Researchers say that it is extremely important to take into account the voices and opinions of the local population when developing a socio-economic development strategy at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site and in the newly formed Abay region.
In July 2023, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the Law “On the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone”, aimed at ensuring nuclear and radiation safety in Kazakhstan during the rehabilitation of the territory of the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.
According to Article 3 of this law, it was adopted to solve the following tasks: 1) preparing land for further economic use, 2) fulfilling Kazakhstan’s obligations in the field of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, 3) effective infrastructure management, reducing radioactive contamination, 4) monitoring pollution levels, and 5) development of science and technology in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy and radioecology.
It is important to note that until July 2023, other legislative measures were adopted in Kazakhstan to resolve local problems related to the nuclear past and the rehabilitation of affected areas. For example, the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the social protection of citizens affected by nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site” was adopted in 1992 immediately after the closure of the test site* and independence. However, despite the efforts of the state to provide social protection and rehabilitation for those affected by nuclear tests, as well as the publication of more than 700 articles dedicated to the day of the closure of nuclear tests, over the past three decades the lives of people affected by nuclear tests and their descendants have not improved.
In this regard, the question arises: is the new law adopted 31 years after the closure of the nuclear test site an impetus for development again in the context of restoring the regional status of the former Semipalatinsk, now Abay region? Despite these changes at the legislative level since 2023, the local population still has many local problems related to the nuclear past. To what extent does this law and changes have a positive effect on the development of the region, which has been in the shadows for the last 25 years?
Abay region and regional development
The Abay region, newly formed in 2022, ceased to be part of the East Kazakhstan Region. In turn, this administrative and territorial change can give a new breath and stimulate the development of the economic potential of the region.
One of the most serious problems in the region is the legacy of nuclear tests conducted at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. The local population still suffers from the effects of radiation pollution, which leads to numerous health and social problems.
Development of the region: How will the new law affect development?
In order to answer this question, this year the “Komitet Polygon 21” NGO conducted a research project entitled “Development of Proposals for the socio-economic development of the region taking into account the Nuclear Past: Public Opinion” in the cities of Semey and Kurchatov. This study is one of the few that made it possible to assess citizens’ attitudes towards socio-economic and other aspects of the region’s development.
The main purpose of the study was to gather information needed to develop proposals for improving policies related to the former landfill site, as well as to ensure local community participation in the decision-making process. The main question of the study was how local residents perceive the impact of the Semipalatinsk test site on the socio-economic development of the region. Thus, a key aspect of the study was to interact with the local population and explore their local views on this issue.
As mentioned above, the nuclear past has a negative impact on the economic prospects of the region. Radioactive contamination caused by nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site has led to serious environmental and health problems that hinder socio-economic development. High levels of radiation in soil, food and water continue to affect the health of local populations, reducing their productivity and ability to work.
Moreover, the policy towards rethinking the nuclear past has not yet achieved visible results. Local residents still lack development and support from the state, which prevents them from fully participating in the economic activities of the region.
What do the local population think about the nuclear past?
Studies have shown that part of the population feels “outcast” due to the association with radiation, which leads to their social stigmatization and discrimination. This may be due to the fact that there is a low level of awareness in society about the problems of the nuclear test site, which aggravates the situation. According to the population, radiation negatively affects their health and also causes social difficulties, including problems with marriage due to fears of residents of other regions associated with possible genetic changes.
The people of our city, our region, are kind of outcasts because radiation issues are a very complex issue. And often to the point of asking a question about it, not shining the light, and so on. That is, which is associated with the low level of public awareness about the problem of the nuclear test site itself. It is also directly related to health now in social terms. That is, well, let’s put it this way. Difficulties. Getting married, finding a spouse. Due to the fact that it is believed that in our region we are carriers of some kind of genetic changes on the part of society. (Sergey, civil activist, 01/31/2024)
During interviews with local residents, almost every participant noted serious illnesses in their family or among friends that they associated with radiation and the nuclear past. In their opinion, despite the passage of time, residents continue to suffer from various diseases caused by radiation. The most common diseases are radiation sickness and cancer. Even small doses of radiation significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. Radioactive particles can enter the mucous membranes and skin, as well as enter the body through food and water, which increases the likelihood of illness. In places subjected to nuclear explosions, the permissible dose of radiation is exceeded hundreds of times, which leads to serious consequences for the health of the local population.
