Objective
Rationale
The accident that occurred in Chernobyl on 26 April 1986 has highlighted, by way of the nature, magnitude and durability of its consequences, the novel problem of populations living in highly contaminated areas. Today, ten years later, the sanitary and psycho social conditions in these areas remain seriously poor. Lack of clear information to the affected populations, as regards the risks involved, seems to be one of the major causes of this situation. Thus, a certain number of programmes relating to public information, communication and education have been set up during the previous years in the three Republics of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. To this date, however, there has been no overall impact evaluation of these programmes, nor a study of possible means for increasing their efficiency.
Objectives and duration of the research
The present research aims at
bridging this gap. It will last 28 months and it is designed to enhance the currently implemented strategies for radiological risk management. Its output will take the form of a set of recommendations relating to public information, communication and education policies in cases of similar accidents. This form is largely dictated by the need to ensure a maximum degree of dissemination of the information gathered, and render this latter easily accessible to its addressees (decision-makers, media representatives, and teachers). By improving the quality of the information and the education provided to the affected populations, this research will contribute to the betterment of the sanitary conditions in the contaminated areas, as well as in the psychological and social rehabilitation of the affected individuals. It is based on the assumption that a better comprehension of the problems associated with radioactive contamination will allow an increased acceptance by the public of the projected risk mitigation measures. By the same token, it will eventually help individuals regain their locus of control, i.e. believe in their own effectiveness in changing things.
Brief outline of the research
Far from being a purely exploratory
case-study, the present research will use the empirical results compiled during the field work, in order to formulate strategies for public information communication and education that can take into full account field constraints, thus guaranteeing the strategies' applicability. Consequently, the proposed research will take up a pragmatic approach, consisting in two phases: - an analytical phase, during which we will evaluate the overall efficiencyof the public information, communication and education programmes existing inthree selected districts of the aforementioned Republics, namely the Districtof Polesskoje, Tchetchersk, and Gordejevka.
- an operational phase, during which, and based on the results of the firstphase, we will elaborate, implement, and evaluate a pilot-project on publicinformation, communication and education programs in the said districts. Partnership
Three research groups composed of people from different
disciplines (didactic, sociology, law, economy) will be in charge of the project. The Chernobyl catastrophe, together with the profound changes undergone in these countries have resulted in situations of unprecedented complexity. It is our belief that only a multi-disciplinary partnership can produce a reliable model of a public information, communication and education strategy.
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
1112 XB Diemen
Netherlands