Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 1

water

food

ocean

health Every day, millions of people throughout the world benefit from the use of nuclear technology Every day, millions of people throughout the world benefit from the use of nuclear technology Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAinable future

Foreword by the IAEA Director General

power will continue to grow in the areas such as human health next few decades, although growth (through our Programme of Action will be slower than was anticipated for Cancer Therapy), animal health before the accident. (we were active partners in the successful global campaign to The factors contributing to the eradicate the deadly cattle disease continuing interest in nuclear rinderpest), food, water and the power include increasing global environment. demand for energy, as well as con- cerns about climate change, volatile The IAEA contributes to the fossil fuel prices and security of development of global policies to energy supply. It will be difficult for address the energy, food, water and Sustainable development requires the world to achieve the twin goals environmental challenges the world international cooperation and the of ensuring sustainable energy sup- faces. We look forward to helping to effective use of technology. plies and curbing greenhouse gases make Rio+20 a success. without nuclear power. It is up to The IAEA helps its Member States to each country to choose its optimal This brochure provides an overview use nuclear technology for a broad energy mix. The IAEA helps coun- of the many ways in which nuclear range of applications, from generat- tries which opt for nuclear power to technology is contributing to ing electricity to increasing food use it safely and securely. building the future we want. I hope production, from fighting cancer to you will find it useful. managing fresh water resources Every day, millions of people and protecting the world’s seas and throughout the world benefit from oceans. the use of nuclear technology. The IAEA helps to make these benefits Despite the Fukushima Daiichi acci- available to developing countries dent in March 2011, nuclear power through its extensive Technical Yukiya Amano will remain an important option for Cooperation programme. For Director General many countries. Use of nuclear instance, we provide assistance in International Atomic Energy Agency Table of Contents FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE | 11 Plant breeding | 11 INTRODUCTION | 5 Healthier livestock | 11 Defense against insect pests | 11 A SAFE OPERATING SPACE FOR HUMANITY | 7 Reducing pollutants | 11 Solutions for sustainability | 7 Services to ensure food security | 11

Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAinable future Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 5

INTRODUCTION To help Member State govern- ments achieve greater adaptabil- Nuclear technologies are used daily ity, the IAEA has developed a new to find and protect sustainable methodology for modelling these sources of fresh water, produce complex interactions called energy and food, while providing CLEWS (Climate, Land-use, researchers the tools to study the Energy and Water Strategies) that ocean’s past and predict its future. allows simultaneous and cohesive The IAEA helps its 154 member analysis of all these areas. countries safely employ these technologies to ensure peace, health • Increased access to sufficient, safe and prosperity throughout the water is made possible through world. nuclear techniques that map ground water resources more • Population growth, accelerating affordably and more quickly than economic development, and any other means, and thus changing lifestyles demand ever improve water managers’ ability more resources. Resource overuse to sustain this irreplaceable has begun to compromise “natu- resource. Nuclear techniques ral services” such as biodiversity, enhance the efficiency of agricul- clean air, fresh water and arable tural irrigation, which uses 70% of land; a trend that threatens the all freshwater resources. sustainability of development. “Natural services” are inextricably • Access to affordable energy directly interlinked. Decisions related to improves human welfare; current the management of a single projections foresee electricity resource impacts others. demand increasing by 60 to 100% between today and 2030. Low Yet, today at the national level, carbon sources of energy, such as future land, water and energy nuclear energy, minimize the policies are usually planned by greenhouse gases emitted in separately operating institutions. energy generation and mitigate An integrated system is needed the negative impact of climatic to bring decision-makers together disruption on development. The to address the complex challenge IAEA helps countries using or of designing development introducing nuclear power to do policies for an uncertain future. so safely, securely, economically Integrated solutions can resil- and sustainably. Its safety stand- iently adapt to a changing climate ards, assistance and reviews and the natural resource increase safety for the benefit of constraints that could exacerbate human health and the environ- existing inequalities. ment. The IAEA also verifies that nuclear energy is only used for peaceful purposes, directly contributing to international peace and security.

