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Traditional Knowledge at International Level

The document discusses the significance of Traditional Knowledge (TK) globally, emphasizing its role in medicine, agriculture, water management, and climate prediction. It highlights international frameworks aimed at protecting TK, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, which promote fair use and benefit-sharing. Additionally, it addresses the cultural heritage of indigenous communities and the importance of safeguarding their traditional practices and knowledge.

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9 views

Traditional Knowledge at International Level

The document discusses the significance of Traditional Knowledge (TK) globally, emphasizing its role in medicine, agriculture, water management, and climate prediction. It highlights international frameworks aimed at protecting TK, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, which promote fair use and benefit-sharing. Additionally, it addresses the cultural heritage of indigenous communities and the importance of safeguarding their traditional practices and knowledge.

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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Central University of Jammu

Department of Zoology
Course: Parasitology
Semester: II

Traditional Knowledge at international level:

Traditional Knowledge is typically embedded in the daily lives and natural


environments of these communities, reflecting a deep understanding of nature, the
environment, and social systems. Internationally, there is a growing recognition of
the importance of protecting TK from misappropriation and ensuring that its use is
aligned with the rights and interests of its originators.

Some examples of Traditional Knowledge at international level:

1. Indigenous medicinal plants and traditional medicine

Indigenous communities around the world have long relied on local flora for
medicinal purposes. For example:

 Amazonian tribes: The use of plants like Cinchona for treating malaria,
and Ayahuasca in ceremonial (rituals, meditation, and the use of sacred
plants and objects) healing practices.
 Chinese traditional medicine (CTM): This knowledge has been a
foundation for pharmaceuticals like Artemisinin, derived from the sweet
wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), which is used to treat malaria.
 Ginseng in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Ginseng (Panax
ginseng) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years
to treat fatigue, enhance immunity, and improve overall vitality. It remains a
key component of modern herbal medicine worldwide
2. Agricultural practices

Traditional agricultural knowledge, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and the use
of organic farming techniques, has been essential for sustainable food production
in various regions.

Rice cultivation in Asia: In regions like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines,
traditional methods of rice cultivation such as the use of organic fertilizers and
water management techniques have been passed down for centuries.

Milpa system (Mexico): This is a traditional agricultural system used by


indigenous groups, which includes a multi-crop planting system that enhances soil
fertility and biodiversity.

3. Water Management Systems

Indigenous knowledge systems often include sophisticated techniques for


managing water resources.

 The Zuni people (USA): Their traditional knowledge of water management


has been integral to maintaining sustainable agricultural practices in the arid
southwest of the United States. They built a series of dams, channels, and
terraces to manage rainfall and prevent erosion.

4. Climate Prediction and Weather Forecasting

Many indigenous groups have developed methods to predict weather patterns and
environmental changes, relying on their deep knowledge of local ecosystems and
animal behavior.
 The Maasai (East Africa): The Maasai have long used their knowledge of
animal behavior and local flora to predict rainfall patterns and seasonal
changes in their pastoral environment.

International frameworks for protection:

 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Adopted in 1992, the CBD


recognized the need for fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from
the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. The CBD set out
objectives to protect biodiversity, conserve ecosystems, and respect the
rights of indigenous peoples over their knowledge and resources.
 The Nagoya Protocol (2014): This legally binding international
agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) aims to
ensure that the use of traditional knowledge and genetic resources is
accompanied by prior informed consent (PIC) and fair and equitable
benefit-sharing (BEBS).

 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): WIPO has been


working on a number of initiatives to protect traditional knowledge,
including the development of an International Legal Instrument for the
protection of TK, Genetic Resources (GRs), and Traditional Cultural
Expressions (TCEs).

 Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): One of WIPO’s


initiatives in partnership with India, the TKDL is a digital repository that
aims to protect India’s traditional knowledge, particularly its medicinal
knowledge, from misappropriation. This initiative allows the public and
patent offices to access information on traditional knowledge, making it
harder for patents to be granted on inventions based on knowledge that
already belongs to indigenous communities.

 Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Rights: Traditional Knowledge is also


closely tied to the cultural identity and heritage of indigenous communities.
Many international legal instruments, such as the UN Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), highlight the rights of
indigenous peoples to maintain, control, protect, and develop their
traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and genetic resources. Countries
are encouraged to respect these rights in their national laws and policies.

Example: The Preservation of Indigenous Languages and Artforms:


Many indigenous communities around the world use their traditional
knowledge to preserve their cultural practices, languages, and artforms. The
UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage (2003) encourages nations to take steps to safeguard intangible
cultural heritage, which includes traditional knowledge. For instance,
indigenous weaving techniques, oral traditions, and rituals are protected
under this convention to ensure they are passed down and recognized
globally.

Example: Biodiversity and Access to Genetic Resources:

Example:

o The Hoodia Case (1990s): Hoodia, a plant native to the Kalahari


Desert in Southern Africa, has been used by indigenous San people
for centuries to suppress hunger during long hunts. In the 1990s, the
South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
patented the plant’s appetite-suppressing properties. The San people
were not consulted or compensated for their knowledge, leading to
accusations of biopiracy. Eventually, in 2003, the San people reached
an agreement with CSIR for a share of any profits derived from the
commercial use of Hoodia.

References:

Greene, J. & Leathers, S. (2015). "Traditional medicines and biodiversity


conservation: the example of Artemisia annua." Biodiversity and Conservation,
24(9), 2245-2257.

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