Cowam

Going National and Local

Serge — 2010-06-24T14:56:27Z

Community Waste Management and COWAM 2 framed RWM governance at a European level, organizing a series of EU-wide seminars and conferences, each time involving about 200 delegates.

A broad diversity of stakeholders, of different profiles and representing a dozen countries, met on an equal footing to investigate key RWM governance issues: local democracy, the links between local communities and national policies, quality of decision-making processes, and long-term vigilance. Thus the first two COWAM projects benchmarked good practice and generated recommendations for the EU, building on concrete feedback from a wide range of countries and RWM processes. These good practices and recommendations were adopted in several countries to help improve the governance of RWM.

In countries that had recently become European Member States, participation in COWAM activities proved very useful to allow the main stakeholders to meet with their European counterparts, and just as importantly, to establish connections between national institutions and local communities. Local NGOs and Mayors, representatives of agencies and other specialists from a single country sometimes met for the first time at a COWAM meeting. As a neutral European stage COWAM made intra-national networking easier, for both new and traditional Member States. In COWAM 2, intra-national discussions were tested during annual conferences. Grouped by country, participants debated the lessons they found most pertinent for their own context. These country-based multi-stakeholder groups found an interest in elaborating the issues together. For a number of countries in particular, this discussion format appeared promising.

COWAM in Practice, the third programme to be organized, recognized that achieving good practice in a given country doesn't derive merely from learning what was done well or badly elsewhere.

Once good practices are identified - supported by evidence from a broad variety of local and national experiences across Europe - improving actual governance requires experimentation in a dialogue between stakeholders in their own environment.

Stepping into experimentation seemed possible in several countries at the end of COWAM 2. What made it “the right time” in each of these places? The conditions were quite diverse. In some countries, like France or the UK, a new legal or policy framework had just been promulgated, and stakeholders were keen to discuss how the new regulations could be set into motion and what the practical implications could be for local communities. In Romania, the limited development of RWM legislation called for joint work between the variety of stakeholders to develop the basis for democratic local governance of nuclear and RWM issues. In Spain and Slovenia, despite well-established relations between national and local stakeholders there was a need to assess existing RWM governance arrangements and to consider how these could be improved.

In all these various contexts, the existence of a temporary European/national institution like COWAM in Practice was deemed useful to develop an insightful dialogue on RWM governance.

Slovenian report

Serge — 2010-06-24T14:46:09Z

In Slovenia, where local siting partnerships exist, evaluating and developing the role of citizens in RWM decision making was at the heart of investigations.

Slovenian reports are available in English and Slovenian.

Slovenian report - ENG version

Slovenian report - SLOV version

Romanian report

Serge — 2010-06-24T14:44:25Z

In Romania, strides were made in empowering local stakeholders to participate in decision making, now and in the long term. The group looked at roles for local players in vigilance over nuclear and waste installations and their potential health and environmental impacts.

Romanian report - ENG version

Romanian report - ROManian version

National Case Study of the COWAM in Practice (CIP) project in the UK

Serge — 2010-06-24T14:42:21Z

CIP UK is funded under Framework Six of the European Union and by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Westlakes Scientific Consulting Limited (WSCL) are the National facilitators of this project in the UK and have written this report on behalf of the national stakeholder group as a record of the CIP project activity, lessons, impact and future potential in the United Kingdom. This document is based on reflection occurring within the UK NSG (National Stakeholder Group) between involved stakeholders, and the experiences of the National Facilitators.

This case study, then, records the experiences of CIP in the UK in four broad areas:
Background - Providing background to the CIP project
Inception - Detailing the background to the NSG and the research topics identified for co-operative research
Operation - Exploring the operation of the project in the UK, including materials presented to the NSG and the activities that took place
Future - Finally, a consideration of the impact of CIP project in the UK and the future potential for continuing co-operative research.

The underlying stakes which framed the CIP project in the United Kingdom, particularly the UK Government policies for the management of higher and lower activity radioactive wastes, are detailed to frame the content of this case study and the project as a whole in the UK.

The outputs of CIP, as a co-operative research project, are explored in terms of how they were developed co-operatively with the NSG, with particular reference to the two research areas which the UK NSG identified as the top priorities for the research ‘arm' of the project, the Methodological Task Force (MTF). These areas, identified by the UK NSG, in summary are:
Thinking of both existing and new nuclear sites, who defines a community, and how do they do it?
How do you define a scale of benefits that contributes to the sustainability and enhancement of a community?

These questions formed the basis for two research briefs developed by organisations in the UK, in collaboration with the UK and other countries NSGs in the CIP project, in the areas of ‘defining an affected community' and ‘community benefit packages'.

Finally, in taking an overview of the project, this Prospective Case Study document provides insights into the operation of this co-operative research project in the UK, delivering the insights of the NSG and the National Facilitators, plus providing the possibilities for the continuation of co-operative research.

