The Chernobyl exclusion zone will be turned into a revival zone: the government has taken the first step

The Chernobyl exclusion zone will be turned into a revival zone: the government has taken the first step shutterstock
Katerina Belousova

It is necessary to create conditions so that international partners, investors and the public are confident in the transparent and unhindered development of the Zone

The Cabinet of Ministers registered in the Verkhovna Rada draft law No. 9338 "On amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine regarding the development of territories affected by radioactive pollution as a result of the Chernobyl disaster."

The document creates the basis for the transformation of the Exclusion Zone into the Revival Zone, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources reports in Telegram.

It is noted that the draft law makes changes to six laws and introduces legal foundations for:

  • transformation of the Exclusion Zone into a modern scientific platform for conducting research;
  • simplification of the rules for visiting the Zone by tourists;

The message emphasized that despite the temporary stoppage of the development of this direction due to the war, it is necessary to regulate it legislatively.

  • introduction of transparent rules for conducting economic activities in the Zone;
  • creation of conditions for the development of the Chernobyl radiation and ecological biosphere reserve.

It is noted that the document proposes to resolve the issue of funding for the development of the reserve, fire protection and conducting scientific research.

"The approval of this document is the first step towards the implementation of the concept of transforming the Exclusion Zone into a Revival Zone. It is important to create all the necessary conditions so that after the victory of Ukraine, our international partners, investors and the public will be confident in the transparent and unimpeded development of this unique Zone", – emphasized the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Ruslan Strelets.

Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that Ukraine received €15 million for the restoration of the Chernobyl zone from international donors, and the total revenues should reach €225 million.

As EcoPolitic previously reported, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, Ruslan Strilets, said in June 2022 that the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone could become a world scientific center for the study of the peaceful atom.

Related
Ukraine will make another attempt to ratify the Kigali Amendment: why it matters
Ukraine will make another attempt to ratify the Kigali Amendment: why it matters

Officials from the relevant agency have been preparing for the ratification of this document for several years now

New initiative by the Ministry of Economy threatens large-scale deforestation – UPG
New initiative by the Ministry of Economy threatens large-scale deforestation – UPG

Activists regularly bring new legislative initiatives to the attention of the authorities, as these initiatives will have a negative impact on the condition of Ukraine's forests

The government has approved regulations for the protection of peatlands: from the creation of a cadastre to restrictions on use
The government has approved regulations for the protection of peatlands: from the creation of a cadastre to restrictions on use

This should help protect ecosystems that are vital for climate resilience and biodiversity

The Environmental Committee reviewed bills to increase fines for water-related violations
The Environmental Committee reviewed bills to increase fines for water-related violations

They chose the version that calls for harsher sanctions