On April 26, 2026, it will be 40 years since the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. This date is not only an occasion to remember the events of 1986 but also an opportunity to assess the work carried out to minimize the consequences of radioactive contamination of territories, as well as to emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of the radiation situation for the timely warning of government authorities and the public to enable prompt protective measures. From the very first days after the accident, specialists of Belhydromet took part in assessing the radiation situation. Efficiency, professionalism, and a willingness for self-sacrifice became the key traits of those who found themselves on the front line of the fight against an invisible threat. Anatoly Polishchuk , a veteran of the Chernobyl accident cleanup, former Head of Belhydromet, and a veteran of the State Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of Belarus, who was working in Mogilev at the time, recalled: "In 1986, our hydrometeorological department honorably fulfilled its duty to the Motherland — including measuring the gamma background exposure dose rate." As early as April 27, instructions were received to switch to hourly observations, and all weather stations immediately joined the effort. Liquidators from Mogilev region near the destroyed Chernobyl reactor   Viktor Melnik , a Chernobyl accident cleanup veteran, former Deputy Head of Belhydromet, shared his memories of that time: "The hydrometeorological service worked coherently, in an organized and professional manner — as befits true patriots ready to defend their land." Specialists worked in the 30‑kilometer zone and directly in Chernobyl, compiling detailed contamination maps. These maps became the basis for decisions on resettlement zones, public protection measures, and plans for managing the consequences of the accident.   Helicopter surveys played a particularly important role. Vyacheslav Parfenov , a Chernobyl cleanup veteran and Head of the Land Monitoring Department of the Environmental Monitoring Service at Belhydromet, described how he and his colleagues measured gamma background levels in dozens of settlements, sometimes at great personal risk: "The pilots showed true skill, maneuvering between houses and trees, while local residents greeted them with hope and trust. For them, our helicopters were a symbol that they were not forgotten and that everything possible was being done to help." Flights into the zone   Olga Zhukova , a Chernobyl cleanup veteran, former Head of the Department for Scientific and Methodological Support of Radiation‑Environmental Observations at Belhydromet, who took part in expeditions to the exclusion zone, spoke about working in the "Red Forest" — an area that absorbed one of the most intense radiation strikes: "The dosimeters were off the scale, but we continued to do our duty. Every measurement, every sample was critically important. We understood: people's lives depended on the accuracy of our data." Expedition participants in the floodplain of the Pripyat River (10‑km zone of the Chernobyl NPP, Ukraine) near the Red Forest"   Vladimir Samsonov , a Chernobyl cleanup veteran and Head of the Radiospectrometry Department of the Radiation Monitoring Service at Belhydromet, shared how their research helped prevent the re‑evacuation of people to hazardous areas: "We were able to prove that radiation levels in some places were still too high. This allowed us to avoid new tragedies and preserve the health of hundreds of families." Today, 40 years later, the service continues to conduct continuous monitoring of the radiation situation throughout the entire territory of the country. Key areas of Belhydromet's work in the context of Chernobyl's legacy: - conducting online radiation monitoring using automatic measurement points of the automated system for radiation monitoring. Every 10 minutes, gamma radiation dose rate measurements are transmitted to Belhydromet, where they are monitored around the clock by specialists from the Operational Radiation Control Data Department. - monitoring radionuclide content in ambient air. Determining the radiation characteristics of radioactive fallout and near‑surface atmospheric aerosols is primarily aimed at detecting short‑lived anthropogenic radionuclides, which serve as indicators of an accident at nuclear or radiation‑hazardous facilities. - research on cesium‑137 and strontium content in soil enables assessment of radioactive contamination density in territories and monitoring of radionuclide migration, as well as monitoring of surface and groundwater to assess annual average concentrations of radionuclides in water and bottom sediments. - Belhydromet provides access to up‑to‑date radiation situation data via its official website: https://rad.org.by . - the use of modern hardware‑software complexes that allow modeling the spread of radioactive contamination in the environment over time and space, taking into account meteorological conditions. The Chernobyl accident was a lesson for the entire world. The Republic of Belarus , more than any other country, has learned its main lessons: - the need for strict compliance with nuclear and radiation safety standards at nuclear energy facilities. - the importance of international cooperation on radiation safety matters. - the critical role of environmental radiation monitoring. - information transparency regarding radiation monitoring results, as well as the need to educate the public on radiation safety matters. When using the information a reference to Belhydromet is obligatory

On April 23, a thematic event dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident took place at Secondary School No. 204 of Minsk . The meeting was held 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 . The participants were students from a specialized engineering class. The schoolchildren were addressed by Iryna Khorovets   – Deputy Head of the Radiation Monitoring Service and Head of the Radiation Monitoring Department of Belhydromet. The topic of the lecture was: "Radiation monitoring system: from the Chernobyl Accident to the present day." During the presentation, the speaker discussed the history of the development of the radiation monitoring system in Belarus after the Chernobyl accident, explained what lessons were learned from the 1986 tragedy and how they influenced the improvement of radiation monitoring methods, presented the modern technologies and equipment used by Belhydromet to track radiation levels across the country, described the operating principles of the radiation monitoring network and the real‑time data transmission procedure, and answered students' questions about the current radiation situation in Belarus and preventive measures. The event allowed the high school students to broaden their understanding of radiation safety, learn about the role of the hydrometeorological service in protecting the public and the environment, and become acquainted with professional development opportunities in the field of radiation monitoring. We hope that such meetings will help young people better understand current environmental challenges and inspire some graduates to choose careers related to environmental protection and radiation safety.

Today, April 22, 2026 , the world celebrates International Earth Day – one of the most significant environmental holidays, calling on people to care for nature, conserve resources, and recognize their responsibility toward the planet. This day was officially established at the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, but the tradition of celebrating it dates back to 1970, when the first large-scale environmental action took place in the United States. Since then, Earth Day has become a global movement, uniting millions of people in more than 180 countries. This year's motto is "Our Power, Our Planet." It emphasizes that humanity has every capability and resource not to destroy, but to create : -  protect ecosystems, -  preserve biodiversity, -  manage natural resources wisely and responsibly. International Earth Day is a great opportunity not only to reflect on environmental issues but also to take concrete action. Each of us can make a difference: start small – sort waste, save water and electricity, reduce plastic use, participate in clean-up events . Larger initiatives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and preserving biodiversity, require coordinated efforts from governments and international organizations. The proclamation of International Earth Day is a recognition that the planet and its ecosystems provide us with life. However, human impact, climate change, plastic pollution, and deforestation threaten nature's fragile balance. The Republic of Belarus is one of the European countries with the largest share of untouched nature. Special attention to environmental protection is given at the state level: environmental security is among the country's priority national interests. In the lead-up to and on International Earth Day itself, large-scale environmental campaigns take place across the country : -  National clean-up days (Republican Subbotnik) , - g reening initiatives, - p lanting trees and shrubs, - c leaning public areas . The staff of Belhydromet also contribute: employees of the institution take part in National Clean-Up Days (Republican Subbotnik)  every year, plant greenery, and maintain cleanliness in adjacent areas . International Earth Day is not just an occasion for reflection. It is a call to concrete action: -  plant a tree, -  recycle waste or batteries, -  avoid single-use plastics, -  support local nature protection initiatives. The health of the planet reflects the maturity and unity of humanity. Let us direct our power toward creation – for the future of the Earth depends on us .

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."