Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Re: Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report

 

To ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, the report can incorporate the following strategies:

  1. Engagement and Participation: Actively involve Indigenous communities in the report's development through consultations, workshops, and participatory research methods. This ensures their voices, needs, and perspectives are central to the findings.
  2. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the cultural significance of Indigenous food systems and knowledge. Incorporate traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) alongside scientific approaches to enhance sustainability practices.
  3. Legal Protections: Recommend legal frameworks that protect Indigenous intellectual property rights over traditional knowledge and food systems, preventing unauthorized commercialization and exploitation.
  4. Sustainable Practices: Highlight and promote sustainable agricultural practices that Indigenous communities use, ensuring that these methods are documented and valued.
  5. Capacity Building: Support training programs for Indigenous communities that enhance their ability to manage and protect their food systems and knowledge from external pressures.
  6. Policy Recommendations: Advocate for policies that prioritize the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples, ensuring they have a say in decisions that affect their lands and resources.
  7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish mechanisms to monitor the impact of any commercial activities on Indigenous food systems, ensuring accountability and adaptive management.
  8. Intersectional Analysis: Address the intersection of various forms of marginalization (e.g., gender, socio-economic status) within Indigenous communities to ensure comprehensive inclusion.

By implementing these strategies, the report can contribute to the resilience of Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems while safeguarding against commercialization risks.