This visit is part of the IAEA Cooperation Program with Morocco in various fields of activity, notably nuclear and radiological safety, health, industry, agriculture, etc., said Friday a AMSSNuR press release.
Ms. Grigoryan’s visit to Morocco aims to conduct a systematic review of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Program in Morocco in collaboration with the National Liaison Officer (NLO) to the IAEA under the Department of Energy Transition , to assist national institutions in the design of the Technical Cooperation Program for the 2024-2025 cycle and to prepare plans to initiate a new Framework Cooperation Program for the period 2024-2029, specifies the press release.
Indeed, the AMSSNuR benefited from the assistance of the IAEA through projects relating to the Strengthening of the National Radiological Safety and Security Infrastructure (2018-2019), the Strengthening of the capacities of the radiological organization regulations on radiological safety and environmental monitoring (2020-2021) and Strengthening the national nuclear and radiological safety infrastructure (2022-2023).
The main objective of these projects is to help Morocco further strengthen the national nuclear and radiological safety and security infrastructure, covering the following areas: human resources, regulatory functions for nuclear and radiological safety and security, culture of safety and security, capacity building in radiological safety, radioactive waste management and preparation and response to emergency situations, technical support and scientific expertise organizations and support for cooperation regional and international, explains the same source.
To this end, the AMSSNuR welcomes the technical assistance of the IAEA, in particular through the technical cooperation project, with a view to helping to build and maintain a solid national infrastructure in terms of safety and security. nuclear and radiological security through an integrated strategy including the development of human resources, knowledge management and the development of networks for the exchange of experience and knowledge, concludes the press release.
Interview between Time.news Editor and IAEA Expert Ms. Grigoryan
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, Ms. Grigoryan. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent visit to Morocco under the IAEA’s Cooperation Program has garnered significant attention. Could you begin by sharing the main objectives of your visit?
Ms. Grigoryan: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. My visit was primarily aimed at conducting a systematic review of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Program in Morocco. This involved close collaboration with the National Liaison Officer under the Department of Energy Transition. We are working to assist Morocco in developing its Technical Cooperation Program for the 2024-2025 cycle, which encompasses various sectors like health, industry, and agriculture.
Interviewer: That sounds crucial, especially in the context of sustainable development. Can you elaborate on how nuclear and radiological safety plays a role in these sectors?
Ms. Grigoryan: Certainly. Nuclear and radiological safety is fundamental not just for the energy sector but also for industrial applications, healthcare, and agricultural development. For example, in health, we use radiation for diagnostics and treatment. In agriculture, it can help with pest control and food preservation. Ensuring safety in these areas ensures that we protect both the people and the environment while benefiting from these technologies.
Interviewer: Interesting! How does Morocco specifically benefit from this Technical Cooperation Program, particularly in relation to national institutions?
Ms. Grigoryan: Morocco has a growing interest in harnessing nuclear technology for various applications. Our cooperation helps to build the capacity of national institutions by providing them with the necessary resources, training, and guidance. This enables them to implement safety measures effectively, ensuring that their projects meet international standards and that they derive maximum benefit from nuclear technology.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, are there any specific initiatives or projects planned for the upcoming 2024-2025 cycle that you can share with us?
Ms. Grigoryan: While I cannot disclose all specifics yet, we are set to focus on enhancing the educational framework around nuclear technology in Morocco. This includes developing training programs for professionals in the field, as well as improving public awareness and understanding of nuclear applications. We are also looking to reinforce partnerships with local institutions to ensure sustainable progress.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating to see such proactive measures being taken. In your experience, what are the major challenges that countries like Morocco face in implementing nuclear technologies safely and effectively?
Ms. Grigoryan: One of the biggest challenges is often related to public perception and acceptance of nuclear technologies. There can be fears stemming from past incidents globally, so building trust and understanding within the community is essential. Additionally, technical expertise and infrastructure need to be developed to support safe practices, which is why our collaboration is vital.
Interviewer: As you prepare for the future, what are your hopes for the IAEA’s continued cooperation with Morocco and perhaps other nations in similar situations?
Ms. Grigoryan: My hope is to see a strong framework where countries can confidently engage with nuclear technology to solve local issues, be it in health, environmental management, or energy production. With continued support from the IAEA and committed national leadership, I believe we can achieve significant strides in creating a safer, more prosperous future.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ms. Grigoryan, for sharing your insights and the IAEA’s important work in Morocco. It’s clear that the cooperation is pivotal for sustainable development, and we look forward to hearing more about the progress being made.
Ms. Grigoryan: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work, and I’m optimistic about the future collaborations!