We’ve posted a couple of times about tour groups visiting the Dead Zone at Chernobyl and in doing so have commented about the sickness of those who profit off of other people’s misfortune and misery. Well, I was surprised to find a counterpoint to this argument that has been offered up by none other than the UN.
A 2002 report issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) concluded that ecotourism of the Chernobyl Zone would not only help to raise awareness about the problems plaguing the area, but would inject much needed currency into the region and help it to become more self-sufficient during its healing process-instead of relying so heavily upon quickly depleting foreign aid.
Knowing that such tours are UN sanctioned, however, really doesn’t make me want to go anymore than before.