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The exploratory mission to Cuba took place in October 2005. In addition a meeting with the other countries from the Sub-Region was held, where interest to participate in the 2006 activities was renewed. The IAEA was extremely supporting in our efforts and sponsoring for 2006 from Spain and Sweden is aimed to be finalised before the end of this year.

The methodology and findings of the cuban exploratory mission will be published in December 2005.

Background

Between 2000-2002, a cooperation project was carried out between SSI and the Cuban Center for Radiation Protection and Hygiene (CPHR), which was financed by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), with the title "Strengthening the Radiation Protection System in Cuba".

As a result, priority topics were identified, including radioactive waste management and the environmental radiological surveillance of relevant facilities. Remaining problems and future improvements were also itemised, which would be prioritised and incorporated for Cuba's selection into this project.

The emphasis for this next phase is directed towards expanding the experience gained in Cuba and further develop internal expertise in a number of Caribbean and Central American countries. The work will also promote multilateral cooperation in these topics with leading institutions from Caribbean, Central American countries, Sweden, France and Spain.

Objective

To expand the knowledge and experience gained in Cuba to Central American countries in:

1. radioactive waste management, including risk assessment and safety of using radioactive material, and
2. environmental radiological surveillance within and outside facilities, extending to natural radiation and emergency preparedness issues

Work description

This feasibility study aims at identifying countries in the Caribbean and Central America, who would be interested in participating in the main project.

Countries will be invited to attend a workshop in Cuba at the end of June to describe their country's facilities and regulatory system, and to prioritise their areas of interest. If the project goes ahead, a programme for each participating country will be developed, in order to:

• determine current situation with regards to radioactive waste management and environmental radiological surveillance;
• highlight areas of improvements in existing systems, and prioritise issues of interest and concerns;
• recommend a working program to incorporate missing components; and
• promote the development of internal expertise via co-operation/training and exchange between scientists.

In addition a specialised Centre will be created in the region, for the systematic training in the Caribbean and Central American Region of radioactive waste management.

Output

A report will be produced with the result of the meeting in Cuba. If sufficient interest is raised, then a full work programme will be developed and sponsoring sought for the full three-year project.