10/1/2004
DRAFT
MAIN RESULTS Focus Group Results Participant Attitudes Toward the Research Research efforts met a positive public response in all regions. People were eager to attend group discussions and, in fact, the organizers had to turn away many volunteers after sampling numbers were satisfied. The district administration representatives were the only exception – while appearing to be supportive of the research, they repeatedly tried to avoid personal participation in the discussions. One should also note the changeable attitude of the population to the research. On one hand, virtually all the participants expressed their doubts about the possibility to influence current realities and effect change for the better. On the other, through this research people saw at least some opportunity to openly voice their opinions. They expressed hope that their views and opinions would be heard by both national leaders by international organizations. After the closure of discussions, practically all participants expressed thanks for the opportunity to participate. Many expressed a Focus group discussion strong interest to take part in further practical work geared towards the creation of an effective system of public information about local conditions in Chornobyl-affected areas.
Views on the Ecological Situation in the Region Since Chornobyl, evaluations of ecological conditions in affected areas have been standard events for local people. Whereas before the accident environmental issues were practically ignored by the mass media, today ecological conditions are focus issues. However, until now the nature and level of popular understanding of environmental issues has not been widely studied. As a result, focus group analysis revealed a number of significant peculiarities within peoples’ ideas regarding the ecological situation in the region. First, focus group participants saw the ecological situation in their region as a serious and widespread problem. It was described as “unsatisfactory”, “critical” and “very dangerous.” Residents of Slavutych were the only exception. They evaluated the ecological situation as “quite safe.” At the same time, even Slavutych residents acknowledged that an acute problem exists in adjacent territories. Below are typical comments and observations of Slavutych city residents: • • • • 16
The ecological situation in Slavutych is at a proper, satisfactory and fully safe level; It does not differ from the average situation in Ukraine; City authorities apply a great deal of effort to maintain a normal ecological situation (garbage collection etc.); Recently a group of the city specialists was awarded the State Prize of Ukraine for their decontamination efforts in the city;