MINSK, April 29. /TASS/. The new common initiative between Belarus and Russia, aimed at addressing the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, focuses on rehabilitating contaminated lands and monitoring radiation levels in products manufactured within the affected regions, stated Zhanna Chernyavskaya, Chair of the Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology, and Environmental Protection.

To date, five joint programs have been successfully implemented, with a sixth now in development. Chernyavskaya highlighted that the primary emphasis remains on the fact that contaminated lands persist in Belarus - due to its proximity to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant - and in Russia, where ongoing remediation efforts are essential. She noted, "Since Belarus borders Chernobyl directly, it bears a significant responsibility for land recovery, and Russia continues to require further remediation."

The BelTA news agency reports that Chernyavskaya also underscored the importance of radiation monitoring in food processing enterprises operating within these regions. "A robust radiation control system is vital," she affirmed. "Our goal is to ensure the production of safe, clean products."

Another critical aspect addressed is healthcare. "Providing specialized medical care for affected populations is a sensitive and vital issue," she said. "Advancements in nuclear medicine offer promising solutions, and nuclear energy plays a role in tackling these healthcare challenges."

Additionally, Chernyavskaya pointed to the importance of forest management. "Today, protecting these areas from fires is crucial to prevent further ecological damage," she emphasized.