Decision COP XIII/18

Recalling the programme of work on the implementation of Article 8(j) and related provisions in decision V/16, as well as subsequent relevant decisions, including decision XII/12 D,

Noting the relevance of the Tkarihwaié:ri Code of Ethical Conduct and the Akwe:Kon Guidelines,

Recalling Aichi Biodiversity Target 18, which calls, inter alia, for traditional knowledge to be respected at all relevant levels by 2020, and also recalling Aichi Targets 11 and 16,

Noting that the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization also applies to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources within the scope of the Convention and to the benefits arising from the utilization of such traditional knowledge, and recognizing the contribution that guidance can make to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol,

Stressing the importance of harmony and consistency among international processes and organizations and mindful of their work in addressing issues relating to traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities,

Also stressing the need to respect, preserve and maintain knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity,

Underlining that these guidelines are not construed as changing the rights of Parties or obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity or its Protocols, and understanding that nothing in these guidelines should be construed as diminishing the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities,

Also underlining that these