Jacob Circle, Maharashtra Weather

ENVIRONMENT

Nuclear Science to Prevent Rhinoceros Poaching; Phase 1 successful, next

phase begins
By IANS · 3 days ago · TWC India

23
Today Hourly 10 Day Radar Video
White Rhino
(Gary M. Stolz/USFWS)

After the first phase of the Rhisotope Project, Russias integrated nuclear power major Rosatom has
initiated the community outreach programme in Paterson, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The Rhisotope Project is a global collaborative and innovative project using nuclear science to
prevent/reduce rhinoceros poaching that was launched in May this year at the Buffalo Kloof Private
Game Reserve, South Africa, which is also an important collaborator in the project, Rosatom said.

Under the project's first phase, a trace amount of completely harmless stable isotopes was carefully
introduced into the horns of two rhinos.

"Scientifically, Phase 1 of the Rhisotope Project demonstrated that radioisotopes deposited into the
horn of the rhino remain in the horn and do not move back into the animal. This demonstrates that
the project will be safe for the animals, marking a very key milestone in the project. Phase 2 of the
project is planned to commence in January 2022," Rosatom said.

According to Rosatom, the next phase, the community outreach initiative, is underway. On
November 16, a largescale aquaponics unit situated in Paterson was launched.

Aquaponics is a system of growing fish and plants together.

"The Rhisotope Project has reached the first major milestone in being able to demonstrate to the
regulator, the university's animal ethics committee, and stakeholders in the welfare of rhinos that it
is completely safe for the animals," said James Larkin, Director of Radiation and Health Physics Unit
at the University of Witwatersrand, and the founder of the Project.

The founding sponsor of the Rhisotope project, Rosatom, launched the aquaponics unit and the
education programme in the Eastern Cape.

23
Today Hourly 10 Day Radar Video
The Aquaponic system was installed by leading aquaponic specialists La Pieus Aqua (LPA). The
local company is renowned for installing systems at schools, community projects and sites around
Africa.

The CEO of LPA is an 18-year-old ecology activist, Rikalize Reinecke, who started her aquaculture
and aquaponics farm in 2014.

"Aquaponics is the most innovative farming method of the new century. This system allows you to
process food in your backyard and generate an income. One system can feed a family of four to six
people sustainably," said Reinecke.

According to Rosatom, all products from the greenhouse will go to feed the families of the local
volunteers, supply healthy and nutritious vegetables to a local soup kitchen and orphanage, as well
as selling fresh produce to local lodges to keep the system sustainable. The first harvest from the
unit has already been sold to the nearest Safari Lodge and generated its first income.

The Rhisotope Project is multifaceted and relies on the following key principles: demand reduction
and horn devaluation, community upliftment and investment, education, and rhino research and
data collection.

By focusing on these principles, the project aims to decrease the demand for rhino horns on the
international market as well as make the horn more detectable when crossing international borders.

With over 10,000 radiation detection devices installed at various ports of entry across the globe,
experts are confident that this project will make the transportation of horns incredibly difficult and
will substantially increase the likelihood of identifying and arresting smugglers.

Once the research work has been completed, and a proof of concept has been demonstrated, this
technique will be offered to both state and private rhino owners globally and on the African
continent.

The intellectual property and training and assistance will be made freely available to conservation
23
organizations who may wish to utilize this process to protect their animals from poaching further,
Today Hourly 10 Day Radar Video
Rosatom had said earlier.

According to Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, the aquaponics principle is
based on the concept of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, which is
directly in line with Rosatom's core values.

**

The above article has been published from a wire agency with minimal modifications to the headline
and text.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the
importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

Top Stories

Light to Moderate Rainfall Expected Punjab to Have Bio-fuel Projects to Triumph for Indian Astronomers!
Over Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu; Tackle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Distinct Studies Discover a ‘Hot-
Cold Wave Conditions Possible in… from Stubble Burning Jupiter’ and Rare Stars Hotter Than…

23
Today Hourly 10 Day Radar Video
Major Dams Nearing Plant-based Antiviral New 'Know Your Nuclear Science to Change in Course of At Minus 1.6, Srinaga
Full Capacity Due to Treatment Effective for Vaccination Status' Prevent Rhinoceros Himalayan Glacier Can Records Season's
Incessant Rains Acro… All Strains of COVID-1… Feature on CoWIN… Poaching; Phase 1… Help Understand… Coldest Night, Cold…

See More

23
Today Hourly 10 Day Radar Video