GSPC Target 13

Introduction

The preservation, protection and promotion of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of local and indigenous communities (TK) is of key importance, particularly for developing counties. Their rich endowment of  traditional knowledge and biodiversity plays a critical role in their health care, food security, culture, religion, identity, environment, sustainable development and trade.

Developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment, traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation. It tends to be collectively owned and takes the form of stories, songs, folklore, proverbs, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community laws, local language, and agricultural practices, including the development of plant species and animal breeds.

There is today a growing appreciation of the value of traditional knowledge. This knowledge is valuable not only to those who depend on it in their daily lives, but to modern industry and agriculture as well. Many widely used products, such as plant-based medicines and cosmetics, are derived from traditional knowledge. Other valuable products based on traditional knowledge include agricultural and non-wood forest products as well as handicraft.

Download an introduction to Target 13 here.

Learn more

This target is closely linked to Article 8j of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This article states that each contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as appropriate:

Subject to national legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and promote their wider application with the approval and involvement of the holders of such knowledge, innovations and practices and encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of such knowledge innovations and practices.

The implementation of this target is also related to Target 18 of the Aichi targets of the Strategic Plant for Biodiversity 2010-2020:

T18: By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels.

Implementation

Implementation of this target globally is related to the implementation of Article 8j of the CBD.  In this respect a Traditional Knowledge Information Portal has been developed by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity in order to promote awareness and enhance access by indigenous and local communities and other interested parties to information on traditional knowledge, innovations and practices relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

Implementation of this target is also supported by the Global Diversity Foundation (GDF), a family of organizations and regional initiatives that promote agricultural, biological and cultural diversity around the world through research, training and social action.  GDF’s International Programme coordinates the Biocultural Diversity Learning Network (BDLN), which brings together innovative colleagues from diverse backgrounds and institutions to launch new courses, convene meetings to review progress and contribute to an Online Learning Guide on Biocultural Diversity.

A wide range of initiatives to conserve traditional knowledge have been developed at national and local levels, and some of these are documented on our YouTube channel.

Tools and resources

Please also check in the database of Tools of Resources for Case Studies relevant to this target.

Status

Progress towards this target is difficult to measure as baselines have not been quantified. In many ways, this is an 'enabling' target, supporting the achievement of other targets.

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