Codri

Codru (also plural Codrii; English: Forests or Woods) is the name of the forests that grow in the hilly part of central Moldova.

History

During the Middle Ages most of the Principality of Moldavia's hills were forested, and the forested area in general was referred to as Codrii, with bigger regional forests often given names such as Codrii Cosminului (Cosmin Codrii), Codrii Plonini (Plonini Codrii), Codrii Hotinului (Hotin Codrii; also Pădurea Hotinului, Hotin Forrest), Codrii Orheiului (Orhei Codrii), Codrii Lăpuşnei (Lăpuşna Codrii).

Although the hills represent about 80%–90% of the territory of Moldova, the forested area has decreased after 1800 due to intensive agriculture of the fertile land to about 12%. At the moment the area of the forest is continuously decreasing, both in surface and ecologically. In early 21st century the area is estimated under 35%. Despite the fact that there are still several big forests that have been preserved, including some designated as national parks, the country currently suffers from acute insufficiency of forests (with respect to its normal ecology), translated into poorer and less water for human and irrigation use.