Despite the fact that almost more than 40 years have passed since the closure of the nuclear test site, people still have health problems, not to mention how many there were during the nuclear explosions. The most common diseases due to radiation exposure are mainly called radiation sickness.
Similarly, in principle, when exposed to even small doses of radiation in people, the likelihood of developing oncology increases tenfold; radioactive particles can enter the mucous membrane and skin of a person, also developing radiation sickness or oncology; radiation particles can be ingested by a person with food or water where it occurred explosion or in villages, which is covered by blast waves. In any case, the permissible dose of radiation will be exceeded hundreds of times (Marina, medical worker, 01/31/2024)
There were also those who described the situation of people over 40 years of age, formerly representatives of the working class, who currently do not have the opportunity to work due to poor health caused by radiation. Even though nothing has changed outwardly, the consequences of nuclear explosions still affect their lives. These people remain unnoticed: their problems do not attract adequate attention from the state, which does not show sufficient concern for the victims.
People aged 40 and above.
That is, it is the working class that currently cannot work due to the fact that they have a very poor state of health. That is why I say that this had a huge impact. Yes, now there are no such echoes because no one sees that anything has changed. It hasn’t changed, because the state doesn’t care much about our problem.” (Marina, medical worker, 01/31/2024)
Residents also believe that the distribution of compensation across regions is not fair and adequate enough, since the amounts provided by law do not provide them with adequate support. This is disappointing and bewildering as the compensation given does not even cover basic living needs such as a month’s travel expenses for one person.
I, like everyone else, know that the law (On social protection of citizens affected by the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site) was adopted in 1992 on December 18. It describes by region and by measure what amount should be paid from the state. This is, you know, funny. An amount that is not enough even for a month’s travel (Aigul, teacher, 01/31/2024)
Thus, the analysis of the interviews conducted (48 interviews) indicates several existing problems among residents. One of them is social isolation and stigmatization. Lack of public attention and support increases feelings of helplessness and alienation. Narratives of fear of radiation only contribute to stigmatization, especially among those outside the region. Hence, it can be assumed that external stigma has a negative impact on the self-perception of the local population.
The second problem noted by the population is the long-term impact of radiation on the health of the local population. In this regard, study participants noted the need for medical support and monitoring over a long period of time. The low level of compensation indicates the need to review government policies regarding compensation and social protection for victims. Overall, the findings show that Cold War nuclear testing left deep social, environmental and economic wounds that require a comprehensive approach and enhanced government support for local populations.
In this context, the new law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone” can provide a new impetus for the development of the region. The law, aimed at rehabilitating affected areas and ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, opens up new opportunities for reviving economic activity. In particular, if government measures are effectively implemented, this could attract investment, improve infrastructure and create conditions for the growth of high-tech industries in the Abay region.
Recommendations
To solve the problems associated with the former nuclear test site in the Semipalatinsk region, and its impact on the local population, a comprehensive government policy is needed. Important directions of such a policy should be social support with rehabilitation and employment programs, environmental measures for monitoring and restoration of contaminated areas, and raising public awareness.
The problems of social isolation, stigmatization, and lack of public support faced by residents of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone can be solved using an integrated approach covering several aspects:
The functioning of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Safety Zone should be aimed at ensuring strict compliance with international standards in the field of nuclear and radiation safety. This includes not only control over nuclear facilities but also maintaining the nuclear non-proliferation regime, which helps build confidence in the international community.
An important part of creating the zone is also the organization of effective infrastructure management, including the modernization and reconstruction of facilities, which helps improve living conditions and the safety of residents.
Carrying out active measures to limit the spread of radioactive contamination and rehabilitate land, as well as constant monitoring of radiation levels, help minimize risks and prevent further environmental contamination.
An important aspect is also the revision of government policies regarding compensation and social protection for victims, which helps to reduce the feeling of helplessness and alienation among the population.
Thus, the creation and effective functioning of the Semipalatinsk nuclear safety zone represents a necessary step for a comprehensive solution to the social, environmental and economic problems faced by the residents of this territory. This will ensure not only the safety and health of the population but will also contribute to the sustainable development of the region in the long term.
If government measures are effectively implemented, this could attract investment, improve infrastructure and create conditions for the growth of high-tech industries.
It is also important to strengthen international cooperation to exchange experiences and best practices in radiation risk management. The implementation of these measures will help improve the living conditions and social situation of people suffering from the consequences of nuclear tests and the operation of test sites.