On April 22, an event dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident took place at the Secondary School No. 52 of Minsk . As part of the Action Plan for events within the system of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus , Iryna Khorovets , Deputy head of the Radiation Monitoring Service – Head of the Radiation Monitoring Department of Belhydromet, spoke to students of a specialized engineering class. The topic of the lecture – "Radiation monitoring system: from the Chernobyl accident to the present day" – sparked keen interest among the students who have chosen an engineering path. The presentation was not merely a historical overview but an immersion into the radiation safety system of Belarus. Iryna Khorovets recounted the events of April 26, 1986, the scale of the accident, and its consequences for the territory of Belarus. She revealed the evolution of the radiation monitoring system – from the first measuring instruments to modern automated measurement stations. The students learned how dosimetric posts operate, how air, soil, and water samples are collected and analyzed, and how data is transmitted in real time to the processing center. Special attention was paid to the importance of training qualified specialists capable of working with high-tech equipment and making decisions under potential risks. The students actively asked questions regarding both technical aspects of monitoring and personal safety, as well as the prospects for the development of nuclear energy. The event was held in a dialogue format, which made it possible not only to convey knowledge but also to inspire students to make an informed career choice in the fields of ecology, environmental management, and engineering sciences. Such meetings with young people are an important part of Belhydromet’s educational work. They help foster a scientific worldview among the younger generation, a responsible attitude toward the environment, and an understanding of the state’s role in ensuring environmental safety.

From July 16 to 19, 2026, the anniversary XXXV International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" will take place (some events will also be held on July 14, 15, and 20). "Slavianski Bazaar" is the largest cultural forum in the Republic of Belarus, uniting countries and continents, and has truly become a significant cultural brand of Belarus. For more detailed information, please visit the festival's official website at gck.by . See you in July 2026 in festive Vitebsk!

From April 22 to April 25, 2026, "Zero Injury Week" will be held at Belhydromet. This initiative is aimed at improving the level of safety culture and preventing workplace injuries and occupational diseases among employees. "Zero Injury Week" is an integral part of Belhydromet's overall action plan for ensuring healthy and safe working conditions, which covers the first half of 2026. As part of the week, a set of measures is planned to comprehensively inform and involve employees in the process of creating a safe work environment. During "Zero Injury Week," the focus will be on an integrated approach to occupational safety and health. Special attention will be paid to informing employees about the principles of the "Vision Zero" concept , which postulates that all workplace injuries and occupational diseases are preventable. The seven golden rules of this concept, covering both physical safety as well as occupational hygiene and worker well-being, will be communicated to every employee. The central event will be World Day for Safety and Health at Work , observed on April 24 . In 2026, the theme of this day is "A conducive psychosocial working environment: a path to worker prosperity and a strong organization." The psychosocial working environment has a significant impact on the health and well-being of workers. Workers experiencing stress at work may develop serious mental and physical health problems. This, in turn, can negatively affect the state of the organization and society as a whole. Creating healthy and safe working conditions, taking into account the physiological characteristics of workers' bodies, plays an important role in ensuring a good psychosocial working environment. The action plan includes: Information campaign: Posting relevant information about "Zero Injury Week" on Belhydromet's official website and on the institution's bulletin boards. Training and awareness : Informing employees about the "Vision Zero" concept and its key principles. Conducting instructor-methodological sessions with heads of structural divisions on the organization and monitoring of occupational safety briefings, internships, and workplace condition monitoring. Monitoring and control : Conducting in-depth monitoring of compliance with occupational safety legislation directly at workplaces with the participation of public occupational safety inspectors. Special attention will be paid to checking the compliance of equipment and production processes with established norms and requirements. Workplace condition checks : Regular monitoring of the state of safety at workplaces, checking the provision of employees with personal protective equipment (PPE), the availability and completeness of first aid kits, as well as checking sanitary facilities. Monitoring of briefings : Thorough monitoring of the conduct of all types of occupational safety briefings and the maintenance of relevant documentation in structural divisions. Informing about risks : Actively informing employees about the state of working conditions, existing health risks, entitled PPE, and compensation for work in harmful or hazardous conditions. Belhydromet consistently implements state policy in the field of occupational safety and health, based on cooperation between government bodies, trade unions, and employers. The institution has implemented and operates an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS), which includes hazard identification, risk assessment and the development of measures to minimize them. The OSHMS Policy and Regulation approved by the institution, as well as updated occupational safety instructions for various professions and types of work, serve as the foundation for ensuring safety. Monitoring of compliance with occupational safety requirements is carried out at various levels, including management, officials, the occupational safety sector, as well as through periodic and public oversight with the participation of trade unions. The "Vision Zero" concept assumes that absolutely all accidents and occupational diseases in the workplace are preventable. This requires zero tolerance for any incidents, an understanding that safety begins with each employee, and the formation of a habit of safe behavior on an ongoing basis. The readiness of each employee to intervene and prevent unsafe actions is a manifestation of genuine care for colleagues. The success of implementing the "Vision Zero" strategy directly depends on management commitment, employee motivation, and vigilance. Belhydromet expresses its confidence that through joint efforts, it will be possible to create a working environment where safety is an integral part of every working day.

