Leveraging Technology for Anti-Corruption Strategies in Forestry Services: Insights from Bhutan

Abstract

Corruption in forestry services poses serious threats to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation, particularly in developing nations like Bhutan, where forests are vital to the environment and the economy. This study examines how technological tools such as the Online Forestry System (OFS) and the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) have been used in Bhutan to enhance transparency and accountability. The primary data source was the Integrity Assessment of Forestry Services in Bhutan, conducted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2024. The study collected data through 68 semi-structured interviews with service users and focus group discussions with 168 forestry officials across all 14 Divisional Forest Offices. An inductive, bottom-up method guided theory development, allowing insights to emerge directly from field data. Findings show OFS and SMART limited face-to-face interactions, improved data accuracy, and raised public awareness of forestry regulations by enhancing transparency and accountability in forestry services in Bhutan. However, challenges persist, including rural-urban digital divides, insufficient training, and resistance rooted in socio-cultural norms. The paper recommends strengthening capacity-building programs, improving digital infrastructure in remote areas, and exploring technologies like blockchain and AI to reinforce anti-corruption efforts. These findings provide relevant insights into technology-driven governance reforms in forestry, offering practical lessons for Bhutan and similar contexts globally.