Page 40 - Nuclear Plant Journal May-June 2012
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40
Nuclear Plant Journal, May-June 2012
Chernobyl's Twenty...
(part of the “INEX” program). Clearly the
Chernobyl accident was unprecedented
and created significant challenges and
profound questions about the interaction
of science and society. Some important
lessons emerged from the post-accident
rehabilitation effort in some of the
territories affected by Chernobyl that
have broad application to future situations
with the potential for the environmental
release of toxic substances. These include
a recognition that there is a need in such
situations to focus on certain key issues,
first amongst which is engagement and
involvement of stakeholders in assessing
problems and seeking solutions, which
in turn leads to a re-emergence of self-
reliance and a rebuilding of trust; in
short, a more bottom-up approach is
suggested. Furthermore, the problems
that will be faced are complex and so
require an adequately complex response,
built on a multidisciplinary approach and
sound science (for which independent
validation may be requested), leading to
collective learning amongst stakeholders.
The output of this approach, with these
characteristics, can be sustainable
decisions leading to an improved quality
of life for the affected population.
It is also useful to consider what it is
about such an approach that is particularly
valued by stakeholders. They, after all,
are the people whom the professionals,
authorities and policy makers exist to
serve. Their assessment of that service is
accordingly of particular importance. In
this regard, stakeholders involved in the
post-Chernobyl rehabilitation process
particularly valued the following features
of the participatory approach:
The very fact that they were involved
•
instead of being passive recipients.
Closer and more productive
•
relationships with professionals and
authorities.
The fact that the participatory
•
approach focused on tangible
results.
The fact that this approach was well
•
adapted to individual contexts.
The role of radiation
protection professionals
and future opportunities
In conclusion, this work
emphasizes the role and responsibilities of
the radiation protection professionals and
potential future opportunities to engage
withstakeholders.TheChernobylaccident
has revealed local stakeholders to be an
indispensable part of the success of the
rehabilitation effort, so it is increasingly
recognized that they have an important
contribution to make in planning for the
emergency and rehabilitation phases of
any future contamination event, whether
associated with an industrial accident or a
deliberate release, and whether in a rural
or an urban setting.
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