On April 18, 2026 , the employees of Belhydromet joined the National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik), demonstrating civic engagement and contributing to the improvement of their home country. This traditional annual event is designed to unite the efforts of citizens in creating a more comfortable and environmentally friendly environment. Representatives of Belhydromet's primary organizations took an active part in the Clean-Up Day (Subbotnik): The Trade Union; The Belarusian Union of Women; The Belarusian Republican Youth Union; The Belaya Rus public association. The joint work brought the team together and highlighted the importance of public initiative in addressing urban improvement tasks. As part of the Clean-Up Day (Subbotnik), Belhydromet employees carried out cleaning work inside the organization's premises. Special attention was also paid to tidying up the area assigned to the institution at 110 Nezavisimosti Avenue. The employees actively participated in painting curbs and manhole covers, giving the area a neater and more well-kept appearance. These seemingly simple tasks are an integral part of maintaining order and aesthetics in the urban environment, creating a favorable impression for both employees and visitors. One of the Clean-Up Day (Subbotnik) venues where Belhydromet took part was the park area along the Slepyan Water System , located near 42 Kalinovskogo Street. Together with the unitary enterprise "Zelenstroy" of the Pervomaisky District of Minsk , the Belhydromet team carried out comprehensive sanitary cleanup of this area. This partnership underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in environmental protection and the improvement of urban spaces. Efforts aimed at maintaining cleanliness and order in this scenic park area will have a positive impact on the environmental condition and comfort of the capital's residents . The National Clean-Up Day ( Republican Subbotnik) is a large-scale event that unites the entire country. T he regional branches of Belhydromet also took part . Employees of the regional branches actively joined the Subbotnik, carrying out improvement work on their assigned territories. This demonstrates the high level of cohesion within the Belhydromet team and its commitment to environmental improvement tasks at all levels. Branch "Minskoblhydromet" Branch "Brestoblhydromet" Branch "Vitebskoblhydromet" Branch "Gomeloblhydromet" Branch "Grodnooblhydromet" Branch "Mogilevoblhydromet" The National Clean-Up Day ( Republican Subbotnik) has once again shown that through joint efforts, significant results can be achieved in improving and creating comfortable living conditions. Belhydromet is proud of its contribution to this important nationwide cause!

On March 31, the Government of the Republic of Belarus adopted Resolution No. 150 "On Holding the National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik) in 2026." According to the document, republican government bodies, other state organizations subordinate to the Government of the Republic of Belarus, local executive and administrative bodies, as well as other organizations, are recommended to voluntarily hold the National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik) on April 18, 2026 . The Clean-Up Day (Subbotnik) may be conducted at workplaces. It may also include landscaping, improvement, and bringing into proper condition the following: - facilities and areas of populated localities; - landmark sites; - historical and cultural values; - memorial complexes, sites of military and wartime glory, graves of soldiers and partisans from the Great Patriotic War. Funds earned on the day of the National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik), including at workplaces, in amounts voluntarily determined by employees – including those whose work is not related to the production of goods (works) or the provision of paid services – shall be transferred through district and city executive committees to regional executive committees and the Minsk City Executive Committee in accordance with the procedure established by the Ministry of Finance. These funds will be allocated to the Ministry of Culture for the creation of a permanent exhibition at the under‑construction National Historical Museum of Belarus and for other related works. Non‑profit organizations that participate in the clean‑up day (Subbotnik) by decision of their teams may transfer corresponding funds in a voluntarily determined amount in accordance with the procedure established by the Ministry of Finance. Deductions from the wages of employees for whom April 18, 2026, is a working day shall be made by employers with their written consent, in amounts voluntarily determined by the employee teams themselves. A temporary working group has been established to prepare and conduct the  National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik), headed by Deputy Prime Minister Natalia Petkevich . The group includes heads of several ministries, the National Statistical Committee, regional executive committees, and the Minsk City Executive Committee. The Ministry of Transport and Communications, regional executive committees, and the Minsk City Executive Committee have been instructed to ensure the uninterrupted operation of passenger transport on April 18, 2026, while the Ministry of Information has been tasked with arranging media coverage of the preparation and conduct of the  National Clean-Up Day (Republican Subbotnik). Source: National Legal Internet Portal of the Republic of Belarus

