Internationally agreed European research projects of co-operation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

Almost 18 years have passed since the Chernobyl accident. During this time, many activities to eliminate the consequences of emergency and radiation protection of the population were carried out, for example the construction of the " Sarcophagus ", river and ground water contamination countermeasures, food and potable water monitoring, countermeasure in agriculture, which were done on the basis of the scientific research and recommendations.

Now the main priority of research is the scientific support of long-term measures for the radiation protection of the population and territories from "Chernobyl" radionuclides. This research has fundamental value not only for the solution of Chernobyl-related problems, but also for basic science in radioecology, radiobiology and radiation medicine etc.

Since 1991, Chernobyl researches have been financed from the state budget of Ukraine and international and foreign organizations (projects of the European Commission, French - German initiatives etc.).

Now financing these activities from state budget has become considerably reduced. The majority of fundamental and applied research activities, such as: the study of radionuclides migration in the ecosystem, biological effects of low-dose radiation, radiation safety in the contaminated territories and their rehabilitation, radioactive waste management in places of their unorganized storage etc., requires the realization of long-term research projects. Those polygons, which were created in the Chernobyl-contaminated area, may be lost to world science and the unique data may not benefit the world community. These data are necessary for all countries for assessments of long-term consequences of radiological emergencies and their minimization.

The international workshop on the strengthening of international co-operation with using of Chernobyl experimental sites (polygons) have been carried out.

Participants in the workshop were:

leaders of Ministry of Ukraine of Emergencies and Affairs of Population Protection from the Consequences of Chernobyl Catastrophe ,
representative of the European Commission,
scientists from the Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), France,
scientists from the Institute of Reactor Safety (GRS), Germany,
key Ukrainian scientists.

Workshop conclusion

The participants of the workshop agreed on the interest to continue international co-operation using Chernobyl experimental sites (polygons). The results of this co-operation have to be beneficial for the radiation protection of the Ukrainian population and useful for the international scientific community.
The participants have drawn up a list of PROPOSAL FOR PROJECTS of Franco-German-Ukrainian co-operation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (attached), which will be presented to French, German, and Ukrainian officials for opinion, and European Commission for information.
The participants apply to the European Commission, National Authorities and International organization for funding of the presented PROPOSAL FOR PROJECTS of Franco-German-Ukrainian co-operation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

PROPOSAL FOR PROJECTS
of Franco-German-Ukrainian co-operation in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

1	Radioecological dynamic model of radionuclides transfer from soil to plants	Terms of reference Model parameterization on the basis of existing data for relevant radionuclides including transuranics Installation of permanent experimental sites in the contaminated area mainly in the Exclusion Zone with soil characteristic representative of Europe Continue model updating on results of contaminated area polygons and development of a method for countermeasure efficiency evaluation
2	Radioecological modelling of radionuclides cycle in the natural and semi-natural forest ecosystems	Terms of reference Model parameterization on the basis of existing data for relevant radionuclides including transuranics Installation of permanent experimental sites in the Exclusion Zone with soil characteristic representative of Northern Europe Continue model updating on results of Exclusion Zone polygons
3	Review of RW disposal sites and classification due to radiation impact on the environment and man	Terms of reference Gamma-field radiation measurement Integral site survey (radionuclides inventory, depressions, ground water, plants contamination, geological medium, etc.) Three-dimension ecological representation of RW disposal sites elaboration
4	Radiomonitoring techniques elaboration	Project proposal for EC 6 FP
5	Biological monitoring of plants and animals under radiological pressure in the Exclusion Zone	Terms of reference Representation of biodiversity in the Exclusion Zone To define critical species
6	Radionuclides migration under normal and "abnormal" geological conditions	Terms of reference
7	Polygon for testing of decontamination techniques	Terms of reference
8	Chernobyl radioecological polygon for integrated studies of radionuclides behaviour in the environment	Terms of reference
9	Annual joint report on environmental studies in the Exclusion Zone	Terms of reference
10	Radioecological dynamic model of environment self-restoration	Terms of reference Model parameterization on the basis of existing data for relevant radionuclides including transuranics installation of permanent experimental sites in the Exclusion Zone Continue model updating on results of contaminated area polygons