oung scientists come from IAEA Member ineteen African countries are YStates around the world to expand their Nnow part of the IAEA´s knowledge through on-the-job training at MEL’s technical cooperation project that advanced research facilities. Support for them is aims to promote drip irrigation for provided through IAEA Coordinated Research high-value crops. Projects, Internships and Technical Cooperation Fellowships. • Access to sustainable sources of • To better understand and protect • Health for millions of patients relies food will remain a preeminent oceans, nuclear techniques are upon the safe and effective challenge in the decades to come. used to monitor the ocean’s shift- diagnosis and treatment of disease. Based upon current practice and ing chemical balance caused by Nuclear techniques provide pre- consumption, agricultural pro- ocean acidification that can stunt cise diagnostic information that is duction will have to increase by and endanger coral and microor- of vital importance in detecting about 70% by 2050 to meet ganisms’ growth. This chemical and curing both infectious and demand. Nuclear techniques are shift can limit the habitats and non-communicable diseases such used in developing countries to disrupt the food chain for the as cancer. Radiopharmaceuticals increase production sustainably species that supply up to a third are used to treat disease and to by breeding improved crops, of all protein consumed by enable diagnostic imaging. enhancing livestock reproduction humans. Nuclear techniques are Radiotherapy also employs and nutrition, as well as control- also powerful tools used to focused radiation beams that are ling animal and plant pests and acquire an accurate picture of the essential in curing diseases. In the diseases. Post-harvest losses can ocean’s distant past. With an developing world, infectious and be reduced and safety increased improved understanding of past non-communicable diseases, as with nuclear technology. Soil can climates, predictions about this well as malnutrition, create a be evaluated with nuclear tech- enormous, life-sustaining realm’s socio-economic burden that niques to conserve and improve future will be more accurate. threatens sustainability. The safe, soil productivity and water well-coordinated use of nuclear management. techniques to detect, diagnose and treat disease and to combat malnutrition contributes to improved health and social stability throughout the world.

ancer deaths in the developing Cworld are expected to surpass the collective toll of the three ill- nesses targeted by the Millennium Development Goals — HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria — in 2017, according to the World Health Organization. Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 7

A SAFE OPERATING SPACE FOR HUMANITY

Humans have become a major Solutions for sustainability shaping force of the environment. This force that is fuelled by the The linkages among the agricul- growing demand for goods and tural, water, energy and environ- services overexploits natural mental sectors offer opportunities resources and ultimately leads to to apply nuclear technologies that the degradation of natural ecosys- provide solutions to these complex tems. Climate change amplifies the inter-related challenges. Cross- negative impact of our resource sectoral planning increases the overuse. Measures, such as irriga- effectiveness with which resources tion, desalination or the production are employed, providing an essen- of biofuels, that are designed to tial benefit that supports sustaina- help mitigate and adapt to these bility. For instance, appropriate climatic changes, are in themselves planning, development and moni- resource-intensive. toring can ensure that crops are bred to deliver as much nutrition as Current demand and resource use possible while using as little water projections indicate that inclusive and land as possible. Or, careful and sustainable development in analysis can identify linked the future is threatened. The constraints in food and bioenergy United Nations Sustainable production as a result of water or Development Conference, Rio+20, land resource limitations. may launch a process to better define a safe and more equitable A leading priority in low income operating space for humanity that countries’ is to find the means to defines how we can preserve the enhance water, energy and food environmental services upon which security, while contending with low future generations depend, as well resource productivity, in particular as offering socio-economic low agricultural yields, natural opportunity for all. resource degradation, rapid population growth and weak institu- tional capacity. To help Member States develop integrated solutions for sustainable development challenges, the IAEA has created a tool that models these complex interactions called CLEWS (Climate, Land-use, Energy and Water Strategies).

CLEWS allows planners to conduct a simultaneous and cohesive analysis of these systems.