On April 17, the Belhydromet team took part in the 11th Championship of the intellectual game "What? Where? When?" among members of the trade union of forestry and environmental management workers of the Minsk Region. Nineteen teams competed in the contest – erudites from various organizations, ready to demonstrate their knowledge and ingenuity. The atmosphere of the event was charged with energy: each team strove to excel, and the tension grew with every new question. The participants faced challenging trials. The championship questions tested: their level of general erudition; the ability to think unconventionally and find non-obvious connections; teamwork skills – because success depended not only on individual knowledge but also on the coordination of all players' actions; the ability to quickly analyze information and provide answers under time pressure. Our colleagues demonstrated a high level of preparation, composure, and genuine team spirit. As a result of intense competition, the Belhydromet team took an honorable 4th place out of 19 participants! This is an impressive result that once again confirms: Belhydromet specialists are strong not only in professional tasks requiring deep knowledge in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, and ecology but also in intellectual competitions. The ability to quickly navigate diverse information, analyze it, and draw conclusions – these qualities are equally important both at work and in the game. We wholeheartedly congratulate our team on their worthy performance! Thank you for representing Belhydromet brightly and honorably at this large-scale event. We wish you new victories, interesting challenges, and further development of your intellectual potential!

On April 17 , Belhydromet held a Unified Information Day on the theme "Chernobyl – From Revival to Sustainable Development." The event was dedicated to discussing progress in overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and the prospects for sustainable development of the affected territories. The speaker was Mikhail Kovalenko , Deputy Head of Belhydromet. In his address, he placed particular emphasis on Belhydromet's contribution to mitigating the consequences of the accident and on the development of the radiation monitoring network. Mikhail Kovalenko spoke in detail about the institution's many years of work: Belhydromet specialists were among the first to begin measuring background radiation, which made it possible to quickly assess the scale of contamination and produce initial maps of the radiation situation. For nearly four decades, Belhydromet has been conducting continuous observations of the radiation situation across the entire territory of the country, paying special attention to areas affected by the Chernobyl accident. The institution's employees carry out measurements of radionuclide content in the atmospheric air and also study migration processes in the soil. The data obtained serve as the basis for developing remediation measures. Belhydromet's data are used both in decisions on classifying territories as zones of radioactive contamination and in decisions on returning territories to economic use. A separate part of the address was devoted to the evolution of the radiation monitoring system: over the years , an extensive network of radiation monitoring points has been established, covering all regions of Belarus, including zones affected by nuclear power plants in neighboring states, as well as the area around the Belarusian NPP. Modern automated control systems have been introduced, allowing real‑time monitoring of gamma radiation levels and rapid response to changes in the radiation situation. Analytical laboratories have been modernized, equipped with high‑precision instruments for determining radionuclide content in the environment (air, water, soil). Information systems have been developed for collecting, processing, and visualizing radiation monitoring data, providing access to up‑to‑date information for specialists from relevant agencies and for the public. In conclusion, Mikhail Kovalenko emphasized: "The development of the radiation monitoring network is not merely a technical improvement. It is a guarantee of the safety of our citizens, the foundation for informed decisions in the fields of ecology, agriculture, and territorial planning. Thanks to the many years of work by Belhydromet specialists, we can confidently speak of the gradual revival of the affected territories and their transition to sustainable development."

On April 16, 2026, an event was held at Secondary School No. 161 in Minsk as part of the Action Plan within the system of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. A lecture titled "The Radiation Monitoring System: From the Chernobyl Accident to the present day" was organized specifically for students of a specialized engineering-oriented class. These students are already actively engaged in the curriculum of the elective course "Fundamentals of Rational Nature Management and Protection of Natural Resources," which makes the topic of the lecture particularly relevant and educational for their future professional careers. Irina Khorovets , Deputy Head of the Radiation Monitoring Service – Head of the Radiation Monitoring Department at Belhydromet, served as the speaker and presented a comprehensive overview of the radiation monitoring system. She explained how approaches and technologies in this field have evolved, starting from the Chernobyl accident to modern‑day achievements. Key aspects of the system's functioning, its role in ensuring national security, and protecting the environment were highlighted. Such events play an important role in shaping the environmental culture and awareness of the younger generation. They help not only to understand the complex nature of radiation processes but also to appreciate the scale of the work carried out by state services such as Belhydromet to ensure the safety of the country. The students gained valuable knowledge that will undoubtedly assist them in their further education and career choices.

