Bioprospecting

International development efforts have increasingly recognized the importance of protecting traditional knowledge, especially in the context of indigenous communities. Traditional knowledge encompasses a broad range of information, practices, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations within a community, often related to areas such as medicine, agriculture, and the environment. However, the exploitation of traditional knowledge by outsiders has led to concerns about intellectual property rights and cultural appropriation. International efforts to protect traditional knowledge have included the creation of legal frameworks, such as the Nagoya Protocol, which aims to ensure that access to and use of traditional knowledge is based on prior informed consent and that benefits are shared fairly. Additionally, initiatives such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples have emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples to their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in effectively protecting traditional knowledge. The complexity of traditional knowledge and the diversity of indigenous communities means that a one- size-fits-all approach is not always effective. Additionally, the power imbalances between indigenous communities and external actors can make it difficult to ensure that traditional knowledge is used and shared in a manner that respects the rights and autonomy of the communities involved. Overall, protecting traditional knowledge is an important aspect of international development efforts, and requires ongoing engagement with indigenous communities to ensure that their rights and knowledge are respected and protected.

In this chapter, the author focuses on the use of traditional knowledge, the implementation of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in International Environmental Law (IEL), and ways in which the law is helping fulfill the purpose of the sustainable development goals. IPs’ rights are incorporated in various IELs and treaties related to the conservation of biological diversity, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya protocol. The CBD’s objectives are to conserve the diversity of living organisms, as well as the “sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.” The Nagoya protocol helps IPs empower themselves through the principle of prior informed consent, with an emphasis on traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources. By incorporating indigenous rights, indigenous peoples have played an important role in securing biodiversity within the CBD.

Background: Traditional medicines (TMs), deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and culture, are widely used globally. Despite their growing popularity, they lack sufficient scientific validation in the context of modern science, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy. Objective: This review discusses the role of the ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM) in validating TMs, particularly herbal medicines commonly practiced in India, using modern scientific tools. Methods: ICMR-NITM employs a reverse pharmacology approach, with a focus on documenting traditional practices, pharmacognostic analysis, phytochemistry, toxicology, preclinical and mechanistic studies and finally, clinical evaluation. Emphasis is placed on community-based validation cycles. Results: Various medicinal plants were scientifically validated for safety and efficacy. Significant advancements have been made in pharmacognostic studies, chemical profiling, and toxicity assessments. Conclusion: Validation of TMs through modern science is crucial for their integration into healthcare. ICMR-NITM’s efforts provide a framework for future research and the sustainable use of traditional knowledge in modern medicine.

Professionals who collect and use traditional knowledge to support resource management decisions often are preoccupied with concerns over how and if traditional knowledge should be integrated with science. To move beyond the integration dilemma, we treat traditional knowledge and science as distinct and complementary knowledge systems. We focus on applying traditional knowledge within the decision-making process. We present succinct examples of how the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has used traditional knowledge in decision making in the North Slope Borough, Alaska: 1) using traditional knowledge in designing, planning, and conducting scientific research; 2) applying information from both knowledge systems at the earliest opportunity in the process; 3) using traditional knowledge in environmental impacts assessment; 4) consulting with indigenous leaders at key decision points; and 5) applying traditional knowledge at a programmatic decision level. Clearly articulating, early in the process, how best to use traditional knowledge and science can allow for more complete and inclusive use of available and pertinent information.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the perspectives of use of traditional knowledge in national socio-economic development in general and in the development of local communities of aboriginal nations of Siberia in particular. This study aims to analyze the traditional economic activity with the help of the questionnaire of 1500 respondents (from different ethnic groups) in different parts of the Siberian region - Khakasia. The results of empirical research have shown that in Khakas communities traditional kinds of activity are extended and they are of great importance for people as earlier. Comparative analysis of labor productivity in animal husbandry and wildlife management allows to draw a conclusion of positive influence of traditional knowledge on these fields of activity. Some clusters of traditional economic institutions of the indigenous people of Southern Siberia have been identified. The results of evolution of traditional institutions and their current state are presented. Even the transformed institutions are accepted by members of national communities as earlier. The research demonstrates the traditional institutions and knowledgemay be the factor of economic increase and social development for local society. Moreover, it is a national heritage and it needs to be managed.

This article intends to analyze the possible structure of the appropriation of traditional knowledge through the patent rights system. The research question is whether the international legislation on patents and biodiversity may be contributing to the process of appropriating traditional knowledge and natural genetic resources associated with Brazilian biodiversity from the Amazon region. The aim is to cross-reference the empirical facts concerning the use of traditional knowledge and the effects of the legal treatment of patent rights. The theory to be constructed is that the international regulations on patent rights and biodiversity contribute to the process of appropriating traditional knowledge associated with Brazilian biodiversity. Therefore, empirical qualitative research is conducted, utilizing the rules of inference developed by Lee Epstein and Gary King and the grounded theory methodology. Finally, the case of Phyllomedusa bicolor (Kampô frog) was selected and studied to extract empirical data which can be used to enunciate the theory of appropriation of natural genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge from the South by the North.

