A part of my contribution to the consultation on the Scope of the HLPE-FSN Report (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) can be found in attachment.
Thanks and best regards,
Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD, Dept. Head
Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources
National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan
As long as the consultation report of HLPE-FSN (High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition) aims to collect a variety of viewpoints and insights, the expected goal is to make sure that the report takes into account the requirements and difficulties of many stakeholders, such as international organizations, smallholders, marginalized groups, politicians and legislators. The consultation promotes inclusion of and supports the development of practical suggestions for sustainable food systems and better nutrition by involving a diverse variety of perspectives.
In this state, it is essential to follow a rights-based policy framework since it guarantees that nutrition and food security policies are founded on people's fundamental rights, especially the right to enough food. A rights-based strategy encourages responsibility, fairness, and inclusivity by holding institutions and governments accountable for combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The necessity of safeguarding vulnerable groups is also emphasized by this framework, which makes sure that policies prioritize social justice, environmental sustainability, and human dignity in addition to economic efficiency.
Within the HLPE-FSN framework, the emphasis on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems identifies the critical roles that Indigenous communities play in biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable farming methods. Traditional knowledge, cultural customs, and a profound comprehension of the ecosystems in which people reside are all fundamental components of indigenous food systems. In addition to providing useful models for sustainable food production and land management, these systems frequently exhibit resistance to climate change and environmental deterioration.
To guarantee that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are respected and maintained within frameworks for food security and policy, it is essential to emphasize the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS):
1. Because it protects Indigenous Peoples' rights to self-determination and empowers them to make knowledgeable decisions regarding their land, resources, and traditional knowledge, FPIC is crucial. In order to respect Indigenous communities' sovereignty and avoid exploitation, it guarantees that any policies, initiatives, or activities that have an impact on them be only carried out with their express agreement.
2. In fields like biodiversity protection, genetic resources, and food systems, ABS principles are essential for guaranteeing that Indigenous Peoples gain fairly from the use of their traditional knowledge. In accordance with international agreements such as the Nagoya Protocol, these principles guarantee that Indigenous people receive just compensation and recognition when their resources or expertise contribute to wider society benefits.
By focusing on these values, the HLPE-FSN consultation supports moral collaborations and sustainable, just practices that respect Indigenous Peoples' environmental and cultural knowledge while defending their rights and improving their security of food and livelihood management.
The following summarizing table highlights the key needs and priorities of Indigenous Peoples regarding their food and knowledge systems:
Traditional Knowledge - Protection of traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. Implementation of ABS principles for equitable benefits.
Land Rights & Tenure - Protection and recognition of land ownership, which is vital for sustaining their agricultural practices and livelihoods.
Biodiversity Conservation - Collaboration in environmental protection using traditional practices, safeguarding ecosystems against deforestation and climate change.
Climate Adaptation - Support for climate resilience programs that incorporate Indigenous knowledge in sustainable agriculture and land management.
Food Sovereignty - Control over food systems, secure land rights, and access to resources necessary for sustainable agricultural practices.
Health & Nutrition - Addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food sources.
Cultural Integrity - Preservation of food-related cultural practices, traditions, and the spiritual significance of food in ceremonies.
Inclusive Governance - Active participation in policy-making processes, with a focus on FPIC to ensure that Indigenous voices are perceived and respected.
Furthermore, we have to take into consideration the following components to determine which important traditional knowledge and practices that need to be emphasized:
1. Environmental Knowledge
This includes Resource Management Practices, Crop rotation, agroforestry, sustainable water harvesting and conservation.
The use of natural indicators, such as weather patterns, plant phenology, and animal behavior, to forecast changes in the environment is known as ecological indicators.
The term "biodiversity conservation" refers to methods (such as protected habitats) that support the conservation of species, ecosystems, and genetic resources.
2. Health and Medicine
And this includes Traditional Medicine: Knowledge of medicinal herbs and their uses, in addition to Healing Practices: Herbal medicines, rituals, or therapies are examples of cultural approaches to wellness.
