By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: A delegation from Liberia, led by Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, is attending the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.
The delegation includes Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia to Germany, Younger Telewodah; Counselor Charles H. V. Allen, Jr., of the Liberian Embassy in Germany, and Mr. Eddie Ville, Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Liberian delegation held an important meeting with Dr. Robert Floyd, Secretary General of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), to discuss the establishment of a National Data Center (NDC) in Liberia.
This center would collect seismic, radioactive, and natural disaster data, transmitting real-time information to the International Monitoring System (IMS) at CTBTO headquarters in Vienna.
The data would be analyzed and used to provide actionable feedback to Liberia and other contributing countries.
The NDC would play a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing seismic activities, radioactive materials, and natural disasters, benefiting national development efforts.
Liberia, which ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on August 17, 2009, would be leveraging this new partnership for the first time to contribute to and benefit from global data collection and analysis.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting the recent seismic activities in Liberia, particularly in Yegbedu, Lofa County.
He inquired if the CTBTO could dispatch a team to Liberia to investigate the unusual earth movements and potential landslides in the area.
Dr. Robert Floyd expressed enthusiasm for Liberia’s participation, noting that the country is well-positioned to host one of the over 300 global data stations.
He described the process as a “low-hanging fruit,” requiring only basic infrastructure, including space for computers and qualified personnel with knowledge in geology, radiology, and computer literacy.
The CTBTO would provide comprehensive training in data collection, processing, and analysis. Liberia would also need to ensure a secure location for a satellite dish to facilitate data transmission.
Minister Armah thanked Dr. Floyd and the CTBTO for their support, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to international agreements like the CTBT and emphasizing the country’s willingness to collaborate on both national and international development initiatives.
Dr. Floyd assured that NDC stations across West Africa could share relevant data, but Liberia would significantly benefit from having its own station.
Ambassador Telewodah expressed appreciation for the CTBTO’s work and Liberia’s ongoing support for the organization’s mission to use nuclear power for peaceful, developmental purposes.
This initiative marks a significant step in Liberia’s scientific and technological advancement, reinforcing the nation’s role in global nuclear safety and disaster monitoring efforts.