ccess to enough fresh, safe water is of paramount importance to ensure sustainable Adevelopment. The IAEA helps Member States develop science-based information and technical skills to improve their understanding and management of water resources. By tracking the isotopes of water, scientists can quickly obtain valuable information that may otherwise require decades of hydrological data collection to gather. Working with partners in government and the United Nations system, the IAEA has been a pioneer in developing isotope hydrology as a powerful and effective scientific approach for managing water resources. WATER where water travels from its origin, How much water is available? what happens to water along its Today, one billion people have no course and how quickly it is being The IAEA’s Water Availability access to safe drinking water, and replenished. Isotope tracking also Enhancement Project (IWAVE) only about 15% of the world’s pop- helps researchers detect sources of strengthens Member States’ ulation enjoy relative abundance. pollution and salt water intrusion, national capacity to conduct water Unsafe water, carrying preventable, and identify the effects of climate resource assessments by identifying water-borne diseases, kills nearly change. gaps in hydrological data and for- five million people annually. Most mulating strategies to close them. victims of unsafe water are children. IAEA water resource projects are in These comprehensive assessments Rising populations, more irrigated operation in Africa, Asia, Europe include evaluations of water quality, agriculture and increasing industrial and Latin America, addressing a water quantity, and water use, as growth together deplete and variety of groundwater and surface well as resource vulnerability and degrade freshwater supplies faster water resource challenges. For sustainability. This information will than these can be replenished. In example, a study conducted by the complement other international, addition, river flows have become IAEA in Bangladesh — where regional, and national initiatives to more variable and vulnerable in a naturally-occurring arsenic poison- provide decision makers reliable warmer climate (due to increased ing created a major public health tools to better manage national glacial melt and changes in precipi- crisis — uncovered the source of water resources. IWAVE pilot tation patterns). These concurrent contamination and provided infor- studies are under way in Costa Rica, trends are driving the need to opti- mation about where to find safe Oman and the Philippines. mize water use and management drinking water. practices. Cooperation is the key to Reliance on aquifers sustainable water supplies Water’s fingerprints More than half the world’s popula- Developing countries receive train- Through its technical cooperation tion relies on water pumped from ing and technical analytical support projects, the IAEA works with aquifers, many of which traverse in nuclear technology through the Member States to tackle water national boundaries. Nuclear meth- IAEA hydrology projects, as well as pollution and scarcity issues. For ods rapidly and reliably map trans- expert services and equipment. The instance, to be able to depend boundary aquifers, producing the IAEA Isotope Hydrology Laboratory upon fresh water supplies in the data needed to plan how to share offers analytical support and ser- future, Member States must be able the water sustainably, rationally and vices to ensure high-quality isotope to accurately measure the available equitably. The IAEA is studying sev- measurements worldwide, and water resources. Water contains eral major underground aquifers, helps Member States establish their varying concentrations of naturally- such as the Nubian Sandstone own laboratories. The IAEA’s news- occurring isotopes that can be Aquifer System in Africa and the letters, atlases, on-line applications, measured with nuclear techniques. Guarani aquifer in South America. training programmes, e-learning, The measurements identify a These projects support better and isotope information help water specific water sample’s origin groundwater resource manage- resource managers make effective precisely, quickly, easily and cost- ment, which is the basis for sustain- decisions. To strengthen the impact effectively. The isotopic composi- able socio-economic development, and broaden the reach of its pro- tion of water serves as a ‘fingerprint’ as well as the preservation of grammes, the IAEA works together that allows researchers to track biodiversity and land resources. with other organizations, such as the World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme, Organization of American States and United States Geological Survey to facilitate programmes and transfer knowledge. The IAEA is also a member of UN Water, an inter-agency group that brings together 30 United Nations organizations collaborating on effective fresh water management. Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 9

ENERGY establishes local capacity to chart direct assistance and national energy paths for safety peer reviews help ensure Development that relieves poverty sustainable development. that the highest safety levels are relies upon access to energy. in place. Sustainable development relies The IAEA is a founding member of upon access to clean, sufficient and UN-Energy, a network that pro- After the Fukushima-Daiichi affordable energy. Globally, about motes coherence within the United nuclear power plant accident the 1.3 billion people, have no access to Nations family of organizations in IAEA’s Member States approved electricity, and are deprived of the the energy field and develops an Action Plan on Nuclear Safety. opportunities that energy enables engagement between the United The Action Plan focuses a global in education, agriculture, business, Nations and other key external effort to strengthen nuclear safety industry, and healthcare. Half of the stakeholders worldwide. Under the Action Plan, world’s population has no access to all countries with nuclear power clean cooking fuels, relying instead Using nuclear power safely programs agreed to promptly on biomass such as wood, dung undertake nuclear power plant and agricultural residue, as well as To be a viable contributor to sus- ‘stress tests’. The IAEA’s peer coal, to fuel cook stoves and to heat tainable development, nuclear reviews are being strengthened their homes. The WHO estimates power must be safe: accidents by incorporating lessons learned that diseases caused by the must be prevented and avoided; from the accident and by ensuring resulting indoor air pollution kill the emergency response must that these reviews appropriately two million people annually. ensure that any radioactive release address regulatory effectiveness, is minimized and swiftly stopped to operational safety, design safety, Energy choices prevent public exposure. The IAEA’s and emergency preparedness and safety standards, safety training, response. Expanding energy access requires systematic planning to find the optimal combination of sources that deliver energy that is affordable, while conserving resources and protecting the environment. For the rural poor, off-grid renewable energy may offer the greatest promise. For the urban poor and growing mega-cities, the energy mix must include large, centralized electricity generation facilities to meet large-scale, centralized electricity demand.