On April 16, the Branch "Gomeloblhydromet" held a Unified Information Day . The event was conducted by Mikhail Kavalenka , Deputy Head of Belhydromet. The topic of the meeting was dedicated to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and the path our country has traversed over 40 years toward the revival and sustainable development of the affected territories . During his address, Mikhail Kavalenka noted that over the past decades, significant results have been achieved in overcoming the consequences of the accident. In particular, six state programs for the mitigation of its consequences have been implemented. Key figures and facts : Program implementation period : 1990–2025. Total funding : more than $19 billion USD (in equivalent). Main area of focus: ensuring sustainable socio‑economic development of territories affected by the Chernobyl accident. Within the framework of the state programs, important tasks were consistently addressed – from priority measures to ensure public safety to long‑term projects for the restoration of infrastructure and ecosystems. This made it possible not only to stabilize the situation in the region but also to create conditions for its further development. Mikhail Kavalenka emphasized that today the main task is to preserve the achieved results . To do this, it is necessary: - to continue radiation monitoring in the affected territories – this is a key tool for controlling the environmental situation and ensuring the safety of citizens; - to actively introduce modern approaches and technologies into efforts to minimize the consequences of radioactive contamination; - to use the accumulated experience to improve the system for responding to and enhancing preparedness for emergency situations. "Our goal is for the Chernobyl experience to remain forever a lesson, not a reason for despair," concluded Mikhail Kavalenka. The event not only provided an opportunity to remember the events of 1986 but also to objectively assess the scale of the work accomplished. It once again reminded everyone of the importance of responsible attitudes toward the environment and the necessity of uniting efforts to address complex environmental challenges.

On April 15, Belhydromet welcomed guests — students of the educational institution "National Children's Technopark" who are studying in the field of "Natural Resources." An educational excursion was organized for the students, allowing them to glimpse into the world of hydrometeorology and radiation monitoring and learn about the work of specialists from the inside. The excursion began with a presentation by Georgy Kamlyuk , a leading meteorological engineer from the Service for Meteorologica and Climate Monitoring, Database. The expert introduced the students to the history of the hydrometeorological service of Belarus. Georgy Georgievich emphasized its important role for the country — Belhydromet's work directly affects the safety and comfort of citizens and helps plan activities across a wide range of sectors, from agriculture to transportation. After the theoretical part, the students headed to the automatic meteorological site. There, they became acquainted with meteorological instruments. A specialist explained how the devices help collect accurate data on the state of the atmosphere — temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, and other parameters. The students' knowledge was expanded by Alla Shaybak , Head of the Operational Radiation Control and Emergency Monitoring Department of the Radiation Monitoring Service. She covered key aspects of monitoring the radiation situation in Belarus. The students learned how the integrated monitoring system works, what methods are used to assess levels of radioactive contamination of the environment, and what measures are taken by government authorities to ensure public radiation safety. During the conversation with the students, Alla Mikhailovna drew particular attention to the importance of continuous radiation monitoring in Belarus. She reminded them that April 26, 2026 , will mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident — an event that fundamentally changed approaches to radiation safety around the world. Alla Shaybak emphasized: Belarus has an extensive network of radiation monitoring stations — they track radiation levels in real time; decades of accumulated experience allow for a rapid response to any changes in the radiation situation; modern technologies and methodologies ensure high measurement accuracy, guaranteeing public safety. "Today we can confidently say that the radiation situation in most of the country is stable, and the gamma radiation dose rate is within natural background levels," noted Alla Shaybak. "But the memory of Chernobyl teaches us to remain vigilant. Continuous radiation monitoring is not just a job — it is our responsibility to future generations!" Equally exciting was the part of the excursion led by Marina Luksha , Deputy Head of the Meteorological Forecast Service. The expert explained how weather forecasts are made — from primary data collection to the final forecast that residents of the country see. The students learned about the specifics of a forecaster's work and the high level of responsibility associated with this profession, as well as the importance of accuracy and timeliness in making forecasts. To conclude, a quiz was organized for the young guests by specialists from the Service for Meteorologica and Climate Monitoring, Database — Anna Nedobega and Alexander Savitsky . In an interactive format, the students reinforced their newly acquired knowledge and learned about safety procedures during adverse and dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena: thunderstorms, squalls, heavy precipitation, etc. The excursion sparked keen interest among the students and may have inspired some of them to connect their future with hydrometeorology. Belhydromet is pleased to support educational initiatives and share its experience with the younger generation!