The State Agency of Ukraine for Managing Exclusion Zone has presented a concept on reforming the Chornobyl zone. It would help to develop its scientific, technical and investment potential.

Agency Head Vitaliy Petruk told reporters that his agency has drawn up the required legislation base. It is to be agreed and approved by the government and parliament.

The concept is aimed at changing the status of the Exclusion Zone from the recipient of budget and donor funds to the self-sufficing economic entity.

"We want to change awareness in society and in the public policy and give grounds for scientific and technical cooperation in the zone," he said.

He said that studies showed that the zone could be narrowed in the near future and a biosphere reserve could be created there. A part of the territory which is ill-suited for living even in one thousand years should be declared the ad hoc industrial zone with facilities for disposing radioactive waste.

He said that 90% of waste is Chornobyl waste. There is no possibility of removing them to other country of Ukrainian region. Staff operating at Chornobyl facilities observes radio safety rules. There are no life hazards.

If the ad hoc industrial zone is created, the technical requirements to disposal of radioactive waste are mitigated. Expenses to dispose it are reduced. There is a possibility of using the zone from the scientific and industrial point of view. Additional opportunities for international cooperation open.