As a result of radiation emergencies and nuclear-weapon tests on the territory of the former Soviet Union, a part of the forest resources of 23 districts of the Russian Federation have been contaminated by radionuclides. The total area of Russian forest contaminated as a result of the Chernobyl tragedy totals approximately 1 million hectares. Large amounts of lumber have been harvested in the contaminated areas without first measuring the content of radionuclides. Attempts to find an integrated solution to problems of radioactive contaminated forested areas have, however, not yet been made in Russia, nor in any other country. To solve this problem the Federal Forestry Service of Russia, within the framework of the UNDP Ecocentre, has launched the "Radiation Forest Certification and Rehabilitation of Contaminated Forests" project. The project’s aim is to introduce a Mandatory Certification System on radionuclide contents in forestry products and to provide maximum radiation safety to forestry workers and forestry production users inside and outside of Russia. The project is also developing and introducing safe forestry technologies for the radioactive contaminated territories and creating a network of regional Radiation Protection Laboratories.

One of first steps directed to creating the certification system was a workshop held in Kaluga from Sept. 22 to 24. Among the participants were the heads of the forestry management bodies from the 23 affected Russian districts, regions which are partially contaminated by radionuclides, and Belarus. Delegates discussed in detail the methods of mandatory certification for selling standing timber and secondary forest resources with regard to the content of cesium-137 and strontium-90 and the approaches to harmonization of the forest radiation certification system with the present international certification systems. The workshop participants visited the laboratory for radiation control established at the Kaluga Forestry Management body. Similar laboratories exist or will be created at the forestry management bodies of the 23 Russian districts. The project envisages training aimed at upgrading the skills of the laboratory specialists currently working for regional forestry management units.

Assistance to the Victims of Terrorist Acts in Moscow

Voluntary public organization headquarters have been established at the Social Partnership Centre basis with the aim to provide assistance to the victims of terrorist acts in Moscow.

The Centre was created under the joint project of UNDP-Russia and the Moscow Government. While the Russian capital was shocked by the outburst of terrorist activity, all-round assistance was organized - first of all moral and psychological support, which is essential for preserving the victims’ moral health. They also established a telephone hotline at headquarters that was manned by volunteers.

Some 48 victims were assisted by psychologists, and they received financial aid as well. Through the Social Partnership Centre, 46 Muscovites donated financial support to the victims of terrorist acts in Moscow in September alone.