Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • Dear HLPE-FSN Members,

      Having completed the IPBES nexus assessment, where I played a key leading role as a lead author and liaison for integrating IPLCs' issues into the assessment report, I am eager to participate in this HLPE-FSN consultation. As an expert in natural resource management with over a decade of experience exploring the nexus between biodiversity, food, water, and health under climate and environmental stressors—while emphasizing the role of IPLCs in managing their natural resources—I feel obligated to contribute to this important work.

      Here are my responses

      1.Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?

      I agree with the guiding principles, as they align with best practices for Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and sustainable food systems. They establish a strong ethical, legal, and scientific foundation for preserving Indigenous food systems and knowledge, while respecting their sovereignty and autonomy in contributing to sustainability.

      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?

      Yes, the objectives should benefit both Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as rights holders and the broader global community. Any integration of IPs' food and knowledge systems must respect their rights and sovereignty, ensuring their consent, control, and benefit. Since IPs have inherent rights to their knowledge, practices, and resources, efforts to preserve and promote these systems must prioritize their direct benefits. This aligns with the principle of self-determination, allowing Indigenous communities to maintain control over their food systems. Protecting their rights and livelihoods is essential to prevent exploitation and misappropriation while fully respecting cultural, ecological, and spiritual contexts. Moreover, IPs' food and knowledge systems provide valuable insights into nutrition, sustainability, biodiversity, and resilience. These insights can enhance global food security and sustainability efforts, such as agroecology and biodiversity conservation, contributing to more climate-resilient food systems worldwide.

      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 challenges related to FPIC and ABS when promoting IPs' food and knowledge systems may include: 

      -Power imbalances can often leading to manipulation of consent processes and inequitable benefits distribution.

      - The potential for biopiracy (risks) threatens ILK, as external entities may exploit traditional practices without fair compensation or acknowledgment

      -Lack of trust: Historical exploitation creates mistrust among Indigenous communities towards external negotiations, that also might complicate the establishment of effective ABS agreements in some communities

      -Existing legal frameworks in many countries may not recognize or even adequately protect Indigenous rights or ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from their knowledge systems

      -Marginalized groups within Indigenous communities (such as women and youth) are sometimes overlooked in decision-making processes, leading to incomplete representation 

      Reference:

      https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/IPeoples/FreePriorandInformedConsent.pdf

      https://archive.abs-biotrade.info/fileadmin/media/Knowledge_Center/Pulications/BCPs/community_protocols_and_ABS.pdf

      https://www.fao.org/fsnforum/consultation/indigenous-peoples-food-and-knowledge-systems

      4.How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?

      To ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups and protect Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems, the report can adopt these strategies:

      • Involve marginalized groups, including women and youth, in decision-making to ensure diverse representation.
      • Advocate for laws upholding FPIC and ABS principles to prevent exploitation.
      • Recognize and document Indigenous knowledge to safeguard rights and prevent misappropriation.
      • Implement awareness programs and train IPLCs on their rights and the sustainability of Indigenous food systems.
      • Promote agro-ecological and regenerative practices aligned with traditional knowledge.
      • Build partnerships (collaborative research) with researchers, NGOs, CBOs, and policymakers to support Indigenous systems without undermining traditions.
      • Set up mechanisms to monitor impacts and ensure equitable benefits among the IPLCs.

      More information here:

      https://depenning.com/blog/ip-and-indigenous-communities-protecting-traditional-knowledge-and-cultural-heritage/

      https://www.preventionweb.net/publication/indigenous-peoples-food-systems

      https://www.iied.org/indigenous-food-systems-biocultural-heritage-agricultural-resilience

      5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?

      To effectively document and reference oral knowledge and traditions in the report, the following approaches can be considered: 

      • Engage with Indigenous communities to understand their perspectives on documenting oral traditions, ensuring that the process respects their cultural protocols and preferences. 
      • Implement participatory methods, like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), to involve community members in the documentation process, fostering ownership and accuracy
      • Utilize various formats for documentation, such as audio recordings, videos, and written narratives, to capture the richness of oral traditions accurately 
      • Clearly reference sources of oral knowledge in the report, giving credit to individuals and communities who shared their traditions, thus promoting transparency and respect
      • Cultural sensitivity: Acknowledge that some knowledge may be sacred or sensitive. Obtain explicit consent before documenting and sharing such information, respecting community-defined boundaries 
      • Clearly reference sources of oral knowledge in the report, giving credit to individuals and communities who shared their traditions, thus promoting transparency and respect Read more here: 

      https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_1049.pdf

      https://greenfoundation.in/documenting-indigenous-knowledge

      https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00XD3J.pdf

      6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?

      To enhance Indigenous Peoples’ agency in governance issues, several key dimensions can be addressed i.e (i)  empowering Indigenous communities to exercise self-determination is crucial, as it will allow them to make decisions about their governance structures and policies. (ii) Data sovereignty is another vital aspect that would enable IP to control their own data and ensure it aligns with their priorities. (iii) Capacity building initiatives can strengthen Indigenous governance institutions, equipping them with skills in conflict resolution and resource management. (iv) Promoting inclusive governance models that will integrate ILK into broader political processes, ensuring that IPLCs voices are represented. (v) promoting gender equity by actively involving Indigenous women and marginalized groups in governance structures is essential for diverse representation. 

      Never the less, by supporting IPs to take over control of their land and natural resources is critical for sustainable economic development and cultural preservation that can reinforce their rights and promoting self-determination. 

      References; 

      https://www.niaa.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2024-05/framework-governance-indigenous-data.pdf

      https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/162631492.pdf

      https://www.ifad.org/documents/38714170/40272519/ips_land.pdf/ea85011b-7f67-4b02-9399-aaea99c414ba

       

      7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?

      Asian Development Bank (i998) Policy on Indigenous Peoples

      https://www.adb.org/documents/policy-indigenous-peoples

      8.Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?

      This is shown in specific sections above

      9.What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?

      The report should emphasize:

      Equity, ensuring marginalized groups benefit from climate actions; sustainable development, balancing ecosystem preservation with resilience; scientific integrity, using evidence-based, transparent decisions; community engagement, respecting traditional knowledge in climate initiatives; and renewable energy adoption to reduce emissions and foster a just transition.

      10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?

      The report should emphasize the importance of promoting cross-cultural understanding through several key strategies. First, fostering cultural awareness by educating individuals about diverse values and communication styles helps prevent misunderstandings and encourages respect. Active listening is essential, allowing people to paraphrase and clarify points to ensure mutual understanding. Creating safe spaces for open dialogue enables individuals to freely share their experiences and perspectives. Additionally, cultivating empathy and flexibility by recognizing diverse viewpoints and adapting communication styles strengthens connections. Understanding non-verbal communication, which varies across cultures, is also crucial for effective collaboration. Together, these strategies build stronger relationships in diverse environments.

      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?

      I haven't had the chance to review the documents in detail, but based on my initial assessment, I believe the current frameworks may fall short in addressing the collective, inter-generational nature of Indigenous knowledge and its deep connection to cultural identity. Furthermore, the genuine implementation of FPIC can be challenging for every community and aspect, and it should go beyond being a procedural formality. These documents could benefit from revision to incorporate flexible, culturally sensitive approaches that recognize the unique characteristics of Indigenous knowledge within local contexts. Additionally, national governments should be encouraged to integrate these considerations into local policies and regulatory frameworks.