Efficient and effective operation of service provided by the ministry via its affiliated institutions

30

Internal and external trust in the MAP’s institutions and actions (%) (Reference value: na / Target 2021: 60) Degree of execution of the MAP budget: (%) (Reference value: na; Target 2021: 100) Degree of compliance with the state budget: difference between the budget planned on January 1st and budget execution on December 31st (%) (Reference value: na; Target 2021: 0)

Impacts

Result 3.1.1 Improved functional and structural stability of the MAP and of the affiliated institutions Result indicator: No. of annual changes in the functional structure (Unit: no. per year / Reference value: 2 / Target 2018: 1 / Target 2021: 1) Result indicator: % of index of employees in the public sector, employees of the MAP and affiliated institutions (Unit: % / Reference value: 0.93 / Target 2018: 0.93 / Target 2021: 0.93) Result 3.1.2. Increasing the efficiency in developing and implementing policies in the field of waters and forests Result indicator: No. of changes in terms of chapters and negative adjustment of the state budget (Unit: no. per year / Reference value: 30 / Target 2018: 25 / Target 2021: 15) Result 3.1.3 Increasing the efficiency in using the MAP’s administrative budget Result indicator: Percentage of operational spending of the total annual budget of the MAP (Unit: % / Reference value: 33 / Target: 2018: 38 / Target: 2021: 36) Result indicator: Operational spending per MAP employee (Unit: RON / Reference value: 127 / Target 2018: 160 / Target 2021: 164)

Program outcomes

The budgetary resources for the implementation of the measures and the achievement of the outcomes and impacts for the period 2018-2021 are 251.207(000 Lei).


Program budget for TOTAL thou. Lei



251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

P 3.1

Strengthening the MAP’s administrative policy management and implementation capacity in its fields of competence

251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

Program 3.1: Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence


Program 3.1 “Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence” comes to approach the above-mentioned problems through a series of measures listed below.


The objective of the program aims to strengthen the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in sectors related to water resource management and protection against the effects of natural calamities and the management of forest resources.

Result 3.1.1: Improved functional and structural stability of the MAP and affiliated institutions

Result indicator: Annual changes in the functional structure (no.)

Result indicator: Index of public sector employees, hired in the MAP and affiliated institutions (%)

Result 3.1.2: Increasing the efficiency of policy development and implementation in the water and forest sector

Result indicator: Changes in terms of chapters and negative adjustments in the state budget (no.)

Result 3.1.3: Increasing the use efficiency of the MAP’s administrative budget

Result indicator: Percentage of operational spending of the total annual budget of the MAP (%)

Result indicator: Operational spending per MAP employee (RON)

31


The program includes a series of measures aimed at amending the MAP procedures in order to reflect the needs concerning the process of policy development and ISP implementation needs; Developing the IT infrastructure; Performance assessment system; Development of annual and multi-annual programs for all categories of allocated funds; Improving human resources management and adaptation to the organization; selection, hiring and retaining qualified personnel, according to organizational needs; Development of training programs for staff; Increasing transparency in decision making concerning policy development / initiation of laws; reporting in accordance with the current regulations on transparency; Informing the public on the specificity and activities of MAP’s fields of competence; Improvement of the legislative framework, etc.


Strengthening the professional capacity and motivation of MAP staff in order to improve the effectiveness of their work and inter-institutional communication and raising awareness among and increasing the involvement of the civil society and the public about their responsibilities in areas covered by MAP are of utmost importance for the program success.

32

33


Result 3.1.1. Improved functional and structural stability of the MAP and affiliated institutions

Measure 3.1.1.1. Amending MAP procedures to reflect the needs on the process of developing policies and the ISP implementation needs

Measure 3.1.1.2. Developing IT infrastructure

Measure 3.1.1.3. Operational performance assessment system

Measure 3.1.1.4. Developing annual and multi-annual programs for all categories of allocated funds

Measure 3.1.1.5. Improving the management of human resources and adapting to the organization; selecting, hiring and retaining the specialized staff, as per the organizational needs

Measure 3.1.1.6. Development of staff training programs

Measure 3.1.1. Increasing transparency in the decision making process on the development of policies / initiation of laws; reporting as per the regulations in force on transparency

Measure 3.1.1.8. Informing the public on the specificity and activities in the MAP’s fields of competence

Measure 3.1.1.9. Improving the law framework referring to the forest sector (coherence, correlation with other fields, planning for forest surfaces of small owners, amendments of the forest code - survey provisions, amendment of GD 118, etc.)

Result 3.1.2. Increased efficiency in developing and implementing policies in the MAP’s fields of competence

Measure 3.1.2.1. Implementing the methodology for developing and analyzing the impact of public policies in the field of management of water resources and forest sector

Result 3.1.3. Increased efficiency on using the MAP’s administrative budget

Measure 3.1.3.1. Developing the MAP’s capacity of analysis, audit, control and risk management

Measure 3.1.3.2. Attracting and using external funds and extra-budget funds for administrative spending and developing the institutional capacity

Measure 3.1.3.3. Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its structures

Measure 3.1.3.4. Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its affiliated structures

III. Arrangements regarding the implementation, the monitoring and the assessment of the ISP

In order to be relevant, an institutional strategic plan must be correlated to the Government’s priority policies and financial planning processes. Thus, the MAP’s ISP for 2017-2020 must include provisions for preparing this year’s budget request which will be drafted in 2017 for 2017-2020. We notice that, although the budget includes spending forecasts for three years, it provides details about activities and spending for just one year. Still, it is expected that over time, greater attention will be given to the second and third year.

Responsibility: Implementing the strategic plan begins after the state budget is approved in the Parliament. Through the Unit of Public Policies and with the aid of technical departments, the MAP will prepare the annual operational plans for the implementation of the ISP. This activity is extremely important as it allows the senior management to early identify and solve possible challenges.

Monitoring and assessment framework: The monitoring and assessment framework is comprised in Annexes 2 and 3; it stipulates indicators for various levels of planning. Annex 1 provides a bird eye’s view on the financial resources.

Data collection and management: An IT system was developed for strategic planning and performance assessment, following the ISP proposed structure format. The app will show key functions of the ISP. The IT app is connected with the SGG and MFP and the progress of ISP implementation can be followed on all levels of execution and management. Progress in relation to indicators can be followed by all stakeholders, including citizens, through an interface which is available to the wide public.

Reporting: When making the decision on what needs to be monitored and how frequently, it is important not to overload the MM’s operational departments. Generally, the reporting calendar varies depending on performance indicators. Thus:

- Entry and process/product indicators are to be measures monthly, or at least quarterly

- Immediate result indicators are to be measures quarterly

- Result indicators shall be measured half-yearly

- Impact indicators shall be monitored yearly.

Below there is a diagram of the monitoring cycle for the MAP’s ISP.

34

Figure 2. Monitoring cycle for MAP’s Strategic Plan

It’s important for the progress achieved in fulfilling planned results as per set performance indicators and targets to be reported to the government, parliament, stakeholders and the wide public. Although currently no annual progress reports are drafted, in the future it will be very important for these reports to be drafted and made public by the MAP.

Assessment: The MAP hasn’t developed any formal approach on ex-post assessments of the other programs and policies. In the future, this activity will provide important information enabling to make changes in delivering programs and policies. These changes will not affect the strategic plan significantly.

It will be indicated to strengthen the periodical assessment of the entire program portfolio which the MAP manages and which are included in the ISP.

ISP update: A complete strategic planning exercise will be conducted every four years. In the respective interval, the MAP will prepare an annual update in order to see whether changes of the strategic plan are required. This update will entail three activities:

- Comparing the results of the previous year with the planned ones; this comparison will be made based on the targets set in the strategic and operational plans;

- Conducting an environmental analysis so as to see whether significant changes need to be made in the hypotheses underlying the current plan; and

- Adding one more year to the plan.

35

HALF-YEARLY ANALYSIS OF RESULTS:

IMMEDIATE RESULT INDICATORS, PRODUCT

AND ENTRY INDICATORS

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS: PROCESS / PRODUCT

INDICATORS AND ENTRY INDICATORS

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS: PROCESS / PRODUCT

INDICATORS AND ENTRY INDICATORS

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS: PROCESS

/ PRODUCT INDICATORS AND

ENTRY INDICATORS

QUARTERLY ANALYSIS: PROCESS

/ PRODUCT INDICATORS AND

ENTRY INDICATORS

ANNUAL ANALYSIS OF RESULTS: ALL

INDICATORS

OCT.JUL.APR.JAN.

Year Setting new targets

2018 for 2021

2019 for 2022

2020 for 2023

Making sure that the plan covers at least three years after the year when the planning is made, the updated strategic plan may continue to represent a basis for the annual budget requests which also require a three-year forecast. Most often, the vision, strategic objectives and program objectives remain unchanged, except for the occurrence of a major event, like an unforeseen economic crisis. The update exercise should be completed by the end of May of every year, which would leave time for collecting and analyzing the results obtained from the previous year.

36

IV. Financial resources

Institutional strategic planning is a process that necessarily builds on three basic pillars: (i) public policies, including strategic objectives, priority measures and programs, (ii) program budgeting, and (iii) performance measurement.

The implementation of public policies and the achievement of the strategic objectives at the desired performance levels are conditioned by the existence (budget allocation) and the timely availability of the financial resource, especially from the state budget.

It is important to note that Romania's accession to the European Union has opened the way to additional financial resources, the access and use of which contribute to the realization of the institutional strategic plans. In this respect, Romania has been allocated over EUR 32.7 billion for the 2014-2020 programming period, through the programs presented in the table below.

Source ERDF CF ESF

Common Agricultural

Policy (Pillar II)

European Fisheries

Fund

Fund for European

Aid to the Most Deprived

TOTAL

Allocations – bn. EUR 11.2 8.1 4.7 8.13 0.17 0.41 32.707

Even with the existence of this European program package, ensuring adequate funding remains a permanent challenge. The forestry and hunting fund, water management, hydrology, hydrogeology, protection, conservation and restoration of natural capital (waters and forests) were allocated through the budget law for 2017, about 0.22% of the total expenditures from the state budget. With very small variations, this percentage remains valid for the 2018-2020 estimates.

The table below shows the annual budget expenditures for the operationalization of the Institutional Strategic Plan for the period 2017-2020, with the state budget as the source of financing.

Specification 2017 2018 2019 2020

Total budget expenditure, financed from the state budget – thousand RON 326,694 358,078 368,574 377,668

Regarding the budgetary projections for the years 2018-2020, it is noted that while the total increase of the state budget expenditures in 2018 compared to 2017 is estimated at 8.2%, the estimated increase for the MAP is higher, reaching a level of 9.6%. For the years 2019 and 2020, the annual increases in projected MAP spending financed from the state budget are below the estimated total government budget of 2.9%, compared to 5.9% for the 2019, and 2.5%, compared to 4.8% for 2020.

37

For both specific policy areas and the pursuit of institutional reform priorities, program budgeting will ensure a more consistent, effective and efficient allocation of available resources.

The chart below presents the financing of the three objectives of the Strategic Institutional Plan between 2017 and 2020.

Figure 3. Evolution of funding for the strategic objectives in the period 2018-2021

2018 2019 2020 20210

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

400,000

450,000

Obiectivul strategic 1 Obiectivul strategic 2 Obiectivul strategic 3

For the entire program budget planning horizon, the share of allocations from the state budget for the Strategic Objective 1, in the total allocations from the state budget, represents over 51%.

Strategic Objective 2 benefits from an allocation of nearly 44% of all state budget allocations, while the Strategic Objective 3 has been allotted 5%.

An outline of the structured budget on (i) strategic objectives, (ii) programs dedicated to achieving each strategic objective and (iii) individualized measures under each program is presented in Annex no. 1.

38

Annex 1a: Budgetary objectives and programs for the period 2018-2021

SpecificationTotal budget credits financed by the state budget (thousand Lei)

Total 2018 2019 2020 2020

TOTAL 1.820.012 326.694 358.078 368.574 377.668

SO 1

Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and strategies on the sustainable development of waters

1.464.756 205.026 425.455 426.053 408.221

P 1.1.

Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods

145.0619 201.596 421.829 422.351 404.843

P 1.2. Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources 14.136 3.430 3.626 3.703 3.378

SO 2 Sustainable management of forest funds for the purpose of securing current and future needs 549.196 130.821 142.362 144.709 131.305

P 2.1. Preservation of forest and hunting resources 483.841 115.225 125.990 127.800 114.827

P 2.2. Extension of forest surfaces 58.487 14.014 14.588 15.084 14.801

P 2.3. Increasing the accessibility of forest resources 6.868 1.583 1.784 1.825 1.677

SO 3 Strengthening the institutional capacity of the MAP 251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

P 3.1.Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence

251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

39

Annex 1b: Programs, measures and related budgets for the period 2018-2021

Objective 1

Strategic objective / Program / Measure Total budget credits (thousand lei)

Total 2018 2019 2020 2021

1Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and strategies on the sustainable development of waters

1.464.756 205.026 425.455 426.053 408.221

1.1 Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and goods 1.450.619 201.596 421.829 422.351 404.843

1.1.1.1 Executing projects for the prevention and reduction of the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources in various points of use and reducing coast erosion

1.414.011 192.708 412.415 412.753 396.134

1.1.2.1 Delimitating minor water beds and registering lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure (mainly minor water beds) 7.356 1.788 1.902 1.933 1.733

1.1.3.1 Assuring the stock of defense materials and means 7.356 1.788 1.902 1.933 1.733

1.1.4.1 Monitoring the implementation of measures of the updated National Management Plan in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological pressures at the level of water courses, in order to protect biodiversity

5.850 1.420 1.502 1.533 1.395

1.1.4.2 Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for collecting biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita 5.850 1.420 1.502 1.533 1.395

40

1.1.4.3 Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for treating biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita 5.850 1.420 1.502 1.533 1.395

1.1.4.4 Monitoring the implementation of measures to adapt to climatic change, to prevent and manage risks of flooding and coast erosion 4.344 1.052 1.102 1.133 1.057

1.2 Program for hydrologic, hydro-geologic activities and management of water resources 14.136 3.430 3.626 3.703 3.378

1.2.1.1 Modernizing the system of forecast of dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users, and modernizing the structures for assuring intervention in emergency cases

4.344 1.052 1.102 1.133 1.057

1.2.1.2 Support studies for the systematic assessment of the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources 3.264 793 841 857 774

1.2.1.3 Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the field

3.264 793 841 857 774

1.2.1.4 Continuous professional training of specialized staff 3.264 793 841 857 774

41

Objective 2

Strategic objective / Program / MeasureTotal budget credits (thousand lei)

Total 2018 2019 2020 2021

2 Sustainable management of forest funds for the purpose of securing current and future needs 549.196 130.821 142.362 144.709 131.305

2.1 Preservation of forest and hunting resources 483.841 115.225 125.990 127.800 114.827

2.1.1.1 Assuring forest services (security) 23.387 5.648 5.795 5.996 5.948

2.1.1.2 Planning and organizing the national forest stock 97.414 22.853 26.140 26.176 22.245

2.1.1.3 Reducing illegal tree cutting 97.414 22.853 26.140 26.176 22.245

2.1.1.4 Assessment and monitoring of forest resources (IFN) 100.158 23.512 26.803 26.878 22.965

2.1.1.5 Granting compensation for owners holding forests with special protection functions (type I and II)

39.287 9.516 9.696 10.046 10.028

2.1.1.6 Developing the wood tracking system (SUMAL) 8.231 1.975 1.990 2.107 2.160

2.1.1.7 Increasing the contributions of forests to mitigating the effects of climate change - (carbon storing and adaptation)

8.065 1.894 2.027 2.106 2.038

2.1.1.8 Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resources 25.967 6.240 6.466 6.683 6.578

2.1.1.9 Granting compensation for damages caused by species of fauna of hunting interest

83.918 20.733 20.934 21.630 20.620

2.2 Extension of forest surfaces 58.487 14.014 14.588 15.084 14.801

2.2.1.1 Forestation of degraded terrains 25.920 6.230 6.453 6.671 6.567

2.2.1.2 First forestation 27.292 6.559 6.785 7.022 6.927

2.2.1.3 Execution of protective forest skirts 5.275 1.225 1.351 1.391 1.307

42

2.3 Increasing the accessibility of forest resources 6.868 1.583 1.784 1.825 1.677

2.3.1.1 Extension of forest road network 5.275 1.225 1.351 1.391 1.307

2.3.1.2 Extending the complex fit-out works of torrential river basins 1.594 357 433 434 370

Objective 3

Strategic objective / Program / MeasureTotal budget credits (thousand lei)

Total 2018 2019 2020 2021

3 Strengthening the institutional capacity of the MAP 251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

3.1 Strengthening the administrative policy management and implementation capacity in the MAP’s fields of competence 251.207 64.723 63.609 64.346 58.530

3.1.1.1 Amending MAP procedures to reflect the needs on the process of developing policies and the ISP implementation needs

6.631 1.591 1.603 1.697 1.740

3.1.1.2 Developing the IT infrastructure 7.593 2.229 1.927 1.697 1.740

3.1.1.3 Operational performance assessment system 6.631 1.591 1.603 1.697 1.740

3.1.1.4 Developing annual and multi-annual programs for all categories of allocated funds

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.1.5Improving the management of human resources and adapting to the organization; selecting, hiring and retaining the specialized staff, as per the organizational needs

6.631 1.591 1.603 1.697 1.740

3.1.1.6 Development of staff training programs 6.631 1.591 1.603 1.697 1.740

43

3.1.1.7Increasing transparency in the decision-making process on the development of policies / initiation of laws; reporting as per the regulations in force on transparency

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.1.8 Informing the public on the specificity and activities in the MAP’s fields of competence

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.1.9

Improving the law framework referring to the forest sector (coherence, correlation with other fields, planning for forest surfaces of small owners, amendments of the forest code - survey provisions, amendment of GD 118, etc.)

6.631 1.591 1.603 1.697 1.740

3.1.2.1Implementing the methodology for developing and analyzing the impact of public policies in the field of management of water resources and forest sector

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.3.1 Developing the MAP’s capacity of analysis, audit, control and risk management

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.3.2 Attracting and using external funds and extra-budget funds for administrative spending and developing the institutional capacity

3.316 795 802 849 870

3.1.3.3 Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its structures

79.073 19.972 20.780 20.856 17.465

3.1.3.4 Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its affiliated structures

111.491 29.795 28.078 28.214 25.404

44

Annex 2: Institutional Strategic Plan (summary table)

Description of objectives and indicators Unit Baseline Target 2018 Target 2020 Target 2021

Strategic objective no. 1: Integrated management of water resources and extreme hydrological events in accordance with the policies and strategies concerning the sustainable development of waters

Impact indicators: Volume of water resource available to meet all requirements mil. cubic meters 6704 6800 10304 10304

Impact indicators: Population exposed to the risk of flooding (refers to minimizing the risk of flooding of social-economic, cultural and environmental components)

number of population

(risk reduction)

1500000 1500000 1450000 1300000

Impact indicators: Degree of completion of hydrological alerts for quick rush flooding % 65 65 70 72

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and property

Result 1.1.1. Implementing projects of development of water management infrastructure, so as to prevent and reduce the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, to ensure water resources in various points of use and to reduce coast erosion

Result indicator: Achievement of the annual investment program (actual % of annual planning) % 0 30 100 100


Result indicator: Degree of delimitation of the terrains associated to the water management system and degree of registration of such terrains in the land register

% 0.5 1 6 10

45



Result indicator: Degree of reduction of social vulnerabilityNo. of

vulnerable persons

820000 820000 800000 790000


Result indicator: Degree of increase of water bodies in an ecologically good state / potentially good state by applying measures % 68.37 68.37 80 86.5



Result indicator: Degree of implementation of planned objectives (studies, development/implementation of new methodologies / models, etc.) % 0 100 100 100

Strategic objective no. 2: Sustainable management of forest stocks for the purpose of securing current and future needs

Impact indicators: Total surface of forest stock thousand ha 647012(2008) 6556 6557 6700

Impact indicator: Forest surface related to the total surface of the country13 % 27.1414(2008) 27.501 27.505 27.65

12 Source: Statistics on forestry activities (NIS).13 In 2008, the total area of Romania was 23,839.1 thousand ha (source: NIS).14 NIS.

46


Program 2.1: Preservation of forest resources

Result 2.1.2.a. Conservation and development of forestry resources by providing forestry arrangements, forestry services or management servicesResult 2.1.2.b. Conservation of the hunting resource by stopping illegal exploitation through the realization and implementation of hunting management based on sustainable use of the hunting fund and on biodiversity preservation, by regulating, guiding and controlling the hunting activity, by developing specialized research (applicative and fundamental)

Result indicator: Share of forest surface for which there is forest planning elaborated through GIS out of the total arranged forest surface15 % 93.4 (2015) 95 96

Result indicator: Share of the area for which there are forestry or management services % 65 (2017) 70 75 80

Result indicator: Percentage of illegal exploitation of hunting resources relative to their reference value %

Result indicator: Percentage of compensation for damages caused by hunting species of hunting interest relative to their reference value % 100 (2017) 95 85 80



Result indicator: Total extended forest surface 16 Thou. ha 0.5 (2017) 4.8 9 10.7

Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility of forest resources


Result indicator: Average transport network density index m/ha 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7

Strategic objective no. 3: Strengthening the institutional capacity of the MAP

15 MAP.16 Forestation of degraded terrains, first forestation and forest skirts

47


Impact indicator: (Internal and external) trust in MAP’s institutions and actions % na17 60 60

Impact indicator: Degree of execution of the MAP budget % na18 100 100

Impact indicator: Degree of compliance with the state budget: Difference between the budget planned on January 1st and the budget execution on December 31st % na 0 0



Result indicator: No. of annual changes in the functional structure No./year max. 2 max. 1 max. 1

Result indicator: % index of public sector employees, hired in the MAP and affiliated institutions %

0.93% 0.93% 0.93%

Result 3.1.2. Increasing the efficiency of policy development and implementation in the water and forest sector

Result indicator: No. of changes in terms of chapters and negative adjustments in the state budget no./year 30 25 20

Result 3.1.3. Increasing the use efficiency of the MAP’s administrative budget

Result indicator: Percentage of operational spending of the total annual budget of the MAP % 33 38 37

Result indicator: Operational spending per MAP employee – thousand RON RON 127 160 164

17 As a ministry set up on January 1, 2017, there was no budget execution to substantiate the indicator's reference value18 As a ministry set up on January 1, 2017, there was no budget execution to substantiate the indicator's reference value.

48

Annex 3: Programs and connected measures, output indicators (summary table)

Measures Output Indicator Unit/Target Value Baseline Target

2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

Program 1.1: Assuring the management of infrastructure and water resources, preventing risks and reducing the impact of natural calamities on population and property

Result 1.1.1. Implementing projects of restoration and development of water management infrastructure, so as to prevent and reduce the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, to ensure water resources in various points of use and to reduce coast erosion

Measure 1.1.1.1. Executing projects for the prevention and reduction of the effects on and damages to the population caused by natural phenomena, assuring water resources in various points of use and reducing coast erosion

No. of projects 0 2019


Measure 1.1.2.1. Delimitating minor water beds and registering lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure (mainly minor water beds)The delimitation of minor river beds is necessary in order to define the limits of areas in which any social-economic activities are carried out, with the observance and fulfillment of all requirements on the correct exploitation of the national water management system

Waterway length (km) 0 790 1580 4740 7900


Measure 1.1.3.1. Assuring the stock of defense materials and meansDefense materials and means are used in operative actions of defense against floods, ice and accidental pollution, for interventions in defense facilities, damage-mitigation facilities and in actions to prevent and prepare for interventions (checking flood-defense facilities)

Degree of coverage of the demand (%)

30 30 30 33 35

19 The targets for the next years will be established in the next ISP

49


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021


Measure 1.1.4.1. Monitoring the implementation of measures of the updated National Management Plan in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological pressures at the level of water courses, in order to protect biodiversityThe main public investment activities and projects for implementing measures refer to works executed in the Danube Delta (preserving the hydrological regime and improving the hydrological conditions, dredging main fishery channels and streams, ecologic reconstruction in farming and fishery facilities) and Prut hydrographic basin (reconnection of old arms, restoration of loops and secondary arms). These projects are included in the Annexes of the updated Management plans of river basins / spaces in Romania, approved by GD no. 859/2016 on approving the updated national Management plan associated to the portion of the international river basin of the Danube River which is found on the Romanian territory.

No. of measures implemented to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological alterations 0 2 5 9 12

Measure 1.1.4.2. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for collecting biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capitaThe measure contributes to reaching the water resources integrated management objective as per the requirements of the environmental acquis of the European Union and in order to answer investment needs identified and needed to comply with these requirements, leading to an increase of the number of water bodies with an ecologically good state / good ecologic potential.

Degree of connection to the systems for collecting the waste waters generated by residents of communities with more than 2,000 capita, equivalent (%)

65 67 70 72 75

Measure 1.1.4.3. Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for treating biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capitaThe measure contributes to reaching the water resources integrated management objective as per the requirements of the environmental acquis of the European Union and in order to

Degree of connection to the systems for treating the

58 62 65 67 70

50


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

answer investment needs identified and needed to comply with these requirements, leading to an increase of the number of water bodies with an ecologically good state / good ecologic potential.

waste waters generated by residents of communities with more than 2,000 capita, equivalent (%)

Measure 1.1.4.4. Monitoring the implementation of measures to adapt to climatic change, to prevent and manage risks of flooding and coast erosionIn the Management Plan of Flood Risks, in order to identify major integrated projects (projects financed by POIM), each River Basin Administration conducted a matrix analysis in each area with a potentially significant flood risk indicating on the one hand the main towns / groups of communities that will potentially be affected, situated in the 1% floodable band(designated based on a unitary national criterion, taking into account the potentially affected population - threshold above 150 inhabitants potentially affected per community) and the main measures with a significant flood risk reduction effect (most relevant measures in terms of flood risk reduction) in these communities, on the other hand.

