Abstract:

Traditional knowledge, genetic resources and traditional cultural expressions constitute an important part of the cultural assets of Indigenous peoples, providing enormous cultural and economic possibilities for their daily lives. The importance of traditional knowledge to modern society has grown, along with an increased recognition of its role in modern innovation, biodiversity conservation, the sustenance and livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and, increasingly, economic development and adaptation to climate change. Protecting traditional knowledge is a key issue for policy makers, academics and a wide range of stakeholders and Indigenous communities within national and international contexts.