The IAEA is the sole UN agency involved in overall capacity building in energy system analysis. It offers a comprehensive menu of support to assist developing countries plan for their future energy needs. Under the IAEA energy planning approach, all energy options are treated equally. Together with national planners, the IAEA develops and transfers tai- lored planning models and data that consider all of the economic, ssential to all human activities, energy fuels social and economic development. environmental, and social aspects EEnergy is the engine for the production of goods and services across all economic of sustainable development. The sectors: agriculture, industry, transportation, commerce, public administration, IAEA trains local experts and among many others. Lack of energy is a contributing factor in individual, community, national and regional poverty. In contrast, access to energy opens many new opportunities; and meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals cannot be accomplished without access to affordable energy services. Using nuclear power securely

As with safety, nuclear power must be secured against malicious acts such as sabotage, theft or attacks to be a viable contributor to sustainable development. The IAEA develops security guidelines and provides training, direct assistance and peer reviews to ensure that security is maintained at the highest possible levels.

Using nuclear power peacefully

Sustainable development depends upon international peace and security, which the IAEA helps to main- tain by verifying that nuclear power is used for peaceful purposes only. This is essential because, unlike other energy forms, nuclear energy can be misused to pursue military purposes and develop nuclear Using nuclear power weapons. economically and sustainably When a nation includes nuclear power in its energy mix, it reduces Over the past five decades, the Nuclear power is not a panacea. It is harmful air pollution and green- international community has put in a good investment if the benefits house gas emissions, expands elec- place a number of international exceed the risks, costs less than tricity supplies, increases the legal mechanisms to help stem the available alternatives, pays for itself, national stock of technological and spread of nuclear weapons. These and results in profitable operation. human capital and broadens the include the Treaty on the Non- resource base by putting uranium Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Ensuring profitability requires good to productive use. and the IAEA safeguards system. planning, infrastructure and opera- The IAEA applies safeguards, a set tion. For countries that choose to Due to its environmental risk, of technical measures through introduce nuclear power, the IAEA radioactive waste requires special which it independently verifies that provides guidance and assistance in attention. The IAEA, as the only UN nuclear material is not diverted developing the necessary legislative organization involved in radioactive from peaceful uses. The IAEA plays and regulatory framework, human waste management, establishes an important verification role, resources, nuclear safety, stake- safety standards and provides tech- demonstrating to States that holder involvement, emergency nical and related guidance for the nuclear non-proliferation planning, environmental protection, implementation of waste manage- commitments are being respected. non-proliferation safeguards and ment in accordance with those nuclear waste management. safety standards.

he IAEA delivers training, technical Tassistance and equipment to States, and provides international guidance on improving nuclear security. Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 11