No. of action plans (6)

0 0 6 7 8



Measure 1.2.1.1. Modernizing the system of forecast of dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users, and modernizing the structures for assuring intervention in emergency casesMaking and implementing a new hydrological model with distributed parameters that will be used to make new hydrological forecast products in operative regime, using the probabilistic model. Development and implementation of a new methodology to develop forecasts and alerts for rush flooding.

Number of new models of forecast and alert of dangerous hydrological phenomena,

0 0 0 0 1

51


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

implemented nationwide

Measure 1.2.1.2. Support studies for the systematic assessment of the quantitative and qualitative state of water resourcesThe systematic assessment of the state of surface water resources is achieved by specific studies for various situations of hydrological regime (deficit, normal, surplus) on the basis of data from the hydrological studies after final analysis and validation. The evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative state of underground water resources is done by analyzing and monitoring data at underground water body level, by applying methodologies acknowledged and used at the level of the European Union. Depending on the obtained results, programs of measures are proposed (activities, deadlines) so that, according to the provisions of the Water Framework Directive, all underground water bodies can reach the state “good”. The results of the assessment of the quantitative and qualitative stat of the underground water resources, including the measure programs are part of the Plans of management of river spaces and basins. The activities related to the quantitative state of surface water resources carried out while taking these measures may constitute a starting point for developing scenarios on the evolution of water resources, for the purpose of efficiently administering such, including studies of potential impact of climatic changes.

Number of studies on assessing the quantitative and qualitative stat of water resources

13 13 13 14 15

Measure 1.2.1.3. Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the fieldThe main activities consist in developing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in order to support the fulfillment of various requirements formulated in European directives, national plans and strategies in the field and in national research programs. In this regard, the latest European approaches in these fields will be consulted and additionally developed based on contributions of Romanian specialists, so that they can represent an improvement of the current situation and compliance with European trends.

Number of methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures

0 0 0 4 4

52


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

Measure 1.2.1.4. Continuous professional training of specialized staffThe professional training of staff is achieved by organizing and taking part in specialized courses (initiation or advanced course), short- or long-termed, held within the institution or outside it, but also by attending scientific conferences, workshops, etc.

Number of persons trained annually 30 30 30 40 40

Program 2.1: Preservation of forest resources

Result 2.1.1.a. Conservation and development of forestry resources by providing forestry arrangements, forestry services or management servicesResult 2.1.1.b. Conservation of the hunting resource by stopping illegal exploitation through the realization and implementation of hunting management based on sustainable use of the hunting fund and on biodiversity preservation, by regulating, guiding and controlling the hunting activity, by developing specialized research (applicative and fundamental)

Measure 2.1.1.1. Assuring forest services (security)The measure aims to support the provision of security services for forests for which there are no administration or forest services. This measure will be financed from the state budget.

Surface for which forest services (security) are financed / thousand ha

35 200 400 430 450

Measure 2.1.1.2. Planning and organizing the national forest stock The measure entails the modernization and adaptation of the forest planning system; the performance of forest planning in GIS system; making a national database for forest planning; monitoring the enforcement of forest planning provisions; this measure is to be financed by the state budget. The estimated budget for achieving the national database is 0.1 million Euros. The estimated budget for developing forest planning for forests owned by owners of forests of small surfaces (up to 30 hectares) is 3 million. Euros.

No. of developed forest planningOperational database

65 70 75 80 85

Measure 2.1.1.3. Reducing illegal tree cuttingThe measure aims to identify and implement illegal tree cutting prevention measures This measure will be financed from the state budget.

Volume of wood cut illegally / thousand m3

191 (2016) 180 170 160 150

Measure 2.1.1.4. Assessment and monitoring of forest resources National forest 1750 1750 3500 4250

53


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

The measure consists in finalizing the National Forestry Inventory (IFN) cycle II 2013-2018 by the National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry (INCDS) and starting the III rd

cycle of IFN 2019-2023. The estimated budget for the realization of IFN - cycle III is 8 million Euros.

inventory 2013-2018 performed No. of performed studies

Completing

cycle II of IFN

cycle III of IFN

cycle III of IFN

cycle III of IFN

Measure 2.1.1.5. Granting compensation for owners holding forests with special protection functions (type I and II)The measure involves the granting of compensatory payments for protective functions. This measure will be financed from the state budget. The estimated budget for the payment of compensations is 200 million RON.

Forest surface for which compensations are given

200 200 200 200

0 (it

finishes in 2020)

Measure 2.1.1.6. Developing the wood tracking system (SUMAL)This measure refers to improving the SUMAL system for improving the structure of technical support, the user interface so as to harmonize it with the "due diligence" system and with the technical norms on wood mass assessment. The measure is financed by the state budget. The estimated budget is 0.5 million Euros.

Number of applications completed(total 10)

5 6 8 10 11

Measure 2.1.1.7. Increasing the contributions of forests to mitigating the effects of climate change (carbon storing and adaptation)The measure aims to:carry out research studies on the analysis of the impact of climate change on sustainable forest management in Romania;select and promote resistant / adaptive tree species biotypes adapted to climate change;extend their use in forest regeneration works in exposed areas. This measure will be financed from the state budget. The estimated budget is 1.5 million Euros.

No. of contracted studies

0 1 2 3 3

Measure 2.1.1.8. Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resourcesThe measure aims to:identify and implement measures to halt (reduce) the illegal exploitation of hunting

Number of activities (measures)

0 1 2 3 4

54


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

resources;set up and implement hunting management based on the sustainable use of the hunting fund and the preservation of biodiversity;develop specialized research (applied and fundamental);monitor the hunting resources by regulating, guiding and controlling the hunting activity.

implemented to improve current hunting management

Measure 2.1.1.9. Granting compensation for damages caused by fauna species of hunting interestThe measure aims to:empower owners of agricultural / forestry and domestic animals and the managers of hunting funds in order to reduce the damages caused by fauna species of hunting interest;implement measures that lead to better (knowledge and) compliance with the legislative framework;modify the legislative framework in order to clarify and correct possible “leakages” of legislation.

Number of measures implemented to reduce damages caused by hunting species of hunting interest

0 1 2 3 4



Measure 2.2.1.1. Forestation of degraded terrainsThe measure aims to improve by forestation 5,000 ha of degraded terrains unsuited for agriculture. The measure consists in developing technical-economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and in performing forestation works until reaching a self-sustainable stage of those areas. This measure will be financed by the State Budget, the Improvement Fund, Environmental Fund and Preservation and Regeneration Fund. The estimated cost is 350 million Euros.

Thousand ha 0.3 (2017) 3.5 3.8 4.0 4.2

Measure 2.2.1.2. First forestationThe measure aims to perform first forestation of 50,000 ha of farming and non-farming terrains. The measure consists in developing technical-economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and in performing forestation works until reaching a self-

Thousand ha 0.2 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.5

55


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

sustainable stage of those areas. This measure is to be financed by the FEADR. The estimated cost is 300 million Euros.

Measure 2.2.1.3. Performing protective forest skirtsThe measure aims to perform across 5,000 ha protective forest skirts as part of the national system. This measure will be financed by the State Budget, the Improvement Fund, Environmental Fund and Preservation and Regeneration Fund. The measure consists in developing technical-economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and in performing forestation works until reaching a self-sustainable stage of those areas. The estimated cost is 100 million Euros.

Thousand ha 0.0 0.3 1.0 2.0 3.0

Program 2.3: Increasing the accessibility to forest resources


Measure 2.3.1.1. Extension of forest roadsThe measure aims to extend the network of forest roads, for the purpose of increasing the level of accessibility to the forest stock. The measure is to be financed by the state budget, by external loans and European funds. The estimated budget is 1000 million Euros.

Length of new forest roadskm

50 110 180 260 290

Measure 2.3.1.2. Extending the complex management works of torrential river basinsAt a first stage, it is required to make a legal analysis on the suitability of amending the law framework (aspects related to property, correlation with ANAR, etc.) The actual measure consists in developing technical - economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and executing the works. The measure is to be financed by the state budget, by external loans and European funds. The estimated budget is 800 million Euros.

Corrected length of the bed (km)

20(2017) 40 60 80 90



Measure 3.1.1.1. Amending MAP procedures to reflect the needs on the process of developing policies and the ISP implementation needs

Modified Organization

- - - YES

56


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

and Operation Regulation (YES/NO)

Measure 3.1.1.2. Developing IT infrastructure

% of computerized procedures and processes in the MAP% employees using IT programs in the field

0

0

2

5

5

10

10

20

Measure 3.1.1.3. Operational performance assessment system YES / NO - - - YES

Measure 3.1.1.4. Developing annual and multi-annual programs for all categories of allocated funds

% (degree of) compliance with the annual budget programming - 100%

100 100 100 100

Measure 3.1.1.5. Improving the management of human resources and adapting to the organization; selecting, hiring and retaining the specialized staff, as per the organizational needs

% staff turnover in the ministry and affiliated institutions% employees of the total no. of positions

25

-

25

-

20

-

15

-

Measure 3.1.1.6. Development of staff training programs % completion 100 100 100 100

57


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

of the annual training plan

% certified staff of total no. of staff - water

% certified staff of total no. of staff - forests

Measure 3.1.1.7. Increasing transparency in the decision-making process on the development of policies / initiation of laws; reporting as per the regulations in force on transparency

% of compliance with legal procedures (no. of non-compliances)

Reports published as per Law 544/2001

Reports published as per Law 52/2003

Published sector reports

100

1

1

1

100

1

1

1

100

1

1

1

100

1

1

1

58


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

(online)

Measure 3.1.1.8. Informing the public on the specificity and activities in the MAP’s fields of competence

No. of information campaigns and events held - waterNo. of information campaigns and events held - forests

0 (2016)

0 (2016)

5

4

5

4

6

6

Measure 3.1.1.9. Improving the law framework referring to the forest sector (coherence, correlation with other fields, planning for forest surfaces of small owners, amendments of the forest code - survey provisions, amendment of GD 118, etc.)

No. of amended laws 0 0 1 2

Result 3.1.2. Increased efficiency in developing and implementing policies in the MAP’s fields of competence

Measure 3.1.2.1. Implementing the methodology for developing and analyzing the impact of public policies in the field of management of water resources and forest sector

% documents on public policies as per the procedure approved by the ministry

100 100 100 100

Result 3.1.3. Increased efficiency on using the MAP’s administrative budget

Measure 3.1.3.1. Developing the MAP’s capacity of analysis, audit, control and risk management

% compliant monitoring plans

100 100 100 100

Measure 3.1.3.2. Attracting and using external funds and extra-budget funds for % funds used / 95 95 95 95

59


2018Target 2019

Target 2020

Target 2021

administrative spending and developing the institutional capacity

funds allocated annually

% funds used for developing the institutional capacity from external and extra-budget funds

0.62 0.67 0.70 0.75

Measure 3.1.3.3. Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its structures

% implemented operational plan

0 30 60 100

Measure 3.1.3.4. Efficient and effective operation of the services provided by the ministry through its affiliated structures

% implemented operational plan

0 30 60 100

60

Measure datasheet20

Measure 1.1.2.1.Title: Delimitating minor water beds and registering lands occupied by flood-defense infrastructure (mainly terrains next to minor water beds).Justification: The delimitation of minor river beds is necessary in order to define the limits of areas in which any social-economic activities are carried out, with the observance and fulfillment of all requirements on the correct exploitation of the national water management system.The delimitation of minor beds is done as per the provisions of the “Methodology for the delimitation of minor beds of waterways belonging to the public domain of the state” approved by Order of the MMGA 326/2007. Currently, the Methodology is being remade and supplemented.The registration in the Land Register of minor beds of waterways belong to the public domain of the state and of the other terrains belonging to the national system of Water Management is necessary because: According to the provisions of art. 4 of GD no 1705/2006 for approving the centralized inventory of the goods that are the public domain of the state, as further amended and supplemented, “laws amending the centralized inventory of the goods that are the public domain of the state shall be accompanied by an annex comprising, in addition to the identification data and sole identifications codes (CUI), administrator attributes, numbers assigned to the respective goods by the Ministry of Public Finances, and the number in the Land Register, as the case may be”. Law no. 71 of June 3rd 2011 for enforcing Law no. 287/2009 on the Fiscal Code, as further amended and supplemented, Art. 56o The provisions of art. 557, paragraph (4), art. 565, art. 885, paragraph (1) and art. 886 of the Civil Code shall only apply after completing the land survey works for each territorial-administrative unit and after opening, upon request or ex officio, the land registers for those real properties, as per the provisions of Cadaster Law and Real Estate Publicity no. 7/1996, republished, as further amended and supplemented.”o By the date stated at paragraph (1), the registration in the land register of the right of ownership and of other real rights, based on documents through which such ownership was transmitted, legitimately constituted or modified, is done only for the purpose of being opposable to third parties. According to the provisions of art. 41, paragraph (6) of Law no. 7/1996 concerning cadaster and real estate publicity, republished, as further amended and supplemented, "upon concluding concession or rental contracts for real properties found in the public property of the state and of territorial-administrative units, the land register statement shall be attached for the purpose of information, as well as the cadaster plan statement for the real property which is the object of the contract".

