Biological resources, traditional use of

Type of entry: Right

Indigenous and local communities have been developing, conserving and sustainably using the biological resources on their lands and territories for millennia. Indigenous and local communities have a close knowledge of the flora and fauna and of the ecological processes of the ecosystems they inhabit and have developed a wide variety of plants and animals for food, medicine and other purposes. Traditional knowledge has and will continue to give critical clues to scientists in the agricultural, medicinal and industrial fields. In addition, traditional knowledge provides important directions for natural resource use and ecosystem management. Indigenous and local communities not only have extensive knowledge of their surrounding environment, but they also have an important role in implementing any conservation policy on the ground. (UNEP/CBD/COP/3/19 )

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Other Related Terms (keywords):

Agriculture
Biodiversity
Ecosystems
Environment
Fauna
Flora
Indigenous peoples
Industry
Intellectual property rights (IPR)
Medicine
Special groups

Relevant ICESCR Articles:

01(2): All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit, and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence.

15(1)(a): 1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone:
(a) To take part in cultural life;

15(1)(c): 1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone:
(c) To benefit from the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.