Traditional Knowledge (TK) is an experiential knowledge built by people within a long duration and it extends in a wide range. This knowledge has been decaying with time and environmental degradation has become rapid. Finding the decaying traditional knowledge, analyzing its utility and using it for ecological restoration can be considered as heading towards a gap filling pertaining to researches. Even though, identification of forest degradation by applying TK in traditional societies is important in conservation of degraded forests, limited research have been undertaken relating to this research in Sri Lanka. With this limitation, the current study was focused to compile and classify the hidden traditional knowledge on forest conservation which has high level of utility in ecological restoration in Knuckles Range. Seven Grama Niladhrari Divisions out of 56 divisions laid in Knuckles range were selected as the study area using the multi-functional optimization equation and judgmental sampling method. Out of 346 families living in the study area, 120 families were selected by employing simple random sampling method. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, transect walks and observations while 11 group discussions have been made to verify and validate the TK of traditional farmers. Mainly qualitative data analysis methods were used and TK of forest degradation has been compared with the formal forest classifications. The study ascertained that the degradation of the forest cover has been covered by focusing to four main criteria as; a). Qualitative degradation (value of the plant, service done by the plant species to the environment and man.); b) Quantitative degradation (according to the size of the land where the degradation occurs and the number of trees that are being cut.); c). Physical condition of the plant (distribution of the tree and height, connection with the sunlight.) and d). Function of the plant system (interconnection between plants, interdependence between plants). Further, it was revealed that the traditional farmers in the study area had applied six different indigenous criteria to identify the forest degradation, namely; plant species, extent of the land use, location of the plant, change of the composition of the plant, decrease of the harvest and quality of the plants. Under each of criterion, different indigenous methods have been adopted for identifying degradation of plants and conservation of the plant species and rural agricultural systems. As an important finding of this research, it can be highlighted that the traditional methods used to find forests degradation in this research can be applied for identifying and minimizing the degradation of forests which cannot be seen in other areas in Sri Lanka. It was also identified that there is a high potential in those traditional methods with regard to securing the quality of the environment.

BackgroundIntegration of traditional knowledge (TK) to decision making in agriculture is a continued practice of the smallholder farmers in the tropics. There is a knowledge gap in the use of TK in weather or climate prediction by farmers to minimize climate risks. Hence, a field survey was conducted using a pre‐tested questionnaire coupled with key informant discussions. The study focused on the farmers practicing livestock‐based farming systems in Thabbowa village of the north‐western province of Sri Lanka.ResultsAbout 94% of farmers had access to national level weather forecasting (WF); however, 54% were not confident enough of the accuracy of the WF. Only elderly farmers had confidence in predicting the weather using TK. While using the outcome of the production, those elderly have passed the outcome of the TK‐based weather predictions (WP) to the rest of the farmers where 46% of the study sample used such information at some level of decision making in agriculture. However, it was evident that the farmers used TK‐based WP combined with the national level WF for deciding on agricultural operations. Plant phenology, animal behavior and astronomical evidence were the commonly used biotic and abiotic factors in TK for WP. The behavior of birds was the prominent TK‐based animal indicator for short to medium range and seasonal WP.ConclusionThe smallholder farmers need to be strengthened to use national WF with the correct application of TK‐based WP to fulfill the gaps in deciding climate‐adaptation strategies in mixed‐farming systems.

The role that intellectual property can play in the protection of traditional knowledge (TK) has been on the international agenda for more than ten years, with little to show for it. For example, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has provided a forum for international policy debate on the subject since 1998, and the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) has held meetings on draft provisions for the protection of TK against misappropriation and misuse since 2001. Similarly, since 1999 the World Trade Organization (WTO) has been examining the most effective means to deal with the commercial use of TK when that knowledge is the subject of patent applications. Years of effort have produced few tangible results.

Traditional knowledge and human rights are two fields that have largely developed separately despite being interrelated. A number of international institutions are pursuing different priorities related to the protection of traditional knowledge. The underlying theme of all these discussions could be linked to various human rights obligations. Despite this reality, in the discussions on the protection and the use of traditional knowledge within the World Trade Organisation, the Convention of Biological Diversity, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, the human rights dimension is often sidelined. The main purpose of this article is to examine the status of the ongoing discussion on the protection of traditional knowledge including the level of coordination among these international processes. The article argues that it is crucial to integrate human rights dimensions in the discussion of traditional knowledge in other international fora.