20 This section provides detailed information about the measures included in Annex 3

61

According to the provisions of art. 35, paragraph (51) and paragraph (52) of Water Law no. 107/1996, republished, as further amended and supplemented:o “The central public authority in the water sector is delegated by the "Romanian Waters” National Administration to register in the land register the state's right of ownership over the assets representing the public domain of the state found in the administration of the “Romanian Waters” National Administration” stated at art. 3.” ando “The costs for drafting the cadaster technical documentations, as well as the documents necessary to register the state’s right of ownership in the land register over the goods stated at paragraph (51) are borne from the state budget, through the central public authority in the water sector". Description: The total length of water beds (minus that of the surface of lakes and reservoirs of any sort) which need to be registered in the definitive land register is of roughly 78,900 km. The equivalent length of the shores of lakes and reservoirs is of roughly 11,700 km, which gives a total result of roughly 90,600 km, equivalent bed length. The total surface occupied by waters is roughly 3.8% of the territory of the country - (238,391 km2) which is roughly 9059 km2 (905,900 ha). Land registration operations are preceded or take place at the same time with minor bed delimitation operations. According to law 7/1996, art. 4, letter d); performance of cadaster, geodesic and mapping works associated to the registration in the Land Register of terrains and constructions is only done by natural persons and legal entities authorized by the Cadaster Authority. An estimate (approximate and preliminary) of the total costs of cadaster / registration operations is 360,000,000 - 700,000,000 lei, including the preliminary partial delimitation and hydraulic modeling for determining the limits on hydrological criteria. These amounts do not include the costs of expropriation on account of public utilities or takeover in the state public patrimony of terrains registered in minor beds on behalf of third natural persons or legal entities. There are numerous situations where the terrain surfaces which, according to administrative and legislative acts in force, belong to the state public domain and could not be registered by ANAR because the initial ownership documents are missing. This legislative deficiency and lack of proper financing determined delays and the registration of very small terrain surfaces (under 1% of the total estimated surfaces, of which the most part are terrains and constructions of headquarters and buildings with different destinations). On terrain surfaces which, according to the administrative and legislative acts in force belong to the state public domain associated to the water management system, significant terrain surfaces have been registered on the name of natural persons and legal entities. Currently, no estimate can be provided of these terrains found in minor beds of rivers and lakes, nor of the cost for reintroducing them in the state public domain. The legal regulations based on which the delimitation of minor beds can be done (“Methodology for delimitating minor beds of waterways belonging to the state public domain” approved by Order of the MMGA 326/2007) are currently being redrafted and supplemented, scheduled for completion in December 2017. The application of the current form of regulation may determine discrepancies which will later need to be corrected, including concerning the surfaces and limits of the terrains registered in the land register.

62

We estimate that after approving the Methodology, supplementations / amendments will also be required, corresponding to Law 107/1996 (Water Law). As a conclusion, for the period 2017-2020, we can make a preliminary estimate that no more than 20% of the total surface of minor river beds including lakes and reservoirs (about 90,600 ha) will be registered, reaching this target depending on the manner and time by which the required supplementations and amendments to administrative acts and laws are completed, acts and laws that the proper course of the action depend on. The average price for registering one km of minor bed taken into consideration, including delimitation and hydraulic modeling, is 6,000 lei/km.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies The general strategic line of action consists in surveying all terrains and constructions in Romania. The essential elements of legislation have been mentioned above.Financing source / sources: state budget, external non-reimbursable funds, own dedicated funds (first of all for preliminary delimitations and local measurements - determinations of shores).Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)2017: State budget: 6,600,000 lei of which:

Account 20.30.30 Other spending with goods and services: 6,600,000 lei

2018: State budget: 15,000,000 lei of which: Account 20.30.30 Other spending with goods and services: 15,000,000 lei



Measure 1.1.3.1.Title: Assuring the stock of defense materials and means.Justification: According to the Regulation on the management of emergency situations generated by floods, dangerous weather conditions, accidents at hydro-technical constructions, accidental pollution in waterways and marine pollution along the coastline, approved by the Joint Order of MMP/MAI no.192/1422/2012, holders of works with the role of flood defense will establish stocks of materials and means of operative intervention under the approved framework Law only in the varieties and quantities required, depending on the location area, the degree of management thereof, the type of existing flood-defense works, the specificity of operational defense actions, based on previous experience.Description: Defense materials and means are used in operative actions of defense against floods, ice and accidental pollution, for interventions in defense facilities, damage-mitigation

63

facilities and in actions to prevent and prepare for interventions (checking flood-defense facilities). The defense stock requires a mandatory periodic analysis; priorities and permanently established and supplemented: Defense means and materials used in operative intervention actions are accounted in the inventory by a commission created in the unit, they are registered in a Protocol which is to be approved by the president of the local committee on whose territory the intervention actions were performed and based thereon they are subtracted from the stock. After the expiry of the recommended period of use and operation of the defense means and materials, the technical status and destination of such is determined (decommissioning or further use). Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: MMP/MAI joint order no. 1422/192/2012.Financing source / sources: stat budget, external non-reimbursable funds, own funds.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)2017: State budget: 2500000 lei of which:

Account 20.23: inventory materials and objects 500000 lei Account 71.01.02: Equipment (fixed assets) 2000000 lei

2018: State budget: 2625000 lei of which: Account 20.23: inventory materials and objects 550000 lei Account 71.01.02 Equipment (fixed assets) 2100000 lei

2019: State budget: 2650000 lei of which: Account 20.23: inventory materials and objects 550000 lei Account 71.01.02: Equipment (fixed assets) 2200000 lei

2020: State budget: 2875000 lei of which: Account 20.23: inventory materials and objects 575000 lei Account 71.01.02: Equipment (fixed assets) 2300000 lei

Measure 1.1.4.1.Title: Monitoring the implementation of measures of the updated National Management Plan in order to reduce the effects of hydro-morphological pressures at the level of water courses, in order to protect biodiversity.Justification: The measure contributes to reaching the water resources integrated management in accordance with the policies and strategies on the sustainable management of waters, leading to an increase of the number of bodies of water in ecologically good / potentially good state.Description: The main public investment activities and projects for implementing measures refer to works executed in the Danube Delta (preserving the hydrological regime and improving the hydrological conditions, unsilting main fishery channels and streams, ecologic reconstruction in farming and fishery facilities) and Prut hydrographic basin (reconnection of old arms, restoration of loops and secondary arms). These projects are included in the Annexes of the updated Management plans of river basins / spaces in Romania, approved by GD no. 859/2016 on approving the updated national Management plan associated to the portion of the international river basin of the Danube River which is found on the Romanian territory.

64

Relation to current strategic framework and public policies. The measures are part of the measure program of the updated National management plan for the portion of the international river basin of the Danube which is found on Romanian territory, approved by GD 859/2016, issued by the “Romanian Waters” National Administration in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry. The National management plan is the instrument for the implementation of the requirements of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and Council of October 23rd 2000, concerning the establishment of a community policy framework in the water sector, transposed in the national law by Law no. 107/1996, as further amended and supplemented. The measure referring to the Danube Delta are included in the Integrated Management Plan for the Danube Delta, a plan issued by the Administration of the Biosphere Reservation "Danube Delta" and approved by Government Decision no. 763/2015 for approving the Management Plan and the Regulation of the Biosphere Reservation "Danube Delta" Bucharest.The measures answer the commitments assumed by Romania in relation to the European Union, namely: Romania’s Accession Treaty to the European Union, the National Strategy for Sustainable Development in Romania "Orizonturi 2013-2020-2030” and the Partnership agreement 2014-2020 between Romania and the European Union.Financing source / sources: Projects for achieving the works for implementing measures in the Danube Delta are financed by the state budget, through the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry and the Administration of the Biosphere Reservation “Danube Delta”. Projects for achieving the works for implementing measures in the Prut river basin are financed by the Large Infrastructure Operational Programmes 2014-2020, Priority axis 4 - Environmental protection by biodiversity conservation measures, air quality monitoring and decontamination of historically polluted sites (FEDR European funds) and Priority Axis 5 - Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management (Cohesion funds). Co-financing the measures is assured by the state budget through the Ministry of European Funds.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)Cost estimates for the multiannual allocation over the period 2017-2020 are identifiable in the budget proposed by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration and by the Ministry of European Funds (co-financing for POIM, Priority Axis 4 – Environmental Protection through Biodiversity Conservation Measures, Air Quality Monitoring and Decontamination of Historically Polluted Sites – 4.1 Increasing the protection and preservation of biodiversity and restoration of degraded ecosystems: Reducing the effects of hydromorphological pressures in the watercourses in order to protect

biodiversity (passages passing through the ichthyofauna for the transverse water barrier works, restoration of wetlands, bed and relief restoration in the floodplain of water bodies etc.);

Maintaining and restoring degraded ecosystems and provided services (afforestation, ecological corridors, etc.) located outside protected natural areas, in line with the European objectives in the field, including the marine environment;

And Priority Axis 5 – Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Prevention and Risk Management - 5.1 Reducing the effects and damage to the population caused by natural phenomena associated with the main risks posed by climate change, mainly floods and coastal erosion.

Measures 1.1.4.2 and 1.1.4.3

65

Title: Monitoring the execution of the infrastructure for collecting and treating biodegradable organic loads in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita.Justification: The measures contribute to reaching the water resources integrated management objective as per the requirements of the environmental acquis of the European Union and in order to answer investment needs identified and needed to comply with these requirements, leading to an increase of the number of water bodies with an ecologically good state / good ecologic potential.Description: The obligations driving from the Accession Treaty answer the needs of implementing the provisions of Directive 91/271/EEC on urban waste-water treatment, for which Romania was granted transition periods in order to comply. Thus, by December 2018, the obligations on collecting and treating waste-waters in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita must be complied with.Considering that there are delays in reaching the assumed intermediary targets, as well as delays in implementing projects financed by the Environment Operational Programme (POSM) 2007-2013, there is a certain risk that the commitments assumed in the Treaty will be achieved with delay. Through the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (POIM) 2014-2020, Priority Axis 3 – Development of environmental infrastructure in conditions of an efficient resources management – 3.2. Increased urban waste water collection and treatment, as well as the provision of drinking water supply to the population, projects started in 2007-2013 will continue to be implemented and such projects are schedule for completion after 2015 and new projects are to be developed for compliance with the directive provisions on the collection and treatment of urban waste-waters in communities with the equivalent of more than 2,000 capita, those with more than 10,000 capita being priority projects. With the POIM, the main focus is on types of actions meant to implement integrated projects (new and staged), with the following types of sub-actions: construction / rehabilitation of sewage networks and wastewater treatment stations (with third stage treatment, where needed) which assures the collection and treatment of the biodegradable organic load in communities with more than the equivalent of 2,000 capita, granting priority to communities with more than 10,000 capita; Implementing and rendering efficient the management of sludge resulting from the wastewater treatment process;The list of major projects for wastewater infrastructure is included in the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: In Romania, the institutional framework based on which investments can be made in the wastewater sector in order to comply with the requirements of the European Union’s environmental acquis and in order to answer the development needs identified on national level is made up by the commitments assumed in the Accession Treaty and the provisions of the Plan of Implementation of Directive 91/271/EEC on treating urban wastewaters. Selecting the options for achieving the specific objectives is based on the lists of priority investments approved at county level based on the updated Master Plan, which are used to assess both the current degree of compliance and the investments required to reach the targets assumed in the Treaty.