UK report

Cooperative Research Investigations - National Reports

Serge — 2010-06-24T14:25:12Z

CIP participants in the 5 countries undertook cooperative investigation on their chosen governance themes. This research effort in itself allowed the stakeholders (national, regional and local representatives of civil society or the State, as well as technical specialists) to test out an inclusive governance approach. They practiced a new style of relations, reframing RWM issues to address the stakes, concerns, perspectives and goals of the different player categories.

In France, the cooperative research allowed an exchange of views and knowledge on implementing reversibility, identifying major issues on which players then expressed their expectations.

FRANCE - report in English / rapport en français

ROMANIA - report in English / Română raport

In Spain, stakeholders examined the economic development that should accompany the siting of a storage facility. Materials were developed to support mayors in talking with their community about technical and social concerns.

SPAIN - report in English / informe español

In Slovenia, where local siting partnerships exist, evaluating and developing the role of citizens in RWM decision making was at the heart of investigations.

SLOVENIA - report in English / Slovensko poročilo

In the United Kingdom, addressing the complex question of ‘defining an affected community' was highly pertinent in the current stage of the national siting process, and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to dialogue across borders.

UNITED KINGDOM - report in English

Research Briefs

2010-04-30T09:19:02Z

Across the 5 CIP countries, participants identified 3 major themes they wished to investigate:

Structuring local communities and developing local democracy for engagement in radioactive waste management governance

CIP participants wanted to learn how local communities (alone or linked – from villages to regions, as appropriate) can get organized to play a stronger role in RWM decision making. The CIP Guidelines spell out five vital features that support communities' ability to engage.

• Contribution of Local Communities to RWM Safety

• Participatory Assessment of Decision-Making Process

• The Local Partnership Approach to the Siting of a RWM Facility

• Local Liaison Committees and their National Association: French Experience

Contribution of Local Communities to RWM Safety

Participatory Assessment of Decision-Making Process - Main report

Participatory Assessment of Decision-Making Process - Annexes A

Participatory Assessment of Decision-Making Process - Annexes B

Belgian partnerships

Local Liaison Committees and their national association : the French experience

Sustainable long-term governance of radioactive waste management

Local stakeholders are concerned about how to sustain vigilance and responsibility for RWM facilities over the phases of their development and operation, and throughout the many years beyond. The CIP Guidelines give details on passing along a ‘safety legacy'.

• Long-term Environmental Surveillance and Health Risk Assessment

• Practical Governance of Reversibility

Long-term Environmental Surveillance and Health Risk

Practical Governance of Reversibility - ENGlish version

Réversibilité Pratique - Version française

Affected communities and sustainable territorial development encompassing radioactive waste management

Administrative borders are not enough to define the communities affected or concerned by the existence of any RWM project. The CIP Guidelines point out ways for an inclusive governance process to accommodate different definitions of community, and to provide resources for engagement and development.

• Defining an Affected Community

• Sustainable Territorial Development Associated with Radioactive Waste Installations

• Community Support/Involvement Packages

Defining an Affected Community

Sustainable Territorial Development Associated with Radioactive Waste Installations

Community Support Package

Untitled

Serge — 2007-12-14T16:39:09Z

Le groupe français est constitué de représentants des Commissions Locales d'information, d'associations, de représentants de l'ANDRA, des ministères (DGEMP), autorités (ASN), exploitant (EDF) et experts publics (IRSN).

Le groupe est présidé par Chantal Rigal de l'ANCLI, et facilité par Mutadis.

RAPPORT EN COURS DE VALIDATION - PENDING REPORT

The two first meetings of the French National Stakeholder Group were held on 28th June and 3rd December 2007 in Paris.

The group comprises representatives from Local Commissions, NGOs, operator (ANDRA), ministries (DGEMP), safety authorities (ASN), energy producers (EDF) and public expertise organisations (IRSN).

The group is chaired by Chantal Rigal, from the national association of local commissions (ANCLI), and facilitated by Mutadis.

WP1 reports

Serge — 2007-07-25T12:09:42Z

- COWAM 2 Final reports - Library - attached documents

test upload

Dominique — 2007-07-25T09:50:14Z

test - COWAM 2 Final reports - Library - attached documents

COWAM 2 Final Reports

2007-07-25T09:24:52Z

COWAM 2 is a research project that brought together over the course of three years a diverse group of stakeholders, to investigate the range of governance issues in radioactive waste management. You will find here the reports of their work together.

A major aspect of the COWAM 2 project is its “cooperative research” nature. A specific methodology was developed and tested as part of the project. This methodology is a core element and result of the project.

The FINAL SYNTHESIS REPORT reports the methodology and main findings of the project.

