Speaker
Description
The current state of the nuclear security regime in Zimbabwe has drastically improved compared to the situation a decade ago. This is largely due to the introduction of legislation and a regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation sources. Since the commencement of regulation in 2009, a number of initiatives have been explored to strengthen nuclear security and the development and of the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP), which was adopted for implementation in 2013, accelerated the improvements being noted in nuclear security.
The development of the INSSP was instrumental in identifying all relevant competent authorities and created an understating of their respective responsibilities in nuclear security. The level of nuclear security awareness outside the regulatory body was low and contributed to the weak regime that prevailed at the time. Further, the INSSP provided a platform for coordinating the various authorities leading to better cooperation. These included the regulatory body, customs, immigration, law enforcement, civil protection, environmental management, defence and civil protection among others.
This paper will explore the activities leading to the development of the inaugural INSSP for Zimbabwe adopted in 2013 and the key priorities that were identified as well as the benefits that were realized through implementation. Further it will highlight the key role played by the IAEA technical experts in the development of the plan as well as the implementation of individual planned activities, the main highlight being supporting nuclear security arrangements for the hosting of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) general conference in Zambia and Zimbabwe in August 2013.
Since the commencement of the implementation of the INSSP, a number of people from various competent authorities have been trained through national, regional and international courses. The training ranged from nuclear security appreciation to specialty training for frontline officers, nuclear security for major public events (MPE) and introduction to nuclear forensics. In addition, the country has been able to develop a nuclear security detection architecture strategy, development of concepts of operations (CONOPS), and a nuclear security response plan. The period also saw the procurement of mobile detection equipment some of which were wholly funded by Government through the regulatory body.
The changes in the nuclear security regime in Zimbabwe have made it less possible for nuclear and radioactive materials under regulatory control to be accessed and successfully used for illicit activities in the country or outside the borders. Similarly it has increased the chances to detect the movement of materials outside regulatory country especially at the main ports of entry and exit.
The paper will also highlight key success factors as well as challenges faced in the development and implementation of INSSPs and suggest how best these can be addressed for the benefit of countries embarking on the process or others facing similar challenges.
| State | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
