26 October 2010
Around $330K to be channeled into ICRIN new project in Belarus
GOMEL, 26 October (BelTA) - A new international technical assistance project “Development of International Chernobyl Research and Information Network” (ICRIN) was presented in the town of Vetka, Gomel Oblast, on October 26. Partners are expected to allocate roughly $330,000 to finance the project, BelTA learned from Ivan Zatsepin, project coordinator, representative of the UNDP Office in Belarus. This is the first time that the project covers all post-Chernobyl regions in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. In Belarus there are 21 such regions, 13 of them are in Gomel Oblast. The main objective of the project is to provide support to the ongoing international, national and civil society efforts towards the sustainable development of the affected territories. Thus, a contest will be organized for the best initiatives in the affected areas. These initiatives may relate to the manufacture of farm produce that meet hygienic standards; improvement of social and living environment; recovery, psychological, social and medical rehabilitation of the population; promotion of healthy lifestyles; dissemination of information on historical and cultural heritage of a region; other activities aimed at setting up new jobs, promoting higher incomes and improved quality of life. Public and private nonprofit organizations, local governments can participate in the contest. The initiatives will be accepted until November 19. The best initiatives will be financed by ICRIN partners in the amount of 40% of the total costs of the initiative but not more than $7,000 in total. The remaining part of the funding for the initiative will be provided from local sources. The ICRIN is also set to implement a program on healthy lifestyles, to conduct trainings for the media and create at least five Internet-centers in the Chernobyl-affected regions. The ICRIN international technical assistance project is implemented in Belarus by the Emergencies Ministry and the UN Development Program. The project will be extended until August 2011.БЕЛТА