valuable export markets. For example, the use of SIT in Guatemala reduced the fruit fly population, which helped double earnings from the agricultural export of tomatoes, bell peppers and papaya, while providing badly needed new jobs. Since 2006, the insect pest control programme has generated benefits to FOOD SECURITY Defence against insect pests farmers of more than $100 million AND SUSTAINABLE and created thousands of rural jobs. Nuclear techniques can be used as AGRICULTURE part of an integrated approach to Plant breeding control insect pests that destroy As the effects of a changing climate crops and spread disease. Diseases For instance, when seeds are briefly become more evident, many coun- and pests destroy more than a third exposed to radiation, subtle genetic tries are burdened by longer of crops before and after harvesting. changes in plants occur, speeding drought periods, flood-triggered soil Insect pests can be controlled using up a natural process that would oth- erosion, encroaching saline water, the sterile insect technique (SIT). In erwise take many years. The IAEA and the devastation wrought by SIT, an environmentally friendly alter- utilizes this technique to help extreme weather. All of these factors native to insecticides, male, labora- Member States swiftly develop com- can severely constrain food produc- tory-raised insects, are sterilized with mercial crops that are more resistant tion and sustainable development. gamma radiation. When they are to disease or drought. A wide range Nuclear techniques are used to released into the wild and mate, no of improved crop varieties, such as increase crop and soil productivity, offspring are produced. Over time, rice, wheat, banana, potato, yam and efficiently manage water resources, insect populations shrink and are soya bean, have been developed. improve livestock health and eventually fully suppressed, reducing These varieties are now planted for productivity and reduce the use of the need for pesticides. SIT has been instance on 15% of Vietnam’s rice fertilizers. used to eradicate the medfly, a threat production area, where they have to some 250 species of fruit and been adopted as part of a national Healthier livestock vegetables, from Chile and Mexico, as programme to “eradicate hunger well as from parts of Guatemala and and alleviate poverty”, focussing on Healthy and productive livestock the United States. the central highland region, an help ensure food security. Nuclear economically poor area where agri- techniques are used to improve live- Reducing pollutants cultural production is low. These stock growth, reproductive effi- techniques expand the range of ciency and disease resistance. For By suppressing insect pest popula- productive land and increase the instance, radioimmunoassay tions with SIT, pesticide use world- global food supply. methods help diagnose diseases wide had been reduced by and monitor the effectiveness of 600 000 litres annually. At the same Services to disease control and eradication time, the technique has improved ensure food security programmes. This methodology is incomes for 18 000 producers, since essential in stopping the spread of these pesticide-free products, grown Through a joint programme, the trans-boundary animal diseases, in developing countries, satisfy inter- Food and Agriculture Organization such as rinderpest, which was national food safety requirements, and the IAEA collaborate to support recently completely eradicated thereby increasing the access of global food security and contribute worldwide. rural agricultural communities to to combatting poverty. IAEA services increase Member States’ capacity to adapt to climate change by offering needs assessments, technical advice, training, coordinated research projects, equipment, networking, technical publications and public information.

have been validated as reliable, PROTECTING CO emissions to avoid widespread 2 swift, cost-effective tools that damage to marine ecosystems THE OCEANS detect toxins produced by caused by ocean acidification. The harmful algal blooms in marine The IAEA’s Environment IAEA is an active member of UN foods. Laboratories in Monaco help Oceans, which is an effective, inter- Member States apply nuclear agency coordination mechanism on techniques to detect pollutants in ocean and coastal issues within the Measuring marine radioactive coastal zones and the deep ocean, United Nations. pollution analyse their impacts on marine organisms and human health, and Understanding climate The IAEA’s Environment better understand key marine heat change Laboratories have provided essen- and carbon cycling processes. tial scientific and analytical support The IAEA contributes to basic for a landmark study of radioactive Ocean acidification climate science by using nuclear and non-radioactive pollutant levels techniques to learn more about in all principal seas. They have The oceans absorb 2 billion tonnes past climates. The isotopic “natural undertaken worldwide radioactivity of carbon dioxide every year, and act archives” preserved in marine sedi- baseline studies of the Antarctic, as a powerful buffer that mitigates ments, ice cores, corals and polar Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, North and the effects of global warming. The ice offer a wealth of information. South Pacific Oceans, and the Far IAEA Environmental Laboratories The isotope record provides precise Eastern, Mediterranean, and Black study ocean acidification and data about the environmental con- Seas. Regional studies have been climate change’s other effects on ditions on Earth over the past mil- conducted in the Gulf, as well as the oceans and marine ecosystems. lennia. Information about the Caspian, Irish, and Kara Seas, in Ocean acidification occurs as oceans ocean’s temperature, salinity, acid- addition to the New Caledonia, absorb the rising quantities of ity, humidity, biodiversity, and circu- Mururoa and Fangataufa Atolls. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. lation in the ancient past helps baselines levels are essential for When dissolved, the carbon dioxide scientists verify the accuracy of cur- identifying changes to the radio forms carbonic acid, creating a more rent ocean and climate models and activity levels in the marine acidic environment, which can helps orient future model develop- environment. threaten marine ecosystems. Corals ment. These models are needed to and other marine organisms, predict the ocean’s “health” and the Following the Fukushima Daiichi particularly those with shells, are at weather in future. nuclear accident, radioactively con- particular risk. The IAEA is using taminated cooling water was dis- radiotracers to track the effects of Preventing marine pollution charged into the sea, raising this acidification on ocean chemistry concern about the radioactivity’s and marine life. This knowledge is The IAEA has worked with several harmful effects on marine life and needed to be able to act effectively regional organizations to improve on seafood destined for human and to protect the oceans that are the their capacity to use nuclear tech- animal consumption. Japan initi- primary source of food for more niques to monitor and assess ated an intense programme to than 3.5 billion people. marine pollutants, like heavy metals monitor both coastal and off-shore and pesticides. Projects to enhance levels of seawater contamination at To support international efforts to the capability of Black Sea and the discharge area, as well as at dis- mitigate ocean acidification, the Caribbean countries to assess and tances 10 and 30 kilometers from IAEA, together with UNESCO and monitor coastal pollution problems the reactors. The IAEA is now under- 155 scientists, drafted and signed have been successfully completed. taking a long-term marine study of the 2009 Monaco Declaration, which In the Caribbean and the the Pacific through an IAEA regional calls for substantial reductions in Philippines, nuclear techniques cooperation project.