66

The provisions of Directive 91/271/EEC on the treatment of urban wastewaters were transposed in the national legislation through GD no. 188/2002 on approving norms on the conditions of discharging wastewaters in the water environment, as further amended and supplemented.Financing source / sources: The allocation of financial resources available from the Cohesion fund covers a part of the investment demand for complying with the requirements of Directive 91/271/EEC on urban wastewater treatment, being exclusively oriented towards completing the projects started in 2007-2013. Major projects included in the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme 2014-2020 will mainly be financed by cohesion funds, co-financing being assured by the state budget through the Ministry of Public Finances. Furthermore, for compliance with rural community requirements, the financing demand will be completed through the National Rural Development Programme (FEADR) as part of the measure to develop the basic infrastructure in the rural sector. Financing petitioners within the PNDR will be the local authorities, but a mechanism will be set up to coordinate the investments financed by the two programs, by involving regional operators in the process of technical training, approval and implementation of financing requests of PNDR beneficiaries, so as to have a unitary approach and integrated and efficient management in this sector, with a possible perspective to have water companies take over the operation of achieved investments.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)The total value of the investments estimated to be required in period 2017-2020 for compliance with the provisions of Directive 91/271/EEC on urban wastewater treatment is of roughly 8 billion Euros, an estimate that takes into account the completion of investment objectives financed through SOP environment 2007-2013. The financing available through POIM 2014-2020 will contribute to achieving the general objectives of the directive in period 2017-2020 in a proportion of about 25%.The actions stipulated in the POIM (Priority axis 3 - Development of environmental infrastructure in conditions of efficient resource management, specific objective 3.2 - Increasing the level of urban wastewater collection and treatment and the coverage of drinkable water supply network for the population) are mainly implemented through the major projects. The average value of projects is around 100 million Euros; the investments are higher as compared to the previous period and as result of the fact that they consists in extending in the rural sector the area of coverage of water supply and wastewater, which entails additional costs due to the distances to be covered, plus the challenges related to the configuration of the relief across such distances. In order to comply with the requirements for communities with 2,000-10,000 capita, the financing demand will be supplemented through the National Rural Development Programmes (European funds through the FEADR) as part of the measure of development of the basic infrastructure in the rural sector. Thus, for the Intervention domain 6 B “Encouraging local development in rural areas”, funds were allocated directly through measure M7 “Basic services and village renewal in rural areas", sub-measure 7.2 "Investments in creating and modernizing the basic infrastructure at small scale"; the financing is used for investments in setting up, extending, improving drinkable water infrastructure and wastewater infrastructure in the rural sector.Furthermore, through the National Local Development Program, a program coordinated by the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, financing is granted annually from the state budget for measures related to the wastewater infrastructure in communities with less than 10,000 capita.

67

All investments in the field of wastewater infrastructure to be financed from public resources shall comply with the medium-term unitary tariff policy promoted in the water sector, the methods for implementing such policy being defined in the methodology for developing the cost-benefit analysis applicable to investments in this sector.Cost estimates for the multi-annual allocation in period 2017-2020 are identifiable in the budget proposed by: the Ministry of European Funds, managing authority for POSM and POIM (co-financing of Priority axis 3) the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the managing authority for the National Program for Rural Development (co-financing for the Intervention domain 6B “Encouraging local development in rural areas”). The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, coordinator of budget financing of the National Program for Local Development.

Measure 1.1.4.4. Title: Monitoring the implementation of measures to adapt to climatic change, to prevent and manage risks of flooding and coast erosion.Justification: As part of the Flood risk management plan, for the purpose of identifying major integrated projects (projects financed by the POIM, Priority Axis 5 – Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Prevention and Risk Management – 5.1. Reducing the effects and damage to the population caused by natural phenomena associated with the main risks posed by climate change, mainly by floods and coastal erosion), each Water Basin Administration made a matrix analysis for each area of significant flood risk which indicated on the one hand the main potentially affected communities / groups of communities situated in the floodable area 1% (designated based on a unitary criterion at national level which takes into account the potentially affected population - threshold above 150 potentially affected inhabitants), as well as the main measures with a significant flood risk reduction effect (the most relevant measures in terms of flood risk reduction) in the respective communities, on the other hand.The matrix provides a qualitative image of the main protected communities / groups of communities (important in terms of the number of potentially affected inhabitants), as well as of the most significant / efficient measures (structural measures - hard and soft, significant from the point of view of the produced effect) thereby helping group individual measures in integrated projects. Description: Of the 47 major integrated projects proposed by ABA in Flood Risk Management Plans, Datasheets were drafted for 19 major selected integrated projects, with a total value of roughly 150 million Euros. After the approval by Government Decision of the Flood Risk Management Plan (mandatory conditions for POIM financing), it will be forwarded to the Ministry of European Funds. The major integrated projects will only be listed after approving the list of projects that qualify for financing in the POIM, Priority Axis 5.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: requirements of the Flood Directive 2007/60/EC.Financing source / sources: co-financing from state budget and external funds.

68

Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation: Depending on the integrated projects approved for financing through the POIM 2014-2020.

Measure 1.2.1.1Title: Modernizing the system of forecast of dangerous hydrological and weather conditions in order to timely alert the population and water users, and modernizing the structures for assuring intervention in emergency cases.Justification: The development and transmission of short, medium and long-duration hydrological diagnoses and forecasts, of warnings in case of occurrence of dangerous hydrological events assures permanent and timely information for all stakeholders on the hydrological evolution on rivers and the Danube, providing information required for the proper performance of activities of defense against floods and dangerous hydrological events and activities of rational exploitation of surface water resources in order to meet multiple requirements, for various purposes: hydro-energy generation, water supply, industrial, irrigation, transports, recreational activities, etc. thus contributing to reaching the objective of knowledge and sustainable management of surface water resources.Description: Making and implementing a new hydrological model with distributed parameters that will be used to make new hydrological forecast products in operative regime, using the probabilistic model. Development and implementation of a new methodology to develop forecasts and alerts for rush flooding.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: This measure assures support in successfully reaching the obligations binding Romania as member state in implementing different European directives related to or connected to water. Of the European directives targeted by the application of this measure, the following are mentioned: Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. At the same time, this measure contributes to reaching various objectives set in national strategies like the medium and long-term National flood risk management Strategy approved by Government Decision no. 846 of 11.08.2010.Financing source/sources: The proposed activities are to be financed from the state budget by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or by non-reimbursable external funds provided by various international bodies.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The estimates are identifiable in the budget proposed by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA), which is approved and integrated in the budget of the “Romanian Waters” National Administration.

Measure 1.2.1.2 Title: Elaboration of support studies for the systematic assessment of the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources.Justification: Knowing the quantitative and qualitative state of water resources is a very important condition for making the right decision at the right time to efficiently manage these resources, both nationally and locally. Assessing the quantitative and qualitative state of water

69

resources is based on a monitoring network that provides good quality information. This entails, among others, the use of high-performance IT systems to collect and transmit data. Description: The systematic assessment of the state of surface water resources is achieved by specific studies for various situations of hydrological regime (deficit, normal, surplus) on the basis of data from the hydrological studies after final analysis and validation. The evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative state of underground water resources is done by analyzing and monitoring data at underground water body level, by applying methodologies acknowledged and used at the level of the European Union. Depending on the obtained results, programs of measures are proposed (activities, deadlines) so that, according to the provisions of the Water Framework Directive, all underground water bodies can reach the state “good”. The results of the assessment of the quantitative and qualitative stat of the underground water resources, including the measure programs are part of the Plans of management of river spaces and basins. The activities related to the quantitative state of surface water resources carried out while taking these measures may constitute a starting point for developing scenarios on the evolution of water resources, for the purpose of efficiently administering such, including studies of potential impact of climatic changes.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: This measure assures support in successfully reaching the obligations binding Romania as member state in implementing different European directives related to or connected to water. Of the European directives targeted by the application of this measure, the following are mentioned: Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. At the same time, this measure contributes to reaching various objectives set in national strategies like the medium and long-term National flood risk management Strategy approved by Government Decision no. 846 of 11.08.2010.Financing source/sources: The proposed activities are to be financed from the state budget by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or by non-reimbursable external funds provided by various international bodies.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The estimates are identifiable in the budget proposed by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA), which is approved and integrated in the budget of the “Romanian Waters” National Administration.

70

Measure 1.2.1.3Title: Developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, support in developing plans and strategies in the field.Justification: The measure contributes to reaching the objective of knowledge and sustainable management of surface and underground water resources in Romania, in accordance with the policies in the water sector, by developing and testing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in the field of hydrology, hydro-geology and water management, as support in developing plans and strategies in the field.Description: The main activities consist in developing new methodologies, models, calculation programs, apps, database structures, etc. in order to support the fulfillment of various requirements formulated in European directives, national plans and strategies in the field and in national research programs. In this regard, the latest European approaches in these fields will be consulted and additionally developed based on contributions of Romanian specialists, so that they can represent an improvement of the current situation and compliance with European trends.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: This measure assures support in successfully reaching the obligations binding Romania as member state in implementing different European directives related to or connected to water. Of the European directives targeted by the application of this measure, the following are mentioned: Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. At the same time, this measure contributes to reaching various objectives set in national strategies like the medium and long-term National flood risk management Strategy approved by Government Decision no. 846 of 11.08.2010.Financing source/sources: The proposed activities are to be financed from the state budget by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or by non-reimbursable external funds provided by various international bodies.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The estimates are identifiable in the budget proposed by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA), which is approved and integrated in the budget of the “Romanian Waters” National Administration.

Measure 1.2.1.4 Title: Continuous professional training of specialized staff.Justification: In order to perform the activities of this program in optimal conditions, it is required to assure a high degree of professional training of the specialized staff, so that they know and are able to apply the newest and highest-performing methodologies, models, calculation programs, etc., in accordance with the developments in scientific research in the field, nationally and internationally.

71

Description: The professional training of staff is achieved by organizing and taking part in specialized courses (initiation or advanced course), short- or long-termed, held within the institution or outside it, but also by attending scientific conferences, workshops, etc.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: This measure assures support in successfully reaching the obligations binding Romania as member state in implementing different European directives related to or connected to water. Of the European directives targeted by the application of this measure, the following are mentioned: Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. At the same time, this measure contributes to reaching various objectives set in national strategies like the medium and long-term National flood risk management Strategy approved by Government Decision no. 846 of 11.08.2010.Financing source/sources: The proposed activities are to be financed from the state budget by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or by non-reimbursable external funds provided by various international bodies.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimates for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The estimates are identifiable in the budget proposed by the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (INHGA), which is approved and integrated in the budget of the “Romanian Waters” National Administration.

Measure 2.1.1.1. Title: Assuring forest services (security)Justification: Ensuring the sustainable management of the private forestry fund of natural and legal persons and of the public and private property of the administrative-territorial units. The state allocates annually amounts to insure the costs of forestry services for the private property of natural and legal persons, if the surface of the property forestry is less than or equal to 30 ha, whether or not it is included in an association.Description: Payment is done to the forestry district that provides the forestry services, as the case; the forestry works are carried out by the forestry district nominated on a contract basis, at the request of the owner / successor in title.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: Financing source/sources: The proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and ForestryProposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020):

Measure 2.1.1.2. Title: Planning and organizing the national forest stockJustification: According to the provisions of the Forestry Code, the management of the national forest fund, irrespective of the form of ownership, is regulated by forestry arrangements, and their compilation is mandatory for all forestry holdings that are larger than 10 hectares.

72

At the same time, the forestry arrangements are the basis of the specialty cadastre and the forest ownership title and represent the basic component of a sustainable forest management and the application of the forestry regime.Description: The measure involves modernizing and adapting the forest management system to developments in the field of information technology.The implementation of the measure aims at the elaboration of forestry arrangements through the GIS, the development of a national database for forest management and also the processing and utilization of information in order to monitor the application of the provisions laid down in the respective forestry arrangements.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: The development of the national forest fund management system is one of the measures included in the draft National Forestry Strategy, together with the continuous monitoring of the application of the forest management provisions.Financing source/sources: According to the legal provisions, the costs for the elaboration of the forestry arrangements are borne by the owners.This measure will be financed from the state budget only partially - for the elaboration of the database, which is done through Measure 2.1.1.6 The development of the IT system for tracking the movement of timber (SUMAL). The estimated budget for the national database is 0.1 million Euros.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The estimated budget for the national database is 0.1 million Euros.

Measure 2.1.1.3. Reducing illegal tree cutting

Measure 2.1.1.4. Title: Assessment and monitoring of forest resourcesJustification: According to the provisions of art. 89 of the Forestry Code, the Ministry of Waters and Forestry has the obligation to continuously carry out and update periodically, every 5 years, the national forest inventory (IFN).Through the results and related analyzes, IFN is the main instrument for the assessment of the forestry resource, but it is also useful in the processes of elaborating the national forestry policy and intersectoral cooperation.On the other hand, IFN provides data for reporting indicators on forest characterization and sustainable management in various international reporting and engagement systems, such as: Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) - every 5 years at the FAO, Forest Europe Ministerial Conference on Forest Protection, UN Conventions - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) / Kyoto Protocol, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) - with information on carbon storage and biological diversity in forest ecosystems, forest health status and injuries caused by various factors, etc.Description: The IFN is based on collecting, managing and analyzing data on forests at the national level in order to obtain up-to-date information on the state and evolution of forest vegetation throughout the country.The measure consists in finalizing cycle II of IFN 2013-2018 by the National Institute of Forestry Research and Development Marin Drăcea (INCDS) and initiating cycle III of IFN 2019-2023.

73

Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: The implementation of the National Forest Inventory is the main component / sub-measure for the implementation of the measure Evaluation and monitoring of functions, ecosystem services provided by forestry and forest resources, pertaining to the National Forestry Strategy.Financing source/sources: The proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020): The budget estimation for the implementation of cycle III of IFN is 8 mil. Euros.

