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Transforming Native Forest Governance: Strengthening the ITTA Framework Through Advanced Traceability Technologies
My thesis investigates the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) framework and its relevance to applying advanced traceability technologies in strengthening the protection of tropical native forests at the international level. It employs Robert K. Yin’s multiple-case study methodology to analyse an original dataset of twenty-one traceability initiatives implemented by, or in partnership with, the International ITTO across Asia–Pacific, Latin America, Africa, North America, Melanesia, and Central America. The case studies traverse an extensive technological continuum that begins with digital identification tools—RFID, barcodes, QR codes and DNA tags—extends to remote-sensing modalities such as GPS, radar, satellite imagery and drones, incorporates integrated chain-of-custody software platforms that record each custody event in real time, and culminates in distributed-ledger solutions built on blockchain architecture, thereby illustrating the full breadth of advanced traceability technologies.