he IAEA Marine Environment Laboratory in Monaco Tis the only marine laboratory in the UN system, supporting efforts to protect the world’s oceans and seas. HUMAN HEALTH

In developing countries, malnutrition, communicable and non- communicable diseases, particularly cancer, threaten health and cut short productive lives. Health problems and diseases can be detected and treated using nuclear techniques. to many of the 23 000 patients per In 2004, the IAEA established the year requiring cancer, renal and car- Programme of Action for Cancer Fighting non-communicable diology diagnosis, and serves as a Therapy (PACT) to help fight cancer diseases national training centre in Yemen. in its developing Member States comprehensively and effectively, Non-communicable diseases, such Fighting cancer through partnerships and resource as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, in the developing world mobilization. PACT builds upon the diabetes and chronic lung disease, IAEA’s expertise in radiation medi- are a significant barrier to sustaina- Today, most new cancer cases are cine technology to enable low and ble development. The WHO diagnosed in the developing world middle income countries to intro- estimates that the costly, long term where access to cancer diagnosis duce, expand and improve their health-care needed to treat these and treatment is very limited. cancer care services and workforce. diseases consumes family savings in According to the WHO, more than PACT also conducts missions to low and middle-income countries two-thirds of new cases and cancer evaluate Member States’ readiness and drives about 100 million people deaths — almost eight million to implement cancer control into poverty every year. More than people worldwide per year — occur programmes and offer recommen- 36 million people are killed each in low and middle income coun- dations on developing cancer year by these diseases, and nearly tries. Cancer is spreading in these control capacity. 80% of these deaths occur in low- countries at an epidemic rate. and middle-income countries. A Cancer, which often affects the Global alliance quarter of the victims die early, most productive working-age before their sixtieth birthday, often members of society, could become The WHO/IAEA Joint Programme on robbing families of a breadwinner. a major impediment to Cancer Control is a global alliance of socio-economic development in NGOs, foundations, public and multi- For over 40 years, the IAEA has low and middle income countries. lateral organisations and private helped its Member States to build industry that works to increase sustainable capacity in the use of Radiotherapy: awareness, build technical and pub- radiation medicine and has assisted a cancer-fighter’s essential tool lic policy capacity and develop alter- more than 110 low and middle- native fundraising mechanisms to income countries to manage cancer The WHO considers radiation help establish much needed national and non-communicable diseases. therapy to be “fundamental to the cancer control programmes in devel- For instance, with the assistance of optimum management of cancer oping countries. With the support of the IAEA, Mauritania’s first radio- patients”, which alone, or in combi- the WHO/IAEA Joint Programme, therapy centre was inaugurated in nation with surgery or chemother- countries such as Ghana now have 2010, and, cancer patients are apy, is recommended for more than established a national cancer control receiving treatment in their home half of cancer patients. Radio- plan, and are implementing infra- country. Another IAEA project in therapy is attractive for developing structure improvements and devel- Yemen has helped to establish the countries, because it is a highly oping the needed workforce, which necessary infrastructure for the cost-effective option for cancer all are helping to improve the health country’s first nuclear medicine treatment. of the population in the country. centre, by building the necessary human capacity, training staff and providing essential equipment, such as a double-head gamma camera. The Nuclear Medicine Centre at Al-Thawra Hospital was opened in early 2008 and can provide services Improving nutrition

