Radioactive waste management and sustainable development

Radioactive waste management, as currently carried out in OECD/NEA countries, is fully consistent with the principles of sustainable development. It allows present generations to progress without leaving burdens for those of the future, while transferring to the latter a corpus of knowledge, standards and structures of international relations that will facilitate their own development. Nevertheless, achieving public acceptance is essential if we are to attain the objectives of sustainable development. With this in mind, and in view of public opinion regarding the nuclear risk, it is necessary to provide impulse and include public participation in decision making. (authors)