Evaluation, testing and application of participatory approaches in the Czech Republic. Application of the RISCOM model in the Czech Republic

On the basis of past experience, the RISCOM model proved to be a suitable tool for launching a dialogue among all stakeholders in the area of NWM in the Czech Republic. It is important to continue the activities of the RISCOM reference group that was established in connection with the ARGONA project and RISCOM model application in the Czech Republic and in organization of various events such as seminars, science shops and hearings to ensure open and meaningful communication among NWM stakeholders. Main conclusions and findings obtained by the RISCOM model implementation in the field of the deep repository siting and nuclear waste management are, in the opinion of the vast majority of the members of reference groups, as follows: NIMBY effect - It is not possible to conclude that all the opposition of the public against the construction of a deep geological repository (approx. 90% of the localities' residents) in their territory or in its vicinity can be explained by means of the NIMBY effect - it is not possible to over generalize the NIMBY factor. This would be too simplistic and a somewhat problematic attitude towards opposition. This may result in a dismissive view of opposition as such and its degradation in the eyes of proponents of the construction of a deep geological repository. There are various motives and reasons for the residents' refusal of the construction of a deep geological repository in their locality. The past events (seminars in the localities, public hearing) as well as public opinion surveys have shown that there are great differences among the attitudes of individual localities as well as among the citizens within these localities. Some representatives of the municipalities express the opinion that they will - under certain conditions - agree with the geological survey in their territory, other say strictly NO. However, the residents of those municipalities whose representatives are saying a strict No often have diverse opinions, motivation or incentives, which may be further developed. This provides space for further discussions and negotiations. It is necessary to analyse these incentives and to hold further dialogue and negotiations on the basis of these findings. It is also crucial to focus on the development of motivation programs - compensation of the negative impacts of the selection and construction processes of the geological repository into the community and region lives. It is important to prepare clearly defined motivational programs, which will have support in appropriate legislation - they shall be embedded in the Atomic Act. It is necessary to create a long-term conception with clearly defined rules and requirements concerning the process of selecting the locality for a deep geological repository. These conceptual materials should be prepared on the basis of a dialogue and agreement of all parties involved. The conception should have support in legislation so that it may not be easily interfered in, as it would be binding on individual governments changing with individual electoral terms. A clearly defined strategy for getting the public involved in the process of deep geological repository siting should be part of the conception as well. It is necessary to define a suitable communication process - to create a structured dialogue between individual stakeholders. The selected format of communication should be flexible enough to enable a gradual unblocking of positions and attitudes of individuals with strong opinions who have a tendency to keep their opinions away from the arguments of the opposition. This should be one of the main tasks of the Reference or Working Group. It is essential to retain the existing structure of the Working and Reference Groups, as the Working Group prepares all necessary materials for the operation of the Reference Group and subsequently puts the resolutions adopted by the Reference Group into practice. The Reference Group as well as the Working Group were formed and functioned within the ARGONA project of EC as a test of the RISCOM communication model . Their activities were based on voluntary and non-committal membership of stakeholders' representatives. Thus it has been specified in the cooperation agreement signed by all members of the Reference Group. Even though individual members were delegated by their organizations, it was not always possible to consider their statements or attitudes as a binding declaration and an official standpoint of the ministry or organization in question. However, this did not have the same significance for the purposes of testing the RISCOM communication model, as it will have for prospective continuation of the activities of the Reference Group. The practical impact of adopted conclusions and recommendations would be thus very limited. It is necessary to secure 'legitimacy' of the RISCOM Reference and Working Groups outside the ARGONA project, as part of the process of selecting the location for the deep geological repository. All delegated members should be authorized to express the official standpoints of their organizations and to propose possible solutions, which would be subsequently discussed at higher levels. At least the Working Group should be legalized/institutionalised; it should be provided with a certain institutional background, e.g. by means of an organization such as RAWRA or the Ministry of Industry and Trade or the Ministry of the Environment. The Reference Group could then remain on the basis of a voluntary association of representatives of individual parties involved.