Preservation of Records, Knowledge & Memory (RK&M) across generations in the context of radioactive waste management

Disposal in engineered facilities built in stable, deep geological formations is the reference means for permanently isolating long-lived radioactive waste from the human biosphere. This management method is designed to be intrinsically safe and final, i.e. not dependent on human presence and intervention in order to fulfil its safety goal. There is however no intention to forgo knowledge and awareness either of the repository or of the waste that it contains. The preservation of Records, Knowledge and Memory (RK&M) is seen as an integral part of radioactive waste management, supporting lengthy and complex socio-technical processes across pre-operational, operational and post-operational lifetimes. Long-term preservation of RK&M is an emerging multidisciplinary work area in which much learning is expected over the coming years. Novel methods are being sought that are least vulnerable to both natural degradation and to changes in socio-economic conditions. Progress has been made in individual countries, but there is a need to internationalise the thinking, compare approaches, investigate potential solutions and share decisions. This is the task of the NEA RK&M project. A major outcome of the project will be a „menu-driven document‟ that will allow to identify the main elements of a strategic action plan for RK&M preservation.