Signing of Practical Arrangements between the IAEA and the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve of the Republic of Belarus

On August 28, 2025 in Vienna, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Belarus to International Organisations in Vienna, Andrei Dapkiunas, and the Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Najat Mokhtar, signed Practical Arrangements between the IAEA and the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve (PSRER) of the Republic of Belarus.

The signed document lays the foundation for expanding cooperation in the field of radioecology and environmental monitoring of radioactive contamination in areas affected by the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster. The agreement provides for joint scientific research, exchange of information and data, as well as the development of educational and professional training programmes.

During the meeting, the Permanent Representative of Belarus and the IAEA Deputy Director General discussed the implementation of the document and further development of cooperation.

A. Dapkiunas expressed his appreciation to the IAEA for its long-standing constructive cooperation in radiation monitoring and research on the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. He emphasized the important role of the Agency in strengthening national capacity in the field of radiation safety and in supporting scientific research.

The Belarusian diplomat noted the significance of the Polesie Reserve as a unique scientific and environmental platform with many years of experience in the field of radioecology. He confirmed Belarus' readiness to share accumulated knowledge and expand international cooperation in this area.

The IAEA Deputy Director General, for her part, emphasised the importance of the scientific and practical experience accumulated by the Polesie State Radiation and Ecological Reserve in addressing the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. This experience is of global significance for understanding the behavior of radionuclides in the environment. She noted that for over 30 years, the Reserve has been conducting unique radiation monitoring, important for the entire international community scientific research, and remediation activities in contaminated areas. These efforts represent a valuable contribution to international work on the development of radioecological approaches and methodologies.

The interlocutors agreed on further deepening the partnership between Belarus and the IAEA.

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