The “Lower Prut” Scientific Reserve is a state protected area, included in the UNESCO world heritage in 2018, thus becoming the first biosphere reserve established in the Republic of Moldova. It was founded in 1991 and covers an area of ​​1755.4 ha on the lower course of the Prut River.

The reserve is a real museum of biodiversity, where you can find 196 species of birds, of which 45 are species included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova and taken under international protection. For this reason, the Reserve is most often associated with the "land of migratory birds", being the perfect place for birdwatchers.

The flora of the reservation is also completed by rare species of mammals: otter, ermine, European mink and over 30 species of fish.

The main destination within the reservation is Beleu Natural Lake, which covers an area of ​​1691 hectares. For a boat trip, it must be visited in spring and in the first months of summer, because in the second part of the year the water level drops dramatically. The lake is 5-6 thousand years old, and according to its origin is a relic of the Danube.

Also, from the lake there is a wonderful view of the Golden Hills from the village of Văleni. Vizitors tell us that from the Golden Hills you can admire the most beautiful sunset in Moldova.