Environmental auditing as a strategic instrument for ecological security: evidence from Türkiye and the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

This study examines the role of environmental auditing as a strategic instrument for strengthening ecological security, offering a comparative analysis of practices and developments in Türkiye and the Republic of Moldova during the period of 2020–2025. In the context of intensifying global ecological risks and increasing pressures on governance systems, environmental auditing emerges as a key mechanism for evaluating compliance, managing risks, and enhancing institutional transparency. Through a comparative assessment of the regulatory framework, institutional capacities, and implementation mechanisms, the study highlights how both states employ environmental auditing to ensure good governance, protect natural resources, and advance sustainable development objectives. The findings show that Türkiye benefits from advanced control mechanisms closely aligned with EU harmonization processes, while the Republic of Moldova stands out through legislative dynamism and accelerated sustainability-oriented reforms, despite existing institutional constraints. In both countries, environmental auditing contributes to increased public accountability, improved policy quality, and strengthened ecological resilience. The analysis also demonstrates that integrating environmental auditing into the architecture of ecological security provides an effective framework for risk prevention, resource management optimization, and the engagement of relevant actors, including local communities. The paper proposes strengthening institutional capacities, digitizing audit processes, and developing robust participatory mechanisms capable of supporting both states in their transition toward modern, sustainable environmental governance.