Measure 2.1.1.5.Title: Granting compensation for owners holding forests with special protection functions (type I and II)Justification: Providing compensation for the value of the products that the owners do not harvest due to the protection functions established by the forestry arrangements, which determine restrictions on the harvesting of wood.Description: Payment is made through the forest guards.Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020):

Measure 2.1.1.6. Title: Developing the wood tracking system (SUMAL)Justification: SUMAL information system / Radar of Forests is essential for the management, control, public transparency and administration of the economic circuit of timber in Romania. Thanks to this system MAP will be able to track the timber route with a high degree of accuracy, from the planning of its harvesting to planting, processing (marketing, exploitation, transportation) and marketing (including import and export). From an operational point of view, the opportunity to develop the SUMAL information system / Radar of the Forests arises from the following advantages and improvements: Minimize the illegal cutting of trees, illegal transport and sales of timber in Romania; Maximizing the effectiveness of the decision-making process by reducing information

transmission times; Simplifying and streamlining the control of the activities of exploiting and transporting of

wood; Facilitating real-time interventions in operative situations; Adopting sound managerial solutions with an overview of the studied subject based on

analyzes; Efficiency of the entire staff involved in the management and administration of the national

forest fund; Ensure civil society the best possible scrutiny over the way in which the national forest fund is

managed and exploited;

74

Efficiency of the centralization, analysis and interpretation of data on the wood-based circuit by collecting and processing data in a unitary manner at the central level;

The possibility to make medium and long-term statistics and forecasts.Description: Under the new form, SUMAL is designed to structure descriptive data in correlation with spatial data (GIS) and will be made up of several applications with data entry functions in a central database, with database query and generation of user-defined reports.In these applications, multiple and differentiated access management rights will be configured based on the specific roles assigned to each user by the system administrator (superadmin), established by the recipient - MAP, using management credentials.By querying GIS spatial data bases / geographical references, the Measure will partially implement the implementation of measure 2.1.1.2 Planning and organizing the national forest stock and measure 2.1.1.8 Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resources. At the same time, it will ensure the access to the national system of contraventions and forestry offenses for control authorities, institutions and organizers of auctions related to timber harvested from the public property forest fund. Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: From a legal point of view, the necessity of developing the FMIMS/SUMAL/Forest Radar information system stems from:1. The provisions of GD no. 470/2014, according to which the SUMAL / Forest Radar system is essential for the proper implementation of Regulation (EU) No. No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market (due diligence system). Failure to apply this Regulation may cause Romania the risk of the infringement procedure initiation.2. Decision of the Supreme Council of National Defense no. 68/2015 on illegal logging from the national forestry fund, which ordered the measures to be taken by the end of 2019, as follows: Art. d): Development of the integrated SUMAL logging system, the operationalization of the FMIMS system (the Forest Management Information System, assumed under a contract with the World Bank, which includes SUMAL) and the development of the Forests Radar for alerting the competent institutions.Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry.Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020):

Measure 2.1.1.7. Title: Increasing the contributions of forests to mitigating the effects of climate change (carbon storing and adaptation)Justification: Forests contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change, but are also affected by these changes. It is therefore necessary, on the one hand, to improve forest management in order to maintain or increase carbon sequestration, and on the other hand, to increase the adaptability of forests to climate change.Description: Carrying out research studies on the impact of climate change on the sustainable management of Romanian forests and for increasing the adaptability of the forest ecosystem to the influences of climate change.The themes should include, but should not be limited to, the selection and promotion of resistant / adaptive tree biotypes and the extension of their use in forest regeneration works in exposed

75

areas, research into the implications of climate change for forest genetic resources, genetic resources network for forest species, adaptation of forests regeneration techniques, practical actions against forest pests and forest drying phenomena, analysis of the evolution of invasive species, mitigation of landslides, droughts, support for water resource management processes and so on. Relation to current strategic framework and public policies: The measure implements the provisions of the National Strategy on Climate Change and Economic Growth based on Low Carbon Emissions and the National Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Strategy on Climate Change and Economic Growth based on Low Carbon Emissions for the period 2016-2020.Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry. Proposal of multi-annual financial allocation (annual estimations for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020):The estimated budget is 1.5 million Euros.

Measure 2.1.1.8Title: Evaluation and monitoring of hunting resourcesJustification: Since hunting is a public good of national and international interest, the State must ensure the hunting management through the central public authority responsible for hunting, promoting the sustainable use of hunting resources and the preservation of biodiversity while preserving the agro-silvic-hunting balance.Description:The measure aims to:

identify and implement measures to halt (reduce) the illegal exploitation of hunting resources;

set up and implement hunting management based on the sustainable use of the hunting fund and the preservation of biodiversity;

develop specialized research (applied and fundamental); monitor the hunting resources by regulating, guiding and controlling the hunting activity.

Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or from non-reimbursable external funds provided by different international bodies.

Measure 2.1.1.9Title: Granting compensation for damages caused by fauna species of hunting interestJustification: Under certain conditions, the central public authority responsible for forestry grants from the budget approved for this purpose compensation for damages produced by specimens of hunting species of hunting interest to agricultural crops, forestry and domestic animals. It is necessary to introduce a measure with the aim to reduce these damages, make the legal framework well known and applied by all stakeholders and improve the existing legislation in this regard. Description: The measure aims to:

76

empower owners of agricultural / forestry and domestic animals and the managers of hunting funds in order to reduce the damages caused by fauna species of hunting interest;

implement measures that lead to better (knowledge and) compliance with the legislative framework;

modify the legislative framework in order to clarify and correct possible “leakages” of legislation.

Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or from non-reimbursable external funds provided by different international bodies.

Measure 2.2.1.1. Title: Forestation of degraded terrainsDescription : The measure aims to afforest 5,000 hectares of damaged land, not suitable for agriculture. The measure consists in the elaboration of the technical-economic documentation (FS + TD) and the execution of afforestation works until reaching a self-sustainable stage.Justification: The increase in the forest area of the country must also be achieved by afforestation of degraded lands that are not suitable for agriculture. Affected lands that can be improved by afforestation works are subject to afforestation irrespective of the form of ownership, in order to protect the soil, restore the hydrological balance and improve the environmental conditions.Financing source: This measure will be funded from the State Budget, the Amelioration Fund, the Environment Fund and the Conservation and Regeneration Fund.

Measure 2.2.1.2. Title: First forestationDescription: covering the costs of planting and planting maintenance for a period of maximum 6 years up

to reaching a self-sustainable stage; covering the costs of carrying out two works for tree care after reaching a self-sustainable

stage; covering agricultural income losses over a 12-year period for the wooded area.Justification: Extension of forest areas at national level.Financing source: Non-reimbursable external funds through the Ministry of Agriculture – NRDP.

Measure 2.2.1.3. Title: Performing protective forest skirtsDescription: The measure aims to perform first forestation of 50,000 ha of farming and non-farming terrains. The measure consists in developing technical-economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and in performing forestation works until reaching a self-sustainable stage of those areas. This measure is to be financed by the FEADR. The estimated cost is 300 million Euros. Justification: The increase in the forestry area of the country must also be achieved through the creation of forest protection skirts especially against snowfalls, for the protection of localities and roads.

77

Financing source: State budget; Amelioration Fund; Environmental Fund; Conservation and Regeneration Fund.

Measure 2.3.1.1. Title: Extension of forest roadsJustification: Improving the accessibility to the national forestry fund contributes to its sustainable management and is achieved through: road construction works; investment interventions on existing roads to maintain their integrity and functionality,

including provisional in-service.Description: The measure aims to extend the network of forest roads, for the purpose of increasing the level of accessibility to the forest stock. The measure is to be financed by the state budget, by external loans and European funds. Financing source/sources: Proposed activities will be financed from the state budget through the Ministry of Waters and Forestry or from own funds provided by the forest fund managers.

Measure 2.3.1.2. Title: Extending the complex management works of torrential river basinsDescription: The actual measure consists in developing technical - economical documentations (feasibility study + technical design) and executing the works.Justification: At a first stage, it is required to make a legal analysis on the suitability of amending the law framework (aspects related to property, correlation with ANAR, etc.).Financing source: The measure is to be financed by the state budget, by external loans and European funds. The estimated budget is 800 million Euros.

Annex 4: Institutional profile; Assessment of the internal and external environment

Institutional ProfileThe MAP is organized and operates as per the provisions of the Romanian Government Decision no. 20 / January2017, on the organization and operation of the MAP. Previously, the issue of waters and forests was covered by the MMAP (which starting with January 2017 was split to form MM and the MAP, respectively). The organizational structure of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry (including detailed organizational chart) is presented in Annex 4. The MAP has a maximum number of 281 positions approved in its list of positions (excluding dignitaries and positions associated to the Minister’s Cabinet). The units affiliated to the MAP (under its subordination / authority / in coordination) are presented in Annex 4.

78

The next section presents the evolution of budget spending associated to the field of waters and forests, spending made from the budget of the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry during period 2014-2016.

Considering that starting with 2017 the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry was reorganized into two distinct ministries: the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Waters and Forestry, in order to allow data comparison and analysis, budget spending was separated between the two newly-established ministries, according to the budget execution of years 2014 and 2015 and anticipation of such budgets for 2016.

The following financial indicators were considered relevant for presenting the evolution of spending done from the budget of the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry, in order to finance the water and forest sector:

spending financed from the state budget,

share of spending (specific field) financed from the state budget out of the total state budget spending,

share of total expenses (financed from the state budget, EU funds, own funds, loans, etc.) in the Gross Domestic Product.

The table below presents the main economic and financial indicators used in the analysis. The data is taken from the annual financial reporting of the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry and the draft State Budget Law for 2017

Specification Achieved 2014- thousand lei -

Achieved 2015- thousand lei -

Prelimin. 2016 - thousand lei -

GDP 667.600.000 712.800.000 746.000.000

State budget - total spending 115.615.900 125.215.800 130.083.100Spending financed from the state budget 495.147 1.274.828 238.748Total spending of the MM in the water and forestry fields 1.684.121 3.248.145 652.630

Figure 4. Evolution of spending financed from the state budget

In 2015, spending financed from the state budget increased by 157.5% as compared to 2014 and then dropped in 2016 to a minimum level in the analyzed period, representing 18.2% compared to the level seen in the previous year.

79

Figure 5. Share of spending financed from the state budget in the total state budget

In order to highlight the financial effort of the state budget in supporting the water and forest sector, exclusively through the Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry, the graph on the right shows the share of spending financed from the state budget of the total state budget.

In 2014, the share of this spending of the total spending from the state budget was of 0.43%, it increased to 1.02% in 2015 and then dropped to a minimum level for the analyzed period, 0.18% in 2016.

Figure 6. The share of total expenses (financed from the state budget, own revenues, non-reimbursable European funds and loans) in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The graph to the left shows the increasing evolution of the indicator in 2015 as compared to 2014, namely 0.46% as compared to 0.25%.

2016 showed a historically minimum level of the indicator in the analyzed period, namely 0.09%.

80

81

Units operating under the subordination of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

I. Public institutions with legal personality fully financed by the state budget:

Forest guards

o It is a public institution exclusively financed by the state budget, organized as part of the structure of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry. Its main function is to represent the central public authority that is responsible with silviculture (MAP) in the field and its main attributions in terms of control mainly consist in controlling the compliance of the forest regime by all owners of surfaces covered in forest vegetation, as well as by economic operators having as object of activity the exploitation, sale and administration of forest vegetation while in terms of implementation, these attributes consist in consultancy and coordination of these owners in managing the surfaces held in ownership, as per the rules of the forest regime.

According to the provisions of art. 2 of GEO 32/2015 on the establishment of Forest Guards, as amended and supplemented, the main tasks of the Guards are as follows:o ”monitoring, implementing and controlling the application of the forestry regime to the national

forest fund and forest vegetation on the land outside the national forest fund;o monitoring, implementation and control of the application of the hunting regime in the national

hunting fund;

o monitoring and controlling the traceability of wood materials, according to the legal provisions in force.”

II. Units with external financing and financing from the state budget

Project management units (UMP) Project implementation units (UIP)

Units operating under the authority of the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

The National Forest Administration - ROMSILVA

o The National Forest Administration - Romsilva has as objective the sustainable and coherent management, as per the provisions of the forest management plans and forest regime norms, of the forest stock owned by the state, in order to increase the contribution of the forest to improving environmental conditions and to assuring wood material for the national economy, as well as other forest products and other forest-specific services, as well as the coordination and implementation of the national program for genetic improvement of equines, national and international promotion of valuable equine specimens from the horse farms of the National Forest Administration - Romsilva, by organizing sports competitions, fairs and exhibitions. Furthermore, through its 22 administrations of parks, units with legal personality, the National Forest Administration - Romsilva administers 23 national and natural parks in which the state-owned forest stock has a significant share, assuring the preservation of biodiversity in these protected areas.