3. Agriculture and Food
- Traditional Farming strategies: strategies for managing soil, preserving seeds, or controlling pests.
- Food Preservation and Preparation following techniques for fermenting, drying, or preserving culturally specific foods.
4. Social and Cultural Approach
- Rules governing hunting, fishing, or land use are examples of cultural norms regarding resource use.
- Knowledge transmission methods include storytelling, oral histories, and apprenticeship programs.
5. Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change
Information that aids in climate change adaptation, such as flood control techniques or drought-tolerant crops.
6. Utilization of Materials
- Ecologically sustainable crafts: like weaving with natural fibres or dying with colours derived from plants.
- Construction Techniques: Conventional building techniques with sustainable and locally sourced materials.
- Respect intellectual property and cultural sensitivity while showcasing traditional knowledge by placing it within the project objectives and making sure the community from where the knowledge comes is included.
Concerns about sustainable development, nutrition, and global food security are the main areas of interest for the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN). In this context, national policies, regional initiatives, and international frameworks all have an impact on Indigenous Peoples. The following are some important policies and their effects:
I- International Policy
- The United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples' Rights (UNDRIP)
It highlights the rights of Indigenous Peoples to preserve and fortify their own institutions, customs, and cultures, as well as to pursue development that aligns with their needs and goals.
Impact: Contributes to the advancement of Indigenous Peoples' rights to resources, lands, and territories—all of which are essential for sustainable agriculture and food security. But execution differs greatly from nation to nation. - Biological Diversity Convention (CBD): Nagoya Protocol provisions:
It’s highly recommended to acknowledge the traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation and guarantees fair distribution of advantages resulting from genetic assets.
Impact: Encourages the preservation of the traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and equitable sharing of resources.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goals such as Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15) address Indigenous food systems and environmental proper use and management of resources. This would has the impact of encouraging countries to integrate Indigenous practices into national strategies, though progress is often slow and uneven.
II. Policies at the Regional and National Level
National Laws Concerning Land Rights
In order to preserve traditional food systems, certain nations acknowledge the land rights of Indigenous peoples.
The impact of this could be land tenure promoting food sovereignty.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is one example of a regional framework. Protection of the traditional and subsistence food and land practices of Indigenous Peoples is one of the provisions and the impact would be good precedents for Indigenous rights, even though the fact that court cases can be drawn out and expensive.
III. Specific Food Security Policies
- Particular Agroecology-Supporting Food Security Policies
Recommendations: Encourage the incorporation of traditional Indigenous methods into sustainable food and agricultural systems.
Impact: Promotes resilience and food sovereignty, while frequently being overlooked in favour of industrial agriculture. - Plans for Climate Adaptation
Provisions: Recognize the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Impact: Although indigenous knowledge is becoming more widely acknowledged, communities are frequently not adequately included in funding and implementation.
Challenges and Deficits
- Absence of Enforcement: Progress is impeded by ineffective enforcement mechanisms, even in cases where policies are in place.
- Marginalization in Decision-Making: Indigenous perspectives are frequently left out of the process of developing policies.
- Resource exploitation: Indigenous territory are regularly the target of agriculture and extractive companies.
These polices and laws and their effects highlight the need for an all-encompassing strategy that upholds Indigenous rights and incorporates their understanding into international food security and sustainability plans.
Here are some issues, complications, and strategies for Indigenous Peoples in HLPE-FSN Context; These would be summarized in the attached file.
Policies that tackle these problems with inclusive and rights-based approaches can reduce negative effects on Indigenous Peoples and support global goals for sustainability and food security.
Thanks for this great opportunity to participate and best regards,
Khaldoun Othman Al Sane, PhD
Dept. Head, Dept. of Biodiversity Characterization and Multiplication of Plant Genetic Resources
National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordan
Dr. Khaldoun Al Sane