Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

This member contributed to:

    • I have been filled with emotions since I have been recently made aware of this consultation. I so resonate because I am an indigenous person, who advocates and promote indigenous food, knowledge and systems. I have been saddened by the current state of how Indigenous/traditional food and knowledge systems are losing value in society and/or today’s world. To learn that Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted a Programme of Work (MYPOW 2024-2027), which includes a request to its High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) is remarkable.  Here is my contribution to the consultation on the Scope of the HLPE-FSN Report…

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

      Yes, the guiding principles align very well with the goal of respecting and preserving Indigenous food systems and knowledge.  

      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 focus on benefiting both mainstreaming indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems for broader benefits, however safeguarding and great benefit to the Indigenous Peoples'. For example, local food that serve as a vital source of nutrition and income for Indigenous communities, while their sustainable management could also benefit global food security and environmental sustainability when integrated respectfully into wider systems. 

      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?

      Ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is crucial, as mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems could risks exploitation or misrepresentation of Indigenous knowledge. Other challenges could exclude inequitable sharing of benefits with local people, over-commercialization, and disturbance of traditional ecological balance and sensitivity.

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

      Engage Indigenous voices, use participatory methods, and implement protective frameworks against exploitation. Marginalized groups, especially women who are often involved food systems and knowledge, must be included in decision-making. 

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

      Collaborate with indigenous communities, whom are the custodians of Indigenous knowledge. Document oral traditions on the indigenous systems and knowledge, and ecological significance. Use storytelling and participatory methods to maintain cultural authenticity.

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

      Communities are the custodians of the indigenous knowledge and systems, therefore Inclusion of community driven governance, decision making rights, and participation in policy frameworks shall be highly beneficial. In some part of Southern Africa, community in-put is not encouraged or its dismissed, which is a missed opportunity for inclusion.

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

      Include documents addressing biodiversity, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and frameworks for Indigenous food sovereignty, like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

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

      Consider documents on food sovereignty, the Nagoya Protocol, and related FAO publications.

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

      Small scale farming systems. Indigenous people understand the concept of co-existence and preservation. However over the years there has been foreign/imported systems that have driven a gradual move away from traditional systems. Indigenous systems and knowledge address climate change while the modern systems are bad and increasingly effecting the climate.

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

      Showcase inclusive education, intercultural events, and Indigenous culinary experiences and tourism to promote understanding. Policy that mandatory encourage retail to sell and/or include indigenous food in their shelves/baskets of goods on available on shelf.

      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?

      The Current FPIC frameworks might need updating to ensure stronger protections for Indigenous food systems. Also to address and to account for the evolving rights and global challenges and emerging threats like biopiracy, climate change, and the commercialization of Indigenous resources.

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