States Call for Strengthening Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Science and Technology
The IAEA's work in isotope hydrology and nuclear desalination of seawater, among other areas, were commended by the IAEA General Conference in a resolution adopted 19 September on applications of nuclear science and technology.
The "cluster" resolution covered multiple activities, including:
- Nuclear Desalination of Seawater. IAEA efforts to help Member States economically produce potable water using small and medium-sized nuclear reactors were backed. The resolution underlines the serous problem of potable water shortages; the urgent need for international and regional co-operation; and the use of nuclear energy to help solve the problem through desalinating seawater.
- Isotope Hydrology. The economic and social benefits of using isotope hydrology to manage water resources, and the Agency’s activities in this field, were endorsed. The resolution requests the IAEA to strengthen its activities that support programmes adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the United Nations Millennium Summit -- such as those that improve understanding of the water cycle. In the resolution, States addressed various points, including continuing Agency efforts to help Member States obtain easy access to isotopic analysis facilities through upgrading selected laboratories; and support of the Agency's work on groundwater management.
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