Dear HLPE-FSN members,
Please find my contribution below to the consultation on, Conserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous peoples' food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems.
this is timely in the wake of climate change and drought especially in developing countries. I hope that we will be able to develop practical solutions that work from various contributions.
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Guiding Principles for Indigenous Peoples’ Food and Knowledge Systems
The HLPE-FSN report is grounded in principles that prioritize respect, inclusion, and scientific integrity. These principles uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the unique value of their food and knowledge systems. By adhering to international frameworks such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the principles of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS, 2011), the report aims to foster trust and legitimacy while ensuring Indigenous sovereignty is protected. The commitment to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) serves as a cornerstone for the report, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous Peoples are heard and respected.
One critical focus is the exclusive attention to Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, as outlined in the CFS MYPOW. This ensures alignment with positions held by key entities like the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. This focused approach avoids diluting the discussion by conflating Indigenous systems with broader local communities.
Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge for Broader Benefits
The primary objective of the report is to Honor Indigenous Peoples as rights holders, ensuring that their needs and priorities remain at the forefront. However, there is also immense value in sharing lessons from Indigenous food and knowledge systems with the broader world. These systems hold key insights into sustainability and resilience, which are increasingly critical in addressing global challenges like climate change. Any efforts to mainstream Indigenous knowledge must be done with caution, adhering to FPIC principles and ensuring that benefits are equitably shared. This approach prevents exploitation while fostering collaboration.
Overcoming Challenges with FPIC and ABS
Promoting Indigenous food and knowledge systems on a larger scale comes with its own set of challenges. Obtaining FPIC can be logistically complex, especially given the diversity of Indigenous communities and their geographic dispersal. Misinterpretation or inconsistent application of FPIC principles further complicates this process. Additionally, equitable Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) remains difficult to enforce, particularly in international contexts where legal and institutional frameworks vary. Indigenous communities often lack the resources to navigate these systems effectively, which can leave them vulnerable to exploitation.
Ensuring Inclusion and Sustainability
The report must ensure that marginalized groups within Indigenous communities are included. This requires culturally appropriate methods of engagement, such as consultations in Indigenous languages and collaboration with traditional leadership structures. To safeguard Indigenous knowledge from commercialization, policies should emphasize community ownership and fair benefit-sharing mechanisms. Highlighting community-led governance models and sustainable practices is crucial, as these examples can inspire broader adoption of ethical frameworks.
Documenting Oral Traditions with Respect
Many Indigenous knowledge systems are rooted in oral traditions. Capturing these requires a sensitive and participatory approach, with the consent of the communities involved. Documentation can include audio and video recordings, alongside written records, to preserve the richness of these traditions. Recognizing and crediting knowledge holders and their communities ensures transparency and respect. Involving Indigenous experts in the process helps maintain accuracy and authenticity.
Empowering Indigenous Governance
The report should address governance issues, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous decision-making structures and customary laws. Strengthening land tenure rights and promoting co-management frameworks for natural resources are vital steps. Additionally, Indigenous representation in local, national, and global policymaking is crucial to ensuring their voices shape decisions that affect them. Capacity-building programs can further empower Indigenous Peoples to engage with external stakeholders effectively.
Identifying Gaps and Relevant References
While foundational documents such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Nagoya Protocol on ABS provide essential guidelines, the report could benefit from additional references. These might include regional agreements, studies on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), and successful national policies, such as Canada’s Indigenous Guardian Programs. Academic research on food sovereignty movements also offers valuable insights.
Addressing Climate Change and Fostering Understanding
Indigenous food systems are deeply connected to ecological balance and sustainability. Their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can play a key role in addressing climate change. This includes practices like ecosystem restoration and climate-resilient agriculture. Ethical standards that emphasize FPIC and community-led adaptation strategies are critical to these efforts. To foster cross-cultural understanding, the report should promote dialogue platforms, educational programs, and cultural exchanges. Recognizing Indigenous languages and histories in public communications can further bridge gaps.
Revisiting Legal Frameworks
Legal frameworks such as FPIC and ABS have been instrumental in protecting Indigenous rights. However, as thinking around Indigenous knowledge evolves, these frameworks may need to be updated. Emerging challenges, such as digital and biotechnological advancements, highlight the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and expanded protections. Issues like data sovereignty and climate-induced displacement must also be addressed to ensure Indigenous communities remain resilient and empowered.
Conclusion
This report represents a vital opportunity to elevate Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems while promoting sustainability and equity. By following the guiding principles, addressing challenges, and incorporating best practices, it can serve as a transformative document. Indigenous knowledge is not just a heritage to be preserved, it is a living evolving system with the potential to benefit the world, provided it is handled with the care and respect it deserves.
Ms. Tracy Rashida Alhassan Bawa