Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building
Target 18: 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.
Technical rationale: In line with Article 8(j) of the Convention, traditional knowledge, innovations and practices should be respected, protected, maintained and promoted, and used in local ecosystem management, drawing upon experiences of customary use, with the approval of relevant communities. Likewise, in line with Article 10(c), customary use of biological resources that is compatible with conservation and sustainable use, should be protected and encouraged. The rights of indigenous and local communities over their traditional knowledge, innovations, practices and related biological resources, along with their rights to practice and pass on traditional knowledge, innovations and practices should be respected.
Implementation: The guidance developed as part of the Convention’s cross-cutting issue on traditional knowledge, innovations and practices (Articles 8(j) and 10(c) and related provisions) provides advice on how this target can be implemented. Capacity building and programmes for the recognition and mainstreaming of Articles 8(j) and 10(c) and related provisions should be strengthened and implemented.
Indicators and baseline information: Indicators include the status and trends of linguistic diversity and numbers of speakers of indigenous languages. Other indicators for the status of indigenous and traditional knowledge are under development. While information on indigenous languages is limited, some national information is available and the work being conducted by UNESCO on endangered languages could serve as a starting point in developing an information baseline. The open-ended Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions is also investigating two additional indicators, one on the status and trends in land use change in the traditional territories of indigenous and local communities, and the other on the status and trends of the practice of traditional occupations. Once developed, these indicators could also help to monitor progress towards this goal.
Milestones:
Options for milestones for this target include: - By 2012, a gender-sensitive review of the use of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices, and of the status and trends of customary use of biological resources, as they relate to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity, has been carried out in collaboration with indigenous and local communities;
- By 2014, adequate measures to respect and protect traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use and the rights of indigenous and local communities over their traditional knowledge, innovations and practices, have been put in place;
- By 2016, a strategy to promote traditional knowledge, innovations and practices, with the approval of the knowledge holders, and in line with their rights, as it relates to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity, has been developed and put in place.
