Stakeholder participation in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and recovery in Spain: benefits and challenges of working together

Abstract

Emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) to radiological or nuclear accidents depends on many different stakeholder groups: nuclear and radiological regulators and authorities; institutions and ministries concerned by health, environment and consumption; first-line responders including the police, military, firefighters and health workers; as well as local authorities and nuclear industries. Stakeholders also include the general public, such as people living near NPPs or affected by previous nuclear or radiological accidents and incidents. Teachers and journalists, bloggers and other social media figures would play a key role in effective dissemination of knowledge and information. NGOs or civil associations/societies can also be involved in radiation monitoring and protection. The present study describes the role of different research institutions (such as CIEMAT, UPM and ISGlobal) and of the Spanish Society of Radiological Protection (SEPR) in bringing together the above-listed stakeholders in Spain to discuss EP&R and identify benefits and challenges of working together. Stakeholder opinions on EP&R, collected mainly in the framework of several European-funded projects, are provided. Remaining barriers and examples of good practices in radiation protection are discussed, as well as recommendations for improving nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness in Spain. The conclusions may be useful for other countries.