Outcomes of Article 8 (j)

Over more than ten years after the adoption of the Programme of Work on Article 8(j), work on some of the tasks of its first phase has reached an advanced stage or in some cases has been completed.The Working Group on Article 8(j) and related provisions has made some notable achievements since its first meeting, in March 2000.

In particular the Working Group has raised the profile of indigenous and local community issues throughout the Convention. It has successfully developed and monitored the implementation of the work programme on Article 8(j) and related provisions (refer to decision V/16, annex), as well as a plan of action for the retention of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices (refer to decision VII/16, E, annex).

The Working Group on Article 8(j) has also advanced the priority tasks of the work programme, including through improved indigenous and local community participation in the Convention process, notably through:

• the development of guidelines for the conduct of cultural, environmental and social impact assessments (the Akwé:Kon Voluntary Guidelines),

• the preparation of the composite report on the status and trends of traditional knowledge bringing together detailed regional information from every region and the identification of processes at national and local levels that may threaten the maintenance, preservation and application of traditional knowledge,

• currently considering elements of sui generis systems for the protection of traditional knowledge,

• the development of the elements of an ethical code of conduct to ensure respect for the cultural and intellectual heritage of indigenous and local communities,

• making a substantial contribution to the negotiation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing.

In short, the Working Group has ensured that appropriate attention and focus is given to traditional knowledge under the Convention process.