COWAM 2 comprised four thematic cooperative research groups. Each group brought together some thirty local and national stakeholders six times over the course of the project, supported by research-contractors with the task of documenting and developing the research outcomes. Each group provided specific analysis and recommendations:

WorkPackage 1

The “local democracy” group shared knowledge about local committee building, with the aim of identifying best practice in applying local democracy to nuclear related issues in Europe. Examples of best practice are proposed which reflect the diversity of experience found in different European contexts.

Final report, “Roadmap for Local Committee Construction”

CHK3 report, “Impact of Nuclear Information on Young People's Knowledge and Attitudes in Romania”
CHK4 report, “Genesis of an approach : from public non-participation to participation in LILW site selection process in Slovenia”
PT1 report, “Tools for Local Stakeholders in radioactive Waste Governance” (long version)
PT1 report, “Tools for Local Stakeholders in radioactive Waste Governance” (short version)
PT2 report, “Guidance on the Selection of PTA Tools”

WorkPackage 2

The group on “influence of local actors on the national decision-making process” clarified (i) effective mechanisms for local players to influencing national decision-making processes, (ii) key conditions for legitimate decision making in terms of the relationships and distribution of power between local and national players at different stages of the decision processes.

Final report, “Influence of Local Actors on National Decision-making Processes”

Appendix 1, List of WP2 stakeholders
Appendix 2, First French case study, “The influence of the local community of Dunkirk on the process of elaboration of the 30th July 2003 Law for the prevention of natural and technological risks”
Appendix 3, Second French case study, “Local independent expertise as a mechanism of influence on national policy processes: the independent assessment of ANDRA's research programme led by the IEER on request of the CLIS of Bure”
Appendix 4, First Spanish case study, “Estudio Sociológico Sobre La A.M.A.C. Y El Hecho Nuclear En España”
Appendix 5, Second Spanish case study, “Participación Institucional De Los Municipios En El Proceso De Toma De Decisiones Para El Emplazamiento De Un Almacenamiento De Residuos Radiactivos”
Appendix 6, First UK case study, “Public and Stakeholders Engagement in the Decision processes of the Committee on Radioactive WasteManagement (CoRWM)»
Appendix 7, Second UK case study, “Influence of Local Communities on Decision Processes: Experience of Copeland and Shetland Islands”
Appendix 8, “Mechanisms for Local Influence on National Decision Making Processes in Radioactive Waste Management »
Appendix 9, “Principles and Good Practices for Local Actors to Influence National Decision-Making Processes »
Appendix 10, “Balance of Power: Principles and Good Practices for Local Stakeholders to Influence National Decision-Making Processes”

WorkPackage 3

The group on “quality of the decision-making process” (Work Package 3) worked out recommendations for designing and implementing a robust decision-making process or for judging an existing decision-making process. The recommendations take the form of propositions to assist stakeholders in making decisions or evaluations.

Final report, “Decision-Making Processes in Radioactive Waste Governance, Insights and Recommendations”

Appendix to the final report, “Synopsis of National Decision-making Processes” (covering the following countries : Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom)
WP 3 (2004/2005): Proposed Framework for Decision-making Processes. Revised July 2005

WorkPackage 4

The purpose of the “long term governance” group (Work Package 4) was to identify, discuss and analyse the institutional, ethical, economic and legal considerations raised by the existence of a site for long term waste storage or deep geological disposal. The main issues were: ethical stakes, continuity and sustainability of surveillance, and efficiency of financing schemes.

Final report, “Long term Governance for Radioactive Waste Management”

Annex of the Final Report of COWAM2-Work Package 4

Contents of the annex:
Ethical guidelines: point of view of Herman Damveld - Independent researcher and publicist - The Netherlands
Ethical guidelines: point of view of Eckhard Kruse – Gartow church representative – Germany
Nuclear waste management and long term considerations in Sweden - contribution from Olov Holmstrand - The Waste Network – Sweden
Radioactive waste management in Germany - overview of current status - Jürgen Wollrath - BfS – Germany
Recommendations by MONA regarding the socio-economic aspects associated with the installation of a nuclear waste disposal in Mol - H. Ceulemans, B. Meus, L. Vanhoof - MONA – Belgium
ESDRED & technology development - Contribution to Final COWAM II Report, Wolf Seidler - ANDRA – France
Commission Particulière du débat public sur la gestion des déchets radioactifs - Extract from the Summary of the Final Minutes - January 2006
What is “long term”? Definitions and implications, T. Flüeler - ETH – Switzerland
Ethics of compensation and funding: which governance for the long term?, M. Bovy - SCK-CEN – Belgium
Strengths and weaknesses of ethical values and principles, G. Bombaerts, SCK-CEN

WorkPackage 5

Additionally, participants were involved in three annual National Sessions where they had the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the ongoing thematic governance research in their national and local contexts.

Final report, National Insights (covering the following countries : Belgium, Germany, France, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom)

ACCESS TO THE FULL COWAM 2 web site