82

Units operating in coordination with the Ministry of Waters and Forestry

Self-financed units: The “Romanian Waters” National Administrationo “Romanian Waters” National Administration includes in its structure 11 Water Basin Administrations organized in river basins, the National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management and the Complex Exploitation Site Stânca Costeşti. The “Romanian Waters” National Administration is a public institution of national interest with legal personality, self-financed, in coordination with the central public authority in the field of waters, and with the Ministry of Waters and Forestry. The “Romanian Waters” National Administration administers assets owned by the state, like those stated at art. 136, paragraph 3 of the Romanian Constitution, republished, public property assets stated by Law no. 213/1998 on public property and its legal regime, as further amended and supplemented, as well as its own patrimony. The “Romanian Waters” National Administration administers waters in the public domain of the state and the infrastructure of the National Water Management System, made up by reservoirs, flood-defense dams, canals, inter-basin ramifications, water inlets and other specific works, as well as the infrastructure of national systems for hydrological and hydro-geological monitoring and for monitoring the quality of water resources in its patrimony, for the purpose of knowing and consistently handling surface and underground waters.

According to the provisions of art. 3 of the Statute of organization and functioning of the "Apele Române" National Administration approved by GD 1176/2005, as amended and supplemented:

”(1) The National Administration "Apele Române" (Waters of Romania) applies the national strategy and policy in the field of quantitative and qualitative water resources management and follows the observance of the regulations in the field, aiming to identify the water resources, protect against exhaustion and degradation, value and use sustainably water resources, natural monopoly of strategic interest, manage and operate the National Water Management System infrastructure, as well as implement the provisions of the legislation harmonized with the EU directives on the sustainable management of water resources.

(2) In order to achieve the purpose stipulated in paragraph (1), the "Apele Române" National Administration coordinates and is accountable for the use of surface water and groundwater resources on the whole territory of the country and for the exploitation of water management works, and collaborates with all holders of other works built on waters or in connection with water.”

83

Assessment of the Internal and External EnvironmentSWOT analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES The central authority for the management of water resources and forests is an institutional structure that properly covers all domains, starting from the development of policies to implementation and control The general proper level of qualification and the professionalism of institution staff, the availability for overtime, adaptability and pro-active attitude Territorial representation of MAP affiliated institutions Policies on water resources are regulated through indicators established at EU level, but also at national level National Forest Strategy 2017 - 2026 is being developed In implementing their mandate on the management of waters and protection against floods, there is a tight collaboration between the MAP and ANAR with different other players inside or outside the sector The existence of the flood-protection strategy, which integrates the new technological means in assessing the risk of flooding and vulnerabilities, assesses at river basin and sub-basin level the protection provided by the existing infrastructure

The administrative and technical capacity, as well as the financial resources dedicated to the field of waters and forests is still insufficient Frequent changes in top management (ministers, state secretaries) and in the central structures in the water and forest sector The existence of unoccupied positions among those stated in the organizational chart of affiliated institutions (for ex: Forest guards) Inconsistency and lack of coherence in law concerning the forest domain, the impossibility to enforce certain legal regulations Lack of an efficient correlation of legal provisions in the domain of silviculture with regulations from other domains / ministries (fiscal code, criminal code, civil code and law on arms and ammunitions, environmental protection, etc.) Insufficient regulation on planning forest surfaces of small owners Lack of forest surveying and delimitation between owners Lack of preset instruments of internal/external communication at the forest sector level generates on the one hand communication blockages in relation to partners and stakeholders and on the other the dilution and delay of messages to the wide public

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Global support of policies covering the water and forest issue Increasing financial grants for environmental policies through European funds. High degree of coordination of environmental policies at European level. Creating fiscal instruments for

High investments required for the water and forest sectors Structural challenge due to the fact that water and forest problems are cross-sectional Compliance with EU standards and reporting requirements associated thereto entails the involvement of different state

84

supporting and promoting environmental measures Sharper media attention to environmental aspects, thus facilitating communication and the implementation of MAP policies. The existence of an action plan for staged implementation of quality management in the public sector and for simplifying the administrative procedures applicable to citizens A tighter connection between public policies and budgeting for programs Administrative cooperation with European institutions - participating in different workgroups, conferences, seminars at the European Commission level, Council of the European Union or international organizations The possibility to properly implement the system of strategic planning and program budgeting at government level Active involvement of NGOs and of the private sector in activities from MAP's fields of competence

players and non-state players (for example governmental agencies, municipalities, utility providers, industry). This has significant implications related to budget costs and opportunity costs The need for a higher involvement of local authorities and the population, staff training for implementing the flood-protection strategy Failure to adopt in all policies the principles on sustainable development and environmental protection Insufficient data and institutional dialogue to allow the development, implementation, monitoring and assessment of strategies and action plans with a national/regional/local impact that are synced with each other Lack of vision on environmental protection and long-term sustainable development of plans and decision on local level Inefficient exploitation of natural resources. Delays in the external circuit of adopting laws

Context and analysis of the current situation with respect to forests21

The definition of the forestry fund is provided in Law no. 46/2008 on the Forest Code (republished, as amended), at art. 1, paragraph (1), which says: ”all forests, lands for afforestation, those that serve the needs of forestry culture, production or administration, ponds, brooks, other forest land, including those that are non-productive, included in the forestry arrangements on 1 January 1990, including with surface modifications, according to the entry-exit operations carried out under the conditions of the law, constitute, in any form of ownership, the national forestry fund.”

The objectives of forestry are numerous and varied in relation to the extent and condition of forest resources and the capacity of these resources to support the changing socio-human and mediogenic needs. Between the supply of forest ecosystems and the requirements of products and services claimed by society, it is imperative to maintain a sustainable balance as a key condition for preserving the stability and durability of the forest fund, as well as its polyfunctional effectiveness. In accordance with the overall socio-economic development, the aim is to increase the forest fund and forest vegetation, together with a better distribution of forest vegetation on large physico-geographic areas. Accordingly, it will be necessary for most of the degraded and poorly productive land for agriculture to be afforested

21 Source: taken from the Annual Report on the Environment in Romania for 2015, published in 2016 by the National Agency for Environmental Protection, Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests

85

and the share of urban green spaces and other associated forestry outside the forest fund to grow in the near future.

There is an increasing need for the rational and efficient differentiation of the organization and management of forests with a main production role, as well as of those having as priority function the protection of localities, soils, accumulation lakes or being of hunting, scientific and landscaping interest, not to speak of torrential river basins and natural reserves. Forestry is called upon to continuously adapt and improve techniques and technologies of: planting and care of forests, choosing and applying regimes and treatments, reconstruction of inadequate structural and functional ecosystems, efficient conservation of forests subject to special conservation regime or under full protection.

The statistics produced under the aegis of the FAO show that the current area of the planetary forest fund is about 3.9 billion hectares, accounting for approximately 30% of the dry land. Relative to the population of the globe, there is an average of 0.6 ha per inhabitant. It is estimated that 47% of forest resources are found in tropical areas, 33% in boreal areas, 11% in temperate zones and 9% in subtropical zones.

It is estimated that in the past the forests occupied 80% of the area, the rest being occupied by steppe vegetation (15%) and alpine, subalpine, aquatic and palustric vegetation (5%). It is appreciated that the pure oak forests and the mixed forests, which were in silviculture up to the hilly regions, had the largest extent of 56% and they were followed by beads with 18%, mixtures of beech and resin with 8%, spruce forests with 8% and forests from floodplains with 10%.

At the end of 2015, Romania's national forestry fund occupied an area of 6,555 thousand hectares, representing 27.5% of the country's surface. The area of the forestry fund as of December 31, 2015, compared to the same date of the year 2014, registered an increase of 0.2% mainly due to the redevelopment of the wooded pastures and the introduction into the forest fund of the degraded lands, according to the Law no. 46/2008 on the Forest Code, republished.

Forests are multifunctional, having economic, social and environmental utility. They provide habitats for animals and plants and play a major role in mitigating climate change and other environmental services. Almost one quarter of the EU's wooded area is protected under the Natura 2000 program and a large part of the rest of the area shelters protected species under EU nature protection legislation. Forests also offer great benefits for society, including human health, recreation and tourism.

The socio-economic importance of forests is high, but often underestimated. Forests contribute to rural development and provide about three million jobs. Wood is still the main source of financial income in the forest sector. Therefore, the strategy also takes into account the EU forestry industries, which fall under the EU's industrial policy. Wood is also considered an important source of raw materials for emerging bio-industries.

Forestry measures under the Rural Development Regulation are the financial basis of the strategy (90% of total EU forestry funding). Under the updated plans, 5.4 billion Euros from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development were allocated to forestry measures in the 2007-2013 period. These costs should ensure that EU forests are managed according to the principles of sustainable forest management.

The National Forestry Strategy 2014-2023 is in line with the principles of sustainable development and is designed to provide the landmark of the forestry sector for a period of 10 years. An important element of the strategy is to correlate the activity of the forestry sector with policies in other fields such as agriculture, environment, tourism, education, energy, and so on. The overall objective of the strategy is

86

to ensure the sustainable management of the forest sector in order to increase the quality of life and ensure the present and future needs of society in a European context.

Context and analysis of the current situation with respect to water22

Water resources and the range of services they provide support growth, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human health and the environment, water contributes to improving social welfare. Water dependency depends on the functioning of ecosystems and the water circuit is essential for achieving sustainable water management. The Romanian territory has all kinds of water resources - fresh water from rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. The largest freshwater resource comes from the Danube River and the inner rivers. The natural lakes, although numerous (3,450), have an insignificant contribution to the volume of Romania's water resources.

At national level, Romania's water resources are relatively poor and unevenly distributed over time and space. These sum theoretically about 134.6 billion cubic meters, consisting of surface waters, rivers, lakes, the Danube River and underground water, of which the usable resource, according to the degree of hydrographical basins, is about 40 billion cubic meters. Compared to 2010, Romania's water requirement decreased by 1.75 billion m3 in 2015, from 8.45 billion m3 to 6.70 billion m3 of water, and three categories of users are: population - 1.07 billion cubic meters of water (15.97%), compared to 1.25 billion cubic meters in 2010, agriculture - 1.21 billion cubic meters of water (18.06%), compared to 1.59 billion cubic meters in 2010, and the industrial sector - 4.42 billion cubic meters of water (65.97%), compared to 5.61 billion cubic meters in 2010. Compared to the 2015 water requirement of 6.70 billion cubic meters, the volume of water drawn (used) was 6.46 billion m3, increasing by 0.24 billion m3 of water compared to 2010, when the volume of water taken was 6.22 billion m3 of water.

According to the European Commission Services Working Paper entitled ”Assessment of the Implementation of EU Environmental Policies, Country Report – Romania”, 23 ”EU water policy and legislation require that the impact of pressures on transitional waters, coastal waters and freshwaters (including surface and groundwater) to be significantly reduced on order to achieve, maintain or enhance the good status of water bodies as defined in the Water Framework Directive; that throughout the Union citizens benefit from high drinking water and bathing standards and that the nutrient cycle (nitrogen and phosphorus) is managed in a more sustainable and resource-efficient manner. The main overall objective of EU water policy and legislation is to guarantee access to good quality water in sufficient quantities for all Europeans. The EU Water Acquis aims at ensuring a good condition for all water bodies in Europe, addressing sources of pollution (eg. agriculture, urban areas and industrial activities), physical and hydrological changes to water bodies and flood risk management.

River basin management plans are a requirement of the Water Framework Directive and a means of ensuring the protection, improvement and sustainable use of the aquatic environment across Europe. It includes fresh surface waters such as lakes and rivers, underground waters, estuaries and coastal waters up to a mile away. In its first river basin management plans, Romania reported the existence of 3,262 rivers, 131 lakes, 2 transition bodies, 4 coastal bodies and 142 underground water bodies. 64% of natural surface water bodies have a good or very good ecological status and only 38% of heavily modified or artificial water bodies have a good or high ecological potential. 94% of surface water bodies,

22 Source: taken from the Annual Report on the Environment in Romania for 2015, published in 2016 by the National Agency for Environmental Protection, Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests23 EU Commission Working Paper: Assessment of the implementation of EU environmental policies, Country Report - ROMANIA, accompanying the document: Assessment of the implementation of EU environmental policies: common challenges and ways of joining efforts to achieve better results.

87

90% of heavily modified and artificial water bodies and 87% of groundwater bodies have good chemical status. 100% of underground water bodies are in good quantitative condition.

Romania is still in transition for the implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and therefore has a limited number of compliance obligations in this area. The results of the last reporting exercise - even if it only referred to the expiry of the first transitional period in 2010 - were not promising, considering that only one of the 1,852 agglomerations in Romania was reported to be in full compliance. Consequently, Romania will have to make a considerable effort to improve its compliance in the coming years, given that the final deadline provided for in the Accession Treaty is the end of 2018.”

