Communication and stakeholder involvement are essential components for a successful disposal program. Experience around the world suggests that the scientific and technological bases for the safe disposal of radioactive waste are available — disposal solutions exist or can be developed based on established knowledge. However, concerns and opposition among the public and other stakeholders could slow or even prevent the implementation of needed disposal solutions. This publication provides practical guidance on communication and stakeholder involvement for countries embarking on, relaunching or revising a disposal programme. It draws upon past experiences and emphasizes that practical implementation requires adjusting to the evolving context as given by the national, social and political circumstances. The primary intended users of this publication include those working in the field of radioactive waste management in government, regulatory bodies and industry, and especially in organizations responsible to implement solutions for radioactive waste disposal.

• 1. INTRODUCTION
  • 1.1. Background
  • 1.2. Objectives
  • 1.3. Scope
  • 1.4. Structure
  • 1.5. Users
• 2. OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES TO COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT IN RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
  • 2.1. Introduction
  • 2.2. Stakeholder: a definition
  • 2.3. Principles of stakeholder involvement
    • 2.3.1. Exhibit accountability
    • 2.3.2. Recognize the purpose of stakeholder involvement
    • 2.3.3. Understand stakeholder issues and concerns from the beginning
    • 2.3.4. Build trust
    • 2.3.5. Practice openness and transparency
    • 2.3.6. Recognize the evolving role of and methods for stakeholder involvement
  • 2.4. Process characteristics
    • 2.4.1. Stepwise approach
    • 2.4.2. Partnership approach
    • 2.4.3. Integrated approach
• 3. FUNCTIONS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN A REPOSITORY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
  • 3.1. Introduction
  • 3.2. The decision making process
  • 3.3. Identifying the different functions of specific stakeholders
    • 3.3.1. Policy making
    • 3.3.2. Funding
    • 3.3.3. Regulating
    • 3.3.4. Implementing the disposal programme
    • 3.3.5. Independent review
    • 3.3.6. Participating
• 4. THE BASIC PHASES OF A COMPREHENSIVE STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME
  • 4.1. Introduction
  • 4.2. Development of a radioactive waste management policy and establishing the programme framework
    • 4.2.1. Establishing the legal framework
    • 4.2.2. Developing the institutional framework
    • 4.2.3. Financial and human resources
  • 4.3. The siting process
    • 4.3.1. Planning the repository siting process
    • 4.3.2. Implementing the siting process
    • 4.3.3. The ongoing siting process
  • 4.4. Construction, operation and post-closure
• 5. ADDRESSING CHALLENGES: LESSONS FROM MEMBER STATES
  • 5.1. Introduction
    • 5.1.1. Social licence issues
    • 5.1.2. Involvement process issues
    • 5.1.3. Political and regulatory framework issues
    • 5.1.4. Resourcing issues
    • 5.1.5. Community support issues
  • 5.2. Development of a radioactive waste management policy and establishing the programme framework
    • 5.2.1. Social licence issues
    • 5.2.2. Involvement process issues
    • 5.2.3. Political and regulatory framework issues
    • 5.2.4. Resourcing issues
    • 5.2.5. Community support issues
  • 5.3. The siting process
    • 5.3.1. Social licence issues
    • 5.3.2. Involvement process issues
    • 5.3.3. Political and regulatory framework issues
    • 5.3.4. Resourcing issues
    • 5.3.5. Community support issues
  • 5.4. Construction, operation and post-closure
    • 5.4.1. Social licence issues
    • 5.4.2. Involvement process issues
    • 5.4.3. Political and regulatory framework issues
    • 5.4.4. Resourcing issues
    • 5.4.5. Community support issues
• 6. Conclusions
  • 6.1. Introduction
  • 6.2. Social licence issues
  • 6.3. Involvement process issues
  • 6.4. Political and regulatory framework issues
  • 6.5. Resourcing issues
  • 6.6. Community support issues
• Appendix I SPECTRUM OF STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND RELATED STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT METHODS
• Appendix II INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS, EUROPEAN UNION DIRECTIVES AND OTHER SPECIAL OR NON-LEGAL FRAMEWORKS GOVERNING STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
• Appendix III GUIDANCE ON PRACTICAL STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT THROUGHOUT THE LIFE CYCLE OF A NUCLEAR FACILITY
• Appendix IV COMPONENTS OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
• REFERENCES
• GLOSSARY
• ABBREVIATIONS
• CONTRIBUTORS TO DRAFTING AND REVIEW
• STRUCTURE OF THE IAEA NUCLEAR ENERGY SERIES