Digitising the landscape: Technology to improve integrity in natural resource management

Many information technology initiatives have emerged in recent years with the aim of improving natural resource management. These take a variety of technological forms designed either to directly curb corruption in resource extraction and production, or to enhance information flows, facilitate citizen participation, and hold specific actors accountable. Donors can play a role in connecting the divide between development practitioners, technologists, and researchers by supporting the use of tools in programs and evaluations.

Main points

• Technological tools have become an indispensible part of everyday life for citizens. The individuals who are negatively impacted by resource extraction can use technological tools to hold those in power to account
• We cannot ignore the potential for Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps or Instagram to benefit resource management. Their widespread use makes them a potential power for efficient campaigns.
• We have created a database of technological initiatives relevant for natural resource management. It has almost 400 examples of projects, organisations, and tools that apply technological innovations.
• Use of technologies are often successful when combined with existing social structures like farmers-organisations, youth groups or online communities.
• Donors can help connect the divide between development practitioners, technologists, and researchers by supporting the development and use of tools in programmes and evaluations.