The value of exchange visits

Abstract

Exchange visits seek to improve the knowledge and practices of the visitors and their organisations, and to integrate the experience gained from the visit into their area of work and daily lives. Exchange visits involve organising a meeting between, on the one hand, a group of visitors and, on the other hand, a host group. The aim is to exchange experiences and discover new viewpoints and approaches for a specific theme. The main goal of the exchange visit of Slovak stakeholders to Belarus was to share their experience on the process, methodology and tools used for the improvement of the practical radiological culture of populations living in long-term contaminated areas. This activity was undertaken within the continued work of the local-national forums where national, regional and local actors from Slovakia and Belarus learnt the most essential lessons in relation to post-accident management and rehabilitation, with the main goal of improving both national and local plans for preparedness and recovery.