88

Annex 5: List of laws to be initiated by the Ministry of Waters and Forestry in 2018

No. Name of draft law Chapter in the Governing Program

Initiators Deadline for presenting to

the Government

Deadline to

complete Parliament procedures

Main regulations in the draft law

1. Draft Law for repealing the provisions of art. 35, paragraph (1) of Law no.1/2000 for reconstituting the right of ownership on farming and forest terrains, requested as per the provisions of Land Law no. 18/1991 and Law no. 169/1997

Environmental policies chapter Waters and forests

MAP May 2017 November 2017

Removing the legislative contradiction stated at art. 128, paragraph (3) of Law no. 46/2008 - Forest Code, according to which the right of ownership over forest terrains is exerted as of the date of issuing the protocol of possession of such terrains, date on which new owners are obliged to assure the administration/forest services as per the provisions of art. 35, paragraph (1) of Law no. 1/2000

2. Draft Law on the amendment and supplementation of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 59/2000 on the Status of forest staff, approved with amendments and supplementations by Law no. 427/2001

Environmental policies chapter. Waters and forests.

MAP October 2017 December2017

Clarifications on the categories of forest staff covered by the provisions of GEO 59/2000Unitary regulation for all categories of forest stock administrators

3. Government Decision approving Methodology for Determining Ecological Flow

Environmental Policy Chapter. Waters and forests


Establishing the general framework for the national application of ecological flow downstream of hydro-technical works of cross-water barrage and water abstraction.The scope includes surface water courses with flows that constitute water resources used for: water supply to localities and economic operators, electricity production, fish farming in fishponds, irrigation, navigation

4 Decision on the approval of selection criteria and the list of watercourse sectors not affected by human



Establish criteria for selecting watercourses that are not affected by human activitiesList of sectors of watercourses

89

activities for which works and activities that may affect the ecological status of the water are forbidden

not affected by human activities, for which works and activities that may affect the ecological status of the water are forbidden

5 Government Decision amending and completing GD 964/2000 on the approval of the Action Plan for the protection of waters against pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources


MAP December 2018

Updating of water protection measures against nitrate pollution from agricultural sources following the implementation experience.Formulation and reformulation of articles in Directive 91/676 / EC on the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources which were either incomplete or incomplete

6 Government Decision approving the National Marine Environment Program elaborated in line with the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/58/EC) with a view to achieving the good ecological status of the Black Sea by 2020


MAP December 2018

Measures to be taken by all maritime operators in the Black Sea

7 Minister Order for the implementation of the Monitoring Program elaborated according to art. 11 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC)


MAP December 2018

Implementation of the Marine Environment Monitoring Program to know the evolution of the 11 descriptors based on which the ecological status of the marine ecosystem is appreciated

8 Government Decision on the modification and completion of GD 930/2005 on the approval of Special Norms on character and size of sanitary and hydrogeological protection areas


MAP December 2018

Conceptual redefinition of sanitary and hydrogeological protection areas, based on the role they play in the protection of water sources, clarification of the rules for the sizing of these areas and the gradual systematization of the land-setting process

9 Draft Order for the approval of the National Register of the Divers in Romania - REDIG – in process of finalization

- MAP 2018

10 Joint Order of the Central Public Water Authority and the Central Public Authority

- MAP 2018

90

for Land Improvement for the Approval of the Methodology for categorizing the importance of flood defenses, NTLH-071- approved by MAP Order 79/2018 and MADR Order 36/2018.

11 Draft Order for the approval of the Methodology for the assessment of the safety status of the flood defense dams for the issuance of safe operating permits, of the Methodology on the reassessment of the safety status of the flood defenses in order to prolong the operating authorizations under conditions safety and the Methodology for assessing the safety status of flood defenses in order to issue the Safe Operation Agreement, NTLH - 072 - has been finalized and is due to be submitted for approval.

- MAP 2018

12 Draft Order for the Approval of Expert Certification Regulation assessing the safety status of flood protection dams, NTLH- 073 - has been finalized and is due to be submitted for approval.

- MAP 2018

13 Draft Order for the approval of the Instructions for the organization and functioning of the commissions for the approval of safety assessment documentation for the operation of the flood defense dams and of the tariffs for the issuance of the permits, agreements on the observance of the performance requirements concerning the safety of the dykes against floods and

- MAP 2018

91

permits for the safe operation of flood defenses, NTLH - 074 - has been developed and submitted for comments and proposals.

14 Draft Order approving the procedure for issuing the agreement on compliance with the performance requirements related to the safety of the flood defenses and the safe operation of the flood defense dams – NTLH - 075 - not done - to be drafted in working group.

- MAP 2018

15 Draft Order for Approval of the Inspection Procedure for Flood Protection Dams. NTLH - 076 - not done - to be developed within the working group.

- MAP 2018

16 Draft Order for Approval of the Procedure for Passing, Conservation, Post-Use or Decommissioning of Flood Protection Dams, NTLH - 077 - not done - to be elaborated within the working group.

- MAP 2018

17 Draft joint order of MAP and MAI for the approval of the Regulation on the management of emergency situations caused by floods, dangerous hydro-meteorological phenomena, hydro-technical constructions accidents, accidental pollution on the watercourses and marine pollution in the updated coastal zone, according to GD 557/2016 on the management of types of risk.

- MAP 2018

92

List of relevant laws for the Ministry of Waters and Forestry National legal framework – Waters

Water Law no. 107 of September 25th 1996, as further amended and supplemented;

GEO no. 78/2017 regarding the modification and completion of the Water Law no. 107/1996;

GEO no. 244 of November 28th 2000 on the safety of dams;

Decision No. 846 of August 11th 2010 on approving the National strategy for medium and long-terms flood risk management (2010-2035);

GEO no. 21 of April 15th 2004 on the National System of Management of Emergency Situations approved by Law no. 15/2005;

GD no. 1489 of September 9th 2004 on the organization and operation of the National Committee for Emergency Situations;

GD no. 1491/2004 on approving the Framework-regulation on the organizational structure, attributions, operation and equipment of operative committees and centers for emergency situations;

GD no. 1492/2004 on the principles of organization, operation and the attributions of professional emergency services;

GD no. 2288/2004 on approving the distribution of the main supporting functions ensured by ministries, the other central bodies and NGOs for preventing and managing emergency situations;

GD no. 642/2005 on approving the Criteria of classification of administrative-territorial units, public institutions and economic operators in terms of civil protection, depending on the specific types of risks;

GD no. 1208/2006 on approving the Program of ecological and economic resizing in the Romanian Sector of the Danube Everglade and the financing of such;

GD no. 1525/2006 on supplementing the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development, from the Government’s Budget Reserve Fund, provided in the state budget for 2006, for areas flooded in controlled manner;

GEO no. 202/2002 concerning the integrated management of coastal areas, approved with amendments and changes by Law no. 280/2003;

GEO no. 71/2010 on the establishment of the Marine Strategy;

Law no. 14/1995 on ratifying the Convention on cooperation for the protection and sustainable use of the Danube River (Convention for the protection of the Danube River) signed in Sophia at June 29 th

1994;

Law no. 30/1995 on ratifying the Convention on the protection and use of cross-border waterways and international lakes concluded in Helsinki on March 17th 1992;

GD no. 351/2005 on approving the Program for the gradual elimination of dangerous substances spills, emissions and leaks;

93

GD no. 352/2005 on the amendment and supplementation of GD 188 / 2002 for approving norms on the conditions of discharge of waste-waters into the aquatic environment;

Law no. 458/2002 on the quality of drinkable water, as further amended and supplemented;

GD no. 662/7.07.2005 on amending GD no. 100/2002 for approving the Quality norms that surface waters must comply with, waters that are used for drinking and the Law on measurement methods and sampling and test frequency of surface waters destined to making drinkable water;

GD no. 188/2002 on approving norms on the conditions of discharge of waste-waters into the aquatic environment - Official Journal no. 187 / 20.03.2002 NTPA-011-Technical norms on the collection, treatment and eviction of municipal waste-waters (Annex 1) NTPA-002/2002 - Norms on the conditions of eviction of waste-waters from sewage networks of communities straight into the treatment stations NTPA-001/2002 on establishing limits of charging industrial and municipal waste-waters with pollutants upon evacuating into natural receiving water courses (Annex 3);

GO no. 2/2001 on the legal regime of contraventions, with subsequent amendments and completions.

National legal framework – Forests

Law no. 46/2008 - Forest Code, as further amended and supplementedThis divides the national forest fund by type of ownership into the following categories:

public property of the state; public property of territorial-administrative units;

private property of natural persons and legal entities (associates, joint possessions, educational establishments, worship units, etc.);

forest stock in private property of the administrative-territorial units.Law no. 171/2010 on establishing and sanctioning forest-related civil offences, as amended and supplementedIt supplements the Forest Code, stating establishing civil offences for the regime on forest administration and management, integrity of the forest stock, forest security and protection, forest regeneration and usage of wood mass, exploitation of wood and collection of non-wood products, and for controlling the enforcement of norms concerning the circulation of wood materials, the certification procedure and the sanctions. As compared to 2000, it stipulates an increase of the value of fines and of the number of enforcing agents.Law no. 100/2010 on the forestation of degraded terrainsThe law described in detail point 53 of the annex to the Forest Code and refers to degraded terrains regardless of the form of ownership, with the purpose to improve such by means of forestation works, to protect the soil, to rebuild the hydrological balance and to improve environmental conditions.Law no. 289/2002 on protective forest skirts, as further amended and supplementedForest skirts are defined as formations of forest vegetation, created by planting, with different lengths and widths that are relatively narrow, placed at a certain distance one from the others or from a facility, with the purpose of protect it against the effects of damaging factors.The classification of such, according to art. 2, is the following:

94

for the protection of farming lands against damaging climate factors and for improving the climate conditions in the protected area;

anti-erosion protection of soils subject to erosion factors; protection of communication and transport paths, especially against blockages generated by snowfall; for the protection of dams and shores against currents, rush floods, ice and others; for protecting communities and various economic and social objectives.Law no. 56/2010 on the accessibility of the national forest stockAccessibility is presented as an important factor in the sustainable development of the national forest stock. It can be achieved through:

road construction works; intervention works consisting in investments in existing roads, for the purpose of maintained their integrity and functionality, including temporary re-commissioning of such.It is important to state that Law no. 56/2010 presents accessibility as important not just for the execution of forest-cultural works, but also for preventing and putting out fires, for exploiting forests in an ecological and efficient manner, etc.

Law no. 107/2011 on forest reproductive materials

This law establishes measures related to the production, marketing and importation of reproductive material.Government Emergency Ordinance no. 59/2000 on the Status of forest staff, approved with amendments and supplementations by Law no. 427/2001.According to the law, forest staff means the persons with specialized forest-related training certified by a graduation certificate issued by an educational institution acknowledged in Romania, persons who actually exert their profession in the field of silviculture. This profession includes the activities that have as objective the management of the national forest stock, the sustainable development of forests and of the wildlife and fishery stock, as well as scientific research and forest planning activities, at central and territorial level.Government Emergency Ordinance no. 85/2006 on establishing means to assess damages produced by forest vegetation from forests and outside such, approved with amendments and supplementation through Law no. 84/2007.Based on the law, by damage is understood a modification of the aspect, physical integrity and/or physiological characteristics of the tree/s or of the undergrowth/plantation/natural regeneration, as the case may be, resulted from cutting, degrading, destroying, uprooting trees, seedlings or sprouts, cutting branches of standing trees, followed or not by the appropriation of such branches, as per the law.

GD no. 470/2014 on approving the Norms on the origin, circulation and sale of wood, the regime of storage spaces and wood materials and of round wood processing installations and certain norms of enforcement of Regulation (EU) no. 995/2010 of the European Parliament and Council of October 20 th

2010, establishing obligations falling to operators introducing wood and wood products on the market, as further amended and supplemented.The origin of wood materials covered by the law can be:

national forest stock, public and/or private property;

95

forest vegetation situated on terrains outside the national forest stock, as defined in the Forest Code; wood material sorting, processing, storage and sale centers; member states of the European Union; third party countries.GD no. 1076/2009 on approving the Regulation on security guarding the forest stock.

It refers to the security guarding of the national forest stock against illegal occupancy of terrains from the forest stock, illegal tree cutting, theft, destruction or degradation of the forest or of the objectives of any sort placed in the forest stock, grazing, and other damaging actions for the integrity of the forest stock.

GD no. 617/2016 on approving the Regulation on the use of wood from the forest stock that is public property.

Law on hunting and protection of hunting fund no. 407/2006, as amended and supplemented.

GD no. 1679/2008 on the way of granting indemnities provided by the Law on hunting and protection of hunting fund no. 407/2006, and on the obligations of managers of hunting funds and of owners of agricultural, forestry and livestock crops on prevention of damages.

96

97

Competența face diferența!Proiect selectat în cadrul Programului Operațional Capacitate Administrativă, cofinanțat de Uniunea

Europeană din Fondul Social EuropeanCompetence makes a difference!

Project selected under the Administrative Capacity Operational Program, co-financed by European Union from the European Social Fund

98

Documents

ROMANIA: · Web viewThe report benefited from thoughtful comments from Costel Todor (Expert of the World Bank), Gary Reid (Strategic Planning Specialist) and Corina Grigore (Operations