# Blockchain Applications in Forestry: A Systematic Literature Review
## 1 Introduction  
The use of blockchain technology has been rapidly growing, the most well-known example being the cryptocurrency Bitcoin [1]. Indeed, until recently, the interest in blockchain technology was primarily due to the rapidly increasing value of cryptocurrencies and large investments being made in financial services blockchain startups [2]. However, as the technology has matured, there has been increased attention to how this 'distributed ledger' technology can be used in a range of applications across multiple industrial sectors. To date, the blockchain applications in forestry has not been comprehensively reviewed. Forestry involves the science and practice of creating, using, planting, managing, conserving, and caring for forests. Forestry covers a broad range of forest management and conservation activities, including urban forestry, industrial forestry, and non-industrial forestry [3]. Forestry, broadly, is involved in managing forestry assets, conserving ecosystems and biodiversity, preventing forests/bush fires, and engaging in climate change adaptation. In this systematic review, forestry includes all of these areas. Globally, the forestry sector is facing several common problems, including, as examples, deforestation and illegal logging. Deforestation is a major contributor to the loss of animal habitats, including many endangered species [4]. Similarly, illegal logging/timber trading is occurring worldwide. Illegal timber trading has been reported in Mexico, China, and Russia to process and manufacture wood products [5, 6]. Our previous work [7] identified that illegal logging gains much attention and its technical solutions need to be assessed. In this context,it is perhaps not surprising that many industrial customers and end-consumers of wood products have become increasingly interested in knowing whether their timber or wood products are sourced and manufactured in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner [8]. This, in turn, has highlighted the increased need for supply chain traceability and transaction transparency, both potentially suitable for blockchain applications. However, the potential utility, benefits, and challenges of blockchain applications in forestry have not previously been comprehensively reviewed, which has provided the justification for the focus of this research paper. Numerous previous studies of blockchain technology have been completed across a wide range of other industries. These existing studies have included a focus on blockchain technology in healthcare [2]; education [9]; the agri-food sector [10]; the energy sector [11]; logistics and supply chains [12]; travel and tourism industry [13]; insurance [14]; and many other industries. [PERSON] et al. [10] investigated blockchain applications in the agri-food sector, specifically all types of blockchain commercial applications in agri-food (coffee, beef, fish, etc.) supply chains. [PERSON] et al. indicated that blockchain technologies are promising in agri-food supply chains. Blockchain applications have been studied in the education sector [9]. Blockchain applications have been mainly used in certificates management, learning outcomes management, and evaluating students' professional abilities [9]. [PERSON] et al. [12] studied blockchain applications in supply chains and logistics with benefits and challenges. The study identified the potential use of blockchain applications in logistics: identifying counterfeit products, easing paperwork processing, facilitating origin tracking, and operating the internet of things [12]. Blockchain applications have been investigated in the energy sector as well [11]. [PERSON] et al. [11] studied activities, blockchain platforms and consensus protocols of blockchain application in electric vehicle charging, e-mobility and emerging peer-to-peer energy trading. In healthcare, [PERSON] et al. [2] found that blockchain applications are mainly used in data sharing, managing health records and access control.