CHERNOBYL disaster

Why are the consequences still observed? and
Why is the international assistance still critical?
 

• Damage caused by the Chernobyl disaster is estimated at some $235 billion. However, the overall amount of money that Belarus and the international community invested into the recovery amounts to just 8 per cent of the total damage.
• Safe environment in the affected regions requires much time to take hold. The eco‐system there will turn healthy after the soil gets rid of radio nuclides. They have different periods of half‐decay. Besides, to produce safe food in the affected territories, agricultural lands and industrial manufactures should start operating again. That requires time, too.
• Recovery and sustainable growth of the affected regions ‐ a key aim for now and the near future – needs large investments. This is a long‐term process. It bears on not just successful economy but peoples’ socialization and psychological stability.
• Children’s recuperation abroad now fully depends on the willingness of the hosting countries to sign a relevant agreement with Belarus. The major purpose of that agreement is to ensure that the Belarusian children are safe and their rights are fully observed while going abroad for recuperation.
• Knowledge and experience, gained over several years of scientific activities in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl catastrophe, are of great value as they may help the international community to define actions needed to address emergency situations in different parts of the world.