1. - CRDP Annual Report 2007

2. A STEP AHEAD: "How Ukrainian Communities Are Helping Themselves" is UNDP released documentary about community development in Ukraine.

The film’s main idea is when Ukrainian communities are empowered to take charge of their destiny, they are able to use their collective strength to help themselves The film was produced in partnership with the Centre for Ukrainian Reform Education. What important about this community-based approach to local participatory development is that it tries to build up the skills and competencies of local communities and their local leadership in order to promote a sense of self-empowerment, as many experts agree.

 

2- Reviving self-Reliance: Community-driven development in Chernobyl Region (ppt).

3.  CRDP DIGEST REPORT 2005-2007

After the Chornobyl accident the human security situation of Ukrainians living in affected areas deteriorated, despite programs of assistance from successive governments and international donor organizations. 

One reason for this is that, with radiological contamination and the closure of the Chornobyl plant in December 2000, the nuclear accident has effectively terminated the two primary economic industries of the area: agriculture and power generation. As Ukraine struggles to overcome the difficult economic transition stemming from the collapse of the Soviet Union, economic recovery and development in the Chornobyl area is severely constrained.

Secondly, resettlement programs initially planned under the Soviet government have never been completed. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians still live in contaminated areas. Especially in rural areas, most have fallen into poverty and suffer from the health consequences of continued, low-dose radiation exposure. 

Finally, past programs designed to aid “Chornobyl victims” have built up a strong sense of dependency on the state among local men, women and children. This dependency has undercut the motivation and capacity of individuals and communities from making active and meaningful contributions toward their own initiatives to improve local living conditions.

As a result, Chornobyl people, a largely rural population, remain unable to seize control over their situations and lives, lack the ability to lead successful and forward-looking livelihoods and lack the information and skills necessary to effectively and practically address the challenges of living safely in a contaminated environment. Their dignity has been undermined. Their livelihoods have been lost. And for those remaining in contaminated zones, their lives and health remain at risk. 

Under the auspices of this project, the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security – The Government of Japan contributed $1.17million USD for leading the “turnaround” in Chornobyl assistance programs that will put the people of the areas on track toward maximum recovery and move them away from continued dependency and inaction.

The goal of this work was to improve the sense of economic possibility in territories affected by the Chornobyl catastrophe by developing the communities’ practical activities, access to livelihoods, employment and small- and micro-enterprise opportunities, especially for youth.  Moreover, the project also strives to give individuals living in highly contaminated areas the understanding, commitment and functional tools to live safe and productive lives.

The Report presents in detail results and achievements of the project “Helping Individuals Address their Fears, Problems, and Risks in Chornobyl-Affected Communities”, funded by UNHSTF and implemented by UNDP/Ukraine through its Chornobyl Recovery and Development Program with a focus on specific areas outlined in the approved project document: a) Building Self-Reliance and Dignity; b) Creating Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities;  c) Protecting Threatened Lives in Contaminated Zones.

 

4- Report_Prof_Jerzy_Osiatynski_eng.pdf