Dear all,
Below is my contribution to the raised questions. I hope it proves helpful.
Kind regards,
Maryam Rahimi Jahangirlou
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1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?
Unfortunately, it seems that the speed of agricultural modernization has threatened indigenous knowledge and resource management systems in recent years. These systems, developed slowly over centuries to align with local traditions, languages, and needs, have supported sustainable living. Rooted in cultural and biological evolution, they reflect the ingenuity of farmers, artisans, women, and herders in utilizing limited resources. For instance in Iran, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Qanat System, Terrace Farming, Windbreaks with Trees, Rainwater Harvesting, and Mixed Cropping are prime examples of sustainable agricultural techniques shaped by the country’s diverse geography and cultural heritage. However, these practices are increasingly overlooked and less emphasized today, risking the loss of invaluable sustainable solutions.
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2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?
The objectives should include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, as well as the lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, not just for Indigenous Peoples as rights holders. The world’s population is increasing dramatically, with all predicted growth between 2020 and 2050 occurring in less developed countries, more than half of it in sub-Saharan Africa. This region faces the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing population. In this context, the UN and EU are promoting dual or multiple land-use strategies to meet future food demands. The key challenge is finding sustainable environmental solutions that increase agricultural production while benefiting all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples, and protecting the environment. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into global food systems can offer valuable insights for creating more sustainable and inclusive practices. Therefore, both Indigenous Peoples and the broader global population should benefit from solutions.
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3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?
The most significant challenge in promoting and mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems is language. Effective communication is essential to ensure that Indigenous communities fully understand the processes and their rights. Solutions must be practical and provide real economic benefits, as the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples often depend on their agricultural systems. The approach should avoid costly, theoretical models and instead focus on strategies that are understandable and yield tangible results.
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4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?
Legal protections through FPIC are indeed the most crucial first step, as many Indigenous communities may face potential abuse due to a lack of sufficient literacy or understanding of the processes involved. FPIC ensures that their rights are protected, and their participation is voluntary and informed. The next steps should focus on providing economically significant support, including viable benefit-sharing mechanisms and incentives. These could take the form of subsidies, fair compensation for the use of traditional knowledge, or opportunities for skill-building through training courses. These measures would not only ensure that Indigenous communities gain tangible benefits but also empower them with the knowledge and resources necessary to actively participate in and benefit from these systems in a sustainable way. Each community, with their unique knowledge and practices, can serve as a model, inspiring others to follow their path towards sustainability.
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5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?
It is essential that oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced following established standards that prioritize respect, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices. Furthermore, legal protections should be implemented to prevent the commercial exploitation of Indigenous knowledge, ensuring it is safeguarded appropriately.
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7. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?
The most important dimension linked to Indigenous Peoples' agency in governance issues is their right to land and territories, as outlined in the FPIC framework, with Self-Governance, Cultural Preservation, and Economic Autonomy as bold pillars. This fundamental right ensures that Indigenous communities have control over their ancestral lands, which are central to their culture, identity, and livelihoods. It should generally allow for Indigenous Peoples to have a say in decisions that affect their land, natural resources, and traditional practices.
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8. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?
The European Parliament Resolution on the violation of Indigenous Peoples' rights (3 July 2018) highlights the EU's growing commitment to protecting Indigenous rights, including land and resource rights. While the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) does not directly target Indigenous Peoples, it promotes rural development through sustainable agriculture, which can indirectly support Indigenous communities by fostering environmentally sustainable practices that align with their traditional knowledge. Additionally, the EU allocates specific human rights and development budgets to assist Indigenous Peoples.
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9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?
The report should highlight the best practice of promoting dual land use systems as a strategy to diminish food system risks caused by climate change impacts. The headline could be: Diminishing Food System Risks through Dual Land Use Solutions.
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10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?
To promote cross-cultural understanding, the report should highlight the shared story and culture behind all civilizations, emphasizing that despite differences, they all share common roots in a deep connection to nature. Recognizing this commonality fosters respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding across cultures.
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11. Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?
Documents like FPIC provide a strong foundation, but they should be updated regularly to account for regional specificities and evolving circumstances. This ensures that Indigenous Peoples' rights and knowledge are better protected, and that the frameworks remain relevant and effective in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities they face in different contexts. While governments and private sector actors must integrate these principles into policies and practices, civil society can play a key role by raising awareness, supporting advocacy, and holding stakeholders accountable. These collaborative efforts can help protect Indigenous rights while fostering sustainable environmental practices that benefit all by evolving and localizing FPIC.
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Dr. Maryam Rahimi Jahangirlou