Join an online information session on Biocultural Community Protocols – scheduled twice to accommodate different time zones: 

• Tuesday 10 November 2026, 09:00–10:30 CET
• Wednesday 11 November 2026, 16:00–17:30 CET

Organizers: Secretariat of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the FAO Indigenous Peoples Unit

Background

Biocultural Community Protocols are frameworks developed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities, at times supported by governmental and non-governmental organizations, to outline their core cultural and spiritual values and customary laws relating to their natural resources and knowledge, and serve to bridge customary law and international obligations, such as those under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. They empower Indigenous Peoples and, as appropriate, and local communities in their efforts to conserve biodiversity by establishing the conditions for access to their genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, and for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. 

Biocultural Community Protocols play an important role in transforming food systems that encompass both food and non-food agricultural products. They can support the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use and from associated traditional knowledge. To date, experiences with the development and implementation of Biocultural Community Protocols have been mixed. While there have been many successes, there have also been challenges, including those related to legal recognition and enforceability, alignment with national access and benefit-sharing frameworks, inclusiveness, and the availability of financial resources for long-term sustainability.

In 2025, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Commission) recognized the role of Indigenous Peoples as custodians of genetic resources. Subsequently, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, at its 24th session, acknowledged “the opportunity to engage on and promote Indigenous Peoples’ rights in the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.” At the Forum’s 25th Session, the Indigenous Peoples Observatory Network (IPON) – a research network that brings together researchers, Indigenous Peoples and decision-makers – as part of the Global Hub on Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems, recalled the work of the Commission and noted that Biocultural Community Protocols are essential tools to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to a Free, Prior and Informed Consent over access to and use of their genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.  

Purpose

This information session aims to:

• introduce Biocultural Community Protocols as an essential tool for improved governance of genetic resources and explore their relevance to sustainable and resilient agrifood systems;
• share experience and lessons learned in the development and use of Biocultural Community Protocols; and
• facilitate dialogue on opportunities and challenges related to the use of Biocultural Community Protocols.
  

Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. A recording will be made available online.