BackgroundRiparian forests provide ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. The Pepital River is the main water supply for Alcântara (Brazil) and its forests are disappearing. This is affecting water volume and distribution in the region. Promoting forest restoration is imperative. In deprived regions, restoration success depends on the integration of ecology, livelihoods and traditional knowledge (TEK). In this study, an interdisciplinary research framework is proposed to design riparian forest restoration strategies based on ecological data, TEK and social needs.MethodsThis study takes place in a region presenting a complex history of human relocation and land tenure. Local populations from seven villages were surveyed to document livelihood (including ‘free-listing’ of agricultural crops and homegarden tree species). Additionally, their perceptions toward environmental changes were explored through semi-structured interviews (n = 79). Ethnobotanical information on forest species and their uses were assessed by local-specialists (n = 19). Remnants of conserved forests were surveyed to access ecological information on tree species (three plots of 1,000 m2). Results included descriptive statistics, frequency and Smith’s index of salience of the free-list results.ResultsThe local population depends primarily on slash-and-burn subsistence agriculture to meet their needs. Interviewees showed a strong empirical knowledge about the environmental problems of the river, and of their causes, consequences and potential solutions. Twenty-four tree species (dbh > 10 cm) were found at the reference sites. Tree density averaged 510 individuals per hectare (stdv = 91.6); and 12 species were considered the most abundant (density > 10ind/ha). There was a strong consensus among plant-specialists about the most important trees. The species lists from reference sites and plant-specialists presented an important convergence.ConclusionsSlash-and-burn agriculture is the main source of livelihood but also the main driver of forest degradation. Effective restoration approaches must transform problems into solutions by empowering local people. Successional agroforestry combining annual crops and trees may be a suitable transitional phase for restoration. The model must be designed collectively and include species of ecological, cultural, and socioeconomic value. In deprived communities of the Amazon, forest restoration must be a process that combines environmental and social gains.

The use of traditional knowledge in Cree hunting strategies

Ethno-veterinary medicine is the use of traditional knowledge, theory, and skill to mitigate animal diseases. The study was conducted to document veterinary use of medicinal herbs in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia, from September 2022 to July 2023. Data collected from individual based field interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Most of the respondents were males in the age group of 40 to 60 years old. By educational status, most of the respondents were illiterate and Muslims by religion. Around 68.6% of respondents acquire their traditional knowledge from family, and most respondents prepared remedies from plants 73 (71.6%). In this investigation, 71 plant species from five districts were identified. Those plants were used against 68 types of animal diseases. Those plants were distributed across 43 families. Data from this study revealed that the large number of plant species found in the Solanaceae and Fabaceae families is followed by Combretaceae and Asteraceae. Most respondents explained that the medicinal plants were found from the forest (42.25%), followed by both backyard and forest (35.21%) and only backyard (21.13%). Majorities of respondents explained that the root part of the medicinal plant is used for medicinal value (25.35%), followed by leaf and seed (22.54%) and bark (8.45%). The study revealed that the local healers in the districts have been heavily dependent on traditional animal health care for the treatment of a variety of animal diseases. Thus, it should recommend that medicinal plants usedfor the treatment of diseases should be tested on phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effects. In addition, conservation activities for medicinal plants and governmental encouragement of traditional healers should be conducted.

BackgroundIn the Horn of Africa, pastoralists depend on livestock for food security. Camels play a pivotal role, providing both milk and meat to these communities. Camel milk production is hampered by multiple factors, one of the main issues being diseases, in particular udder health issues such as mastitis; inflammation of the udder. This study aimed to enhance understanding of camel keeping pastoralists’ perceptions of mastitis and attitudes toward its control in in camels. The study was carried out in Isiolo County in Kenya. Data collection involved focus group discussion (FGDs) with camel owners, herders and actors involved in the camel milk trade. Participants predominantly belonged to the Borana, Somali and Sakuye communities. The data pertaining to perceptions of udder health problems and preventive measures was thematically analysed, using an inductive approach.ResultsFour themes were identified regarding pastoralists perceptions of udder health; (i) Importance of udder health; (ii) Economy; (iii) Herders’ responsibilities and (vi) Udder health strategies. The results showed that camel pastoralists were skilled at detecting clinical mastitis and had developed strategies to maintain good udder health, such as adhering to a milking order, culling camels with faulty udders and applying treatment. The use of traditional knowledge in parallel with modern medical knowledge resulted in a multitude of treatment strategies without any standardised treatment routines. Awareness of subclinical mastitis, that is mastitis without any clinical signs, was very low and its detrimental effects of mastitis on milk production were poorly understood. Participants were largely positive to interventions that were sustainable, feasible, effective and accessible, such as using California Mastitis Test (CMT) and hand disinfectant.ConclusionsStrategic milk hygiene work including selected interventions accompanied by targeted educational efforts and driven by economic incentives, could form the basis for future preventative work. This will need to be evaluated in the local context.

O artigo encerra uma análise jurídica acerca da existência ou não da concretização dos objetivos de repartição de benefícios nos contratos de utilização e repartição de benefícios (CURBs) em relação aos conhecimentos tradicionais associados à biodiversidade (CTA) no Brasil, conforme determinam os regramentos internacional e nacional. São confrontados os requisitos legais especialmente no que diz respeito ao CURB. Por meio da análise de processos administrativos submetidos ao CGEN (Conselho de Gestão do Patrimônio Genético), bem como de dados coletados junto ao INPI (Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Intelectual), traça-se um panorama atual do real cumprimento material dos ditames legais acerca da repartição de benefícios em relação aos CTA.