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Japan's Initiative to Promote the Entry into Force of the CTBT

1. Sending Special Envoys to engage with non-signatories of CTBT and non-ratified countries on the Annex II States.

In light of 2010 NPT Review Conference, Japan will send high level envoys to non-signatories of CTBT and non-ratified States of Annex II, to encourage those States to sign and ratify as soon as possible.

2. Contribution to establishing a strong verification regime

(1) Enhancement of JICA Global Seismological Observation Training

Since 1995, in cooperation with the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan Weather Association and the Building Research Institute, Japan has been offering Global Seismological Observation Training. To date, one hundred thirty seven (137) experts coming from over sixty nine (69) countries were trained. Japan will enhance this technical training to increase the number of competent technical experts who will play key roles in strengthening the IMS. Details of the training are as follows:

  • Purpose: to increase the number of competent technical experts who will play key roles in strengthening the IMS through knowledge-sharing and offering technical expertise in the area of global earthquake observation and data analysis.
  • Target Countries: Mainly CTBT non-signatories and non-ratified States.
  • Requirements: More than three-year-experience in seismology and working in the field of earthquake observation and data analysis. Preference will be given to those who are currently working or are planning to work at the IMS Observatory or the National Data Centres.
  • Training curriculum:
    • Understanding the IMS and its role
    • Learning technical expertise in seismology required for monitoring a nuclear test
    • Learning data analytical skills in identifying nuclear explosions from earthquakes
    The training invites instructors from the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan Weather Association, and CTBTO Provisional Technical Secretariat. In addition to lectures and demonstrations, the training includes an excursion to IMS stations hosted by Japan and the City of Hiroshima.

(2) Japan will invite officials from non-signatories and non ratified States to visit facilities of the IMS hosted by Japan and to exchange views in order to enhance the visitor's understanding on IMS national implementation measures and their importance, and encourage those states to sign and/or ratify the CTBT. Japan will also strengthen its diplomatic efforts to encourage those non-signatories and non-ratified States that are yet to establish IMS stations to build them at the earliest possible date.

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