Application of Blockchain Technology in Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity loss is accelerated by habitat destruction, climate change, and weak governance, with data deficiencies and monitoring gaps remaining major obstacles to effective conservation. Blockchain has emerged as a potential tool to address these challenges by enhancing transparency, accountability, and stakeholder trust. This chapter reviews 34 publications identified through a PRISMA process to examine blockchain applications in biodiversity conservation. Five key domains are highlighted: supply chain traceability, smart contracts for biodiversity-friendly farming, decentralized data management, carbon credits and ecosystem service payments, and fraud prevention in certification schemes. Case studies, demonstrate how the technology can reduce transaction costs, strengthen monitoring systems, and ensure equitable benefit-sharing. However, weaknesses such as high costs, technical complexity, digital divides, and dependence on reliable data inputs limit its effectiveness.