1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?
Ans: Yes, to a larger extent. At the same time it shall be noted that semantics on the needs can differ from area to area of the world
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?
Ans: The objectives shall encompass all mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems and the outcome needs to be shared for the use of all and shall not be confined to use of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders for the reasons that
Thorough understanding of “knowledge System” is helpful in sustainable development, conserving biodiversity, combating extremes of climate change and saving water (which is going to scarce in the coming decades).
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?
Access to the correct data (data collection), related to rights, socio-cultural conditions and improper financial literacy.
4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?
- Criteria need to developed in identification of marginalized groups.
- Involvement of Multinational companies as a part of CSR
- Promulgation of federal laws at local level to ensure prevention of commercial exploitation.
5. How oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?
Answer: This is a serious question as indigenous people contribute to more than 5x of proper protection. For documentation purpose expert linguists help is required and software needs to be developed
6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?
This need to be multipronged approach. As no single dimension can be address the issues. Governance, social, cultural can vary region to region
7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?
This needs elaborate perusal.
8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?
As far as India is concerned all the policy documents are available on federal portals. India hosts largest number of Indigenous people constituting 8% of the total population.
9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?
Deforestation for agricultural purposes, burning of trees is a serious problem. Alternative sources of income, such as social forestry, Bee Keeping and aquaculture are some examples.
10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?
Hygiene, sanitation, potable water facilities are common problems for all cultures. They need to be given priority.
Dr. Mukteswar Mothadaka