IIED Briefing on Traditional Knowledge

This new briefing in the series "Reflect and Act" is concentrated on IIED's work to assist indigenous and local communities to protect their rights over traditional knowledge. It showcases how ‘biocultural heritage’ offers a framework for protecting community rights and biodiversity.   

Biocultural Heritage Website

A new website draws on research by the International Institute for Environment and Devleopment (IIED), research partners and indigenous and local communities in Peru, Panama, Kenya, India and China to present biocultural strategies and methodologies for horizontal networking amongst marginalised communities; and emerging biocultural legal and policy frameworks. It provides guidance and downloadable resources for grassroots organisations, researchers, practitioners and policymakers.

Biocultural heritage includes a wealth of biological resources – from genetic to landscape level – and long standing traditions and practices for their sustainable use and adaptive management. It also describes the bundle of rights that support indigenous peoples and local communities – Traditional Resource Rights.