Real-world Application
The following three case studies are examples of how blockchain is used and provides an interesting contrast across different use cases to understand just how versatile and applicable blockchain can be in achieving transformational and social impact. Additionally, these case studies have been mapped against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) which map out a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet (United Nations, n.d.). These 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 and are part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Case study 1:
Food safety and biosecurity in New Zealand
Trust Alliance New Zealand (TANZ) is a national consortium using blockchain via TrackBack technology (F+B Tech, 2020) to enhance provenance, food safety, and biosecurity across NZ’s primary industries. A key pilot traced manuka honey (Exporter Today, 2024), proving the value of transparent and secure data sharing. Blockchain has the potential to reshape the way New Zealand agricultural companies’ market, sell and record the provenance of our product to the world.
The SDGs supported by this use case are SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Case study2:
Tribal digital identity project with Āhau (Aotearoa)
Āhau is a co-designed platform developed with Māori communities to register tribal affiliation and protect Indigenous knowledge using decentralised identity systems. Launched in late 2022 by a partnership involving the Brainbox Institute, Verb, and the Syncopate Lab, Āhau is co-designed with iwi and hapū to register tribal affiliation and traditional knowledge securely. At its core, Āhau offers a decentralized identity registry that aligns with evolving regulations while ensuring Māori communities maintain full control over their data and digital presence (Brainbox Institute, 2022-23).
The SDG goals supported by this use case are 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Case study 3:
Humanitarian Aid by the UN
The UN World Food Programme's Building Blocks platform leverages Ethereum-based blockchain to deliver food aid to refugees through secure, anonymous wallets. Building Blocks decreases dependency on traditional banks, increases efficiency, transparency, and protects refugees’ dignity and privacy.
The SDG goals supported by this use case are SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
These case studies show blockchain’s role in solving real and complex societal challenges across the globe, from sustainable food systems and Indigenous self-governance to global humanitarian relief, while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Collectively, these real-world case studies show that blockchain is more than just a technology innovation, it is a foundation for inclusive, transparent, and sustainable systems across sectors and societies.