Combatting Illegal Resource Logging through Digital Trust

Forestry Resources

Emily Clarke
Forest Technician

Meet Emily

As a Forest Technician for a national forestry company, Emily performs field surveys, collects data on forest health, and ensures sustainable practices. She is passionate about preserving natural resources but often needs help with verifying contractor credentials, logging activities, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Streamlining Processes

Illegal logging is a significant concern in forestry. Traditional tracking methods, involving manual checks and paper documents, are slow, inaccurate and prone to fraud. Emily discovered a suite of digital trust and identity verification tools that could revolutionize her work by enabling real-time tracking and verification of logging activities.

Overcoming Initial Hesitations

Emily knows some stakeholders might worry about the privacy and security of their tracked information. However, through open dialogues and consultations with logging companies, she demonstrated how digital verification systems would improve and streamline the current oversight processes.

How it Works

Digital trust and identity verification are critical in combating illegal resource logging by ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. Digitally verifying the parties’ identities, from loggers to buyers, can help trace and confirm the origin of timber and combat fraud. The added verification reduces the likelihood of illegal logging activities going unnoticed and helps enforce laws and regulations more effectively.

Moreover, these capabilities enhance collaboration between governments, non-profits, and private companies by providing a secure, verifiable way to share information, ultimately protecting forests and preserving biodiversity.

The Benefits

Integrating digital trust and identity verification systems can make forestry operations more secure, efficient, and transparent. Real-time tracking and quick access to verified information allow for timely interventions, reducing the risk of illegal logging and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. These systems can lead to a more sustainable and well-managed forestry process, ultimately boosting productivity and protecting forest resources.

Relevant DIACC PCTF Components

Authentication | Infrastructure | Verified Organization | Credentials

Connect with the DIACC to learn how we support building digital trust around this user story at info@diacc.ca.