“Prutul de Jos” (Lower Prut) Scientific Reserve, Beleu Lake

The “Prutul de Jos” (Lower Prut) Scientific Reserve is located in the south-western part of the Republic of Moldova, along the lower course of the Prut river. The Manta lake is located 20 km North of the reserve, and the confluence of the Prut river with the Danube is located 15 km south of the reserve.

The Beleu lake with an area of ​​628 ha, is the main attraction of the Reserve, a relic of the Danube, is a freshwater lagoon formed by the transgressions of marine waters that is 5-6 thousand years old. It is a natural monument of great scientific, cultural and aesthetic value.

The variety of landforms, peculiarities of climatic, hydrological elements, as well as the different nature of the rocks within the reserve are elements that led to a rich and varied vegetable background. There are also fen ecosystems that serve as natural water purifiers and authentic biological filters. In the reserve there  have been identified 310 species of vascular plants, including 10 species of trees, 11 of shrubs, 5 of creepers and 284 species of herbaceous plants.

The fauna in the reserve includes a remarkable variety of mammals, around 40 species and amphibian fauna that presents a diversity of 9 species.

Nevertheless, the “Lower Prut” meadow remains famous due to the fact that it contains an important migration route and the water basins with reed, sedge, willow forests that create favorable conditions for resting, feeding, breeding and wintering for 192 bird species.

The value of its natural heritage has been recognized by declaring the area as a wetland of international importance. The impressive diversity of habitats and life forms that it hosts in a relatively small area, the “Prutul de Jos” (Lower Prut) Reserve forms a veritable museum of biodiversity, a natural gene bank of priceless value for the natural, national and world heritage.

Key Features:

-        Created to protect the flora and the fauna of Beleu Lake and floodplains of its surroundings.

-        Designed for creating favorable conditions for rare and endangered plants breeding.

-        The reserve includes the Beleu lake with an area of ​​628 ha, pastures - 124 ha, forests - 366 ha, floodplain - 610 ha, landslides - 4.4 ha, other lands - 23 hectares.

-        The Beleu Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the Republic of Moldova.

Connections with nearby attractions and important people:

-        Museum of History and Study of Slobozia Mare Land, Slobozia Mare village;

-        House - museum of aunt Catita Pana, Slobozia Mare village;

-        Craftsman Dumitru Zaporojan (manufacturing sheepskin coats), Slobozia Mare village;

-        Craftsman Sergiu Manole (manufacturing pan-pipes), Slobozia Mare village;

-        Ensemble “Vatra Horelor” and “Mocănaşii”, Slobozia Mare village;

-        House Museum “Casa Dorului”, Valeni village;

-        “Bread Museum”, Valeni village;

-        Ensemble “Crăiţele”, Valeni village;

-        Bejenari couple, Valeni village.

Target groups: pupils, students, adventurers.

The events held nearby are:

-        “Dulce floare de salcâm” (Sweet Acacia Flower) Festival, Valeni village

“Toamna de aur în lunca Prutului” (Golden Autumn in the bottom land of Prut) Eco-cultural Festival

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