Malnutrition has devastating humanitarian and economic consequences, contributing to developmental problems and weakened immune systems, and to subsequent long term impacts on the economy. One out of every ten children born in developing countries will die before their fifth birthday as a result of malnutrition. According to the World Bank, investing in infant and young child nutrition can save one million lives each year, and can help 260 million more children and their mothers have a healthier future. Given its CANADA — The Linola mutant series of linseed is similar to traditional sunflower oil and comparatively low cost, investing in therefore suitable for human consumption. Linola accounts for about 10% of all children’s improved nutrition is one flax/linseed grown in Canada, a major flax producer. of the most effective interventions to advance sustainability.

The IAEA’s nutrition programme, in cooperation with WHO and UNICEF, uses nuclear techniques to monitor a wide variety of nutritional problems. To improve breastfeeding practices, manage healthy growth and address micro-nutrient defi- ciencies, the IAEA helps Member States develop effective, evidence- based interventions to combat malnutrition using stable isotope and other nuclear techniques. These methods are non-radioactive and non-invasive procedures. For the first time, this method is being used in fifteen African countries to collect GHANA — Cassava variety ‘Tek Bankye’, with improved cooking quality, released to wide a large data set on human milk acclaim. Trials underway to produce higher-yielding, disease resistant cassava, with intake and the prevalence of improved starch content. exclusive breastfeeding. Nuclear techniques are also used for neonatal screening for sickle cell disease, hypothyroidism and cystic fibrosis, as well as childhood cancers. Nuclear Technology for a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE | 15

CAPACITY BUILDING

At the heart of the IAEA’s activities is building local capacity through technology transfer. Working with its Member States, the IAEA’s role is to make sure that this technology is used safely and effectively, and can also be locally sustained. This means providing training to develop local expertise and ensuring that any needed infrastructure is in place before technology is transferred.

The IAEA helps Member States develop scientific and technical capacities in water management, soil management, agriculture, energy planning, nuclear engineering, and environmental and climate research to enhance sustainability nationally and regionally. As a result, many developing countries are using state-of-the-art nuclear science and technology to solve chronic developmental challenges, such as SUDAN — Banana variety ‘Albeely’ producing up to 100% higher ensuring public health, providing sufficient energy, food and yields and improved quality. fresh water, as well as preserving a safe environment. The IAEA’s services include expert needs assessments, technical advice, training, equipment procurement, networking, technical publications and public information, which are deliv- ered through coordinated research projects and the technical cooperation programme.

The IAEA helps countries that choose to introduce nuclear power to make the necessary long-term plans, to develop the necessary infrastructure and to continuously improve safety and efficiency, and provides guidance on each of the milestones that a country must meet when preparing for nuclear power. These milestones distil lessons from past experience, helping countries that choose to introduce nuclear power today to do so safely, securely and sustainably. The IAEA helps countries to assess their progress against the milestones and provides training and assistance to strengthen their programmes and speed their progress.

Over the past five decades, the IAEA and its Member States VIETNAM — Since the mid-1990s eight mutant rice varieties were have built a sound foundation of institutions and personnel released, with high quality, increased yield and tolerance to soil in many developing countries that now provide an impor- salinity. Since 2000, the area cultivated with mutant rice varieties tant regional resource — in terms of capabilities and exper- reached 2.5 million hectares in southern Vietnam. tise. Today, developing countries are better positioned to use nuclear science and technology to improve public health, provide sufficient food, energy and water; and sustain a safe environment.

By advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technologies, the IAEA helps its Member States address basic human development needs, while building the future we want.

hroughout the world, nuclear applications in medicine, industry, agriculture and environmental research are helping Tto save lives, boost productivity, increase food output, provide energy and protect oceans and fresh water reserves. The IAEA provides guidance and practical assistance to countries that are interested in using nuclear science and technology to support sustainable development.

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