On January 19, 2016, a high-level Libyan government delegation held a formal meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. The delegation, led by the Minister of Industry, included the Director-General of the Industrial Research Centre, the head of the National Radiation Survey Project, and a group of specialised radiological experts. The primary objective of the session was to evaluate radiation-related issues in southern Libya and their potential implications for public health, especially given the rising health concerns linked to environmental factors in the region.
Libya’s nuclear waste controversy resurfaces amid rising cancer rates
During the discussions, the Libyan officials presented the findings of recent radiation surveys conducted across southern territories, with a specific focus on the Wadi al-Shatii area. The data indicated that external radiation dosage rates remain within natural background levels, with no evidence of industrial or man-made radioactive contamination. The meeting also addressed enhancing technical cooperation and national capacity building, alongside integrating Libya into the IAEA’s global monitoring and early warning systems. Both parties explored linking national survey programmes to international emergency reporting and response mechanisms.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to draft a comprehensive technical report for review by relevant IAEA departments, paving the way for a joint action plan to strengthen Libya’s radiation safety framework. This future roadmap aims to bolster environmental stability and safeguard public health in southern Libya by implementing rigorous monitoring standards. The collaboration underscores Libya’s commitment to adopting international best practices in radiological protection and ensuring a secure environmental future for its citizens.