Integrate RFID with Blockchain-Based NFT Certificate for Endangered Arowana
Handaya Riawan, Christopher William Teng, Benfano Soewito · 2025
The Super Red Arowana is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). To comply with the regulations, the Indonesian government has mandated the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, implemented as a chip injected under the scales of the Super Red Arowana, for tagging and certification. However, an issue persists where some individuals create counterfeit certificates. This paper introduces a beneficial application of blockchain technology combined with RFID chips to address the risks of certificate forgery, ensuring the authenticity and traceability of high-value ornamental fish, specifically Arowana. By leveraging RFID tags for physical identification and Ethereum-based smart contracts for ensuring data integrity, the proposed system establishes a secure and immutable record of ownership, lineage, and transaction history. This solution addresses critical challenges in verifying the authenticity and provenance of wildlife, particularly endangered and rare species, while enabling transparency in peer-to-peer trading and supporting conservation efforts. The project integrates on-chain storage for lineage tracking, linking fish RFID tags concepts to their digital representations as NFTs, and compare it with current system. Smart contracts automate essential processes such as NFT minting, pricing, and secure ownership transfers, effectively mitigating fraud risks. Furthermore, this system provides a proof-of-concept for how blockchain technology can enhance record-keeping and combat wildlife trafficking. It demonstrates potential scalability for broader applications in aquaculture and conservation.