International collaboration for sustaining CTBTO International Monitoring System auxiliary seismic stations

Auxiliary seismic stations of the International Monitoring System (IMS) are an important part of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization’s (CTBTO) global monitoring network. While these stations contribute significantly to international monitoring capabilities, responsibility for their routine operation and sustainment rests with the host states. Many of these stations have limited national resources, making long-term sustainment challenging. They face issues such as ageing equipment, harsh environmental conditions, and evolving technical requirements. International collaboration is essential to ensure reliable operation. With financial support from Member States voluntary contributions (EU, Italy, Germany), CTBTO is able to work closely with national station operators to carry out site-specific upgrades and provide valuable training across multiple auxiliary stations.

The work achieved in auxiliary seismic stations in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Senegal demonstrates that international collaboration, combined with targeted instrumentation and infrastructure improvements, can significantly enhance the sustainability, reliability, and resilience of auxiliary seismic stations within the IMS network. Such collaborations also strengthen station operators’ sense of ownership and contribute meaningfully to capacity building. By supporting the CTBTO’s nuclear test detection and verification capabilities, these upgrades also reinforce global efforts in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).