Article 8(j) - Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices

Plan of Action

Plan of Action for the retention of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices

At its seventh meeting, in Decision VII/16 E Annex, ELEMENTS OF A PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE RETENTION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATIONS AND PRACTICES EMBODYING TRADITIONAL LIFESTYLES RELEVANT FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, the following elements of a Plan of Action were considered by the Conference of the Parties:
  • A. Improved monitoring and reporting process,
  • B. Indicators on the state of retention of traditional knowledge,
  • C. Research Ethics,
  • D. Research on and implementation of mechanisms and measures to address the underlying causes of the decline of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices and
  • E. Capacity-building, education and training. The Conference of the Parties, invited Parties, Governments and relevant organizations to take these elements into consideration when deciding upon activities to protect traditional knowledge, innovations and practices.

At its eigth meeting, in Decision VIII/5 B II paragraph 9 , the Conference of the Parties noted with appreciation the advancement of many elements of the plan of action for the retention of traditional knowledge, innovations and practices embodying lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and urged Parties and Governments to take appropriate measures to further advance the elements of the plan of action.The COP also requested the Executive Secretary to take into consideration comments made at the fourth meeting of the Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions, and to continue gathering and analysing information, in consultation with Parties, Governments, indigenous and local communities, with a view to further developing the plan of action, giving priority to sections B and D, and to report on the advancement of this task to the Working Group at its fifth meeting. It was also requested that the Executive Secretary collaborate with Parties in convening, subject to the availability of financial resources, regional and subregional workshops to assist indigenous and local communities in capacity-building, education and training, with particular emphasis on the participation of women from indigenous and local communities.