Photo courtesy of Aliona Isac
Aliona Isac is a hydrologist and doctoral student from Moldova who has been named a United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Land Hero for work to mitigate drought impacts for the sustainability of life and ecosystems, and for her contributions to national environmental strategies and plans. In a GEF Youth Voices interview, she shared life lessons from her work and studies at the interface of diplomacy and natural resource management.
What do you do for a living, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources, while also working as a hydrologist at the State Hydrometeorological Service. This work allows me to combine my passion for nature and environmental stewardship. I truly enjoy what I do, as it aligns with my deep commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.
Could you describe a project or issue that you are currently focused on?
I am a national consultant for the Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Program 2.0, and I am responsible for leading the national working group for the UNCCD. We are now in the process of organizing an inception workshop within this project. I am also a member of the National Youth Council and am an Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals and the Black Sea.
How did you get into this line of work?
I started working while I was studying at the ecological college, at 18 years old. I was passionate about the profession I had chosen, and that motivated me to dive into the field right away.
Is there a GEF-supported initiative that is especially close to your heart?
The Global Environment Facility has been supporting the UNCCD national reporting process through the funding of enabling activity projects since 2010. This is important to me because I am responsible for the reporting process in my country, and I see how impactful this support from the GEF can be.
Photo courtesy of Aliona Isac
Is there someone you have met through your work who has had a lasting impact on you?
There was a senior colleague at the State Hydrometeorological Service who had a profound influence on me. He had decades of experience in environmental protection and hydrology, and his passion for safeguarding natural resources was contagious. What made him stand out was not only his deep knowledge but also his dedication to mentorship. He always encouraged me to look beyond immediate data, to see the larger impact on ecosystems and communities. His commitment to environmental sustainability and his belief in the power of science to drive change has had a lasting impact on my approach to work and life.
What life lessons has your work taught you?
My work has taught me several valuable life lessons. First, it has shown me the importance of patience and persistence, as environmental protection requires long-term commitment and effort. I've learned to appreciate the interconnectedness of nature and how small actions can have a big impact on the environment. Additionally, teamwork and collaboration are key to achieving meaningful results, as environmental challenges are often complex and require diverse perspectives. Lastly, I've gained a deep respect for the natural world and the need to balance human activity with the preservation of ecosystems.
Environmental issues are very often concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is the increasing global awareness and action towards environmental issues. More people, communities, and governments are recognizing the urgency of protecting our planet. Seeing young generations deeply engaged in environmental advocacy and innovation is inspiring. Technological advancements and sustainable practices are also improving, offering new solutions to long-standing challenges. The resilience of nature itself also fuels my optimism—ecosystems have a remarkable capacity to recover if given the chance. Most importantly, the collective will to address these issues is growing, making real change seem possible.
