A Blockchain-Based Land Titling Project in the Republic of Georgia: Rebuilding Public Trust and Lessons for Future Pilot Projects

Abstract

Land and property rights are at the center of development challenges. According to the World Bank, more than 70 percent of the world's population lacks a "legally registered" title to their land. 1. Only one-third of countries worldwide track property ownership digitally, which is critical for effective land management. 2. Without formal access to a land registry, people struggle to justify ownership of their own property and thus live in fear of losing their land and the source of their economic livelihood in times of crisis. Poor land management also adversely impacts society's long-term prosperity; insecure land rights have long been considered a major driver of global poverty, inequality, and political instability. Past disputes over land ownership have in fact led to social unrest and violence. According to Global Witness, a nongovernmental advocacy organization, "in 2015, more than three people were killed each week, on average, defending their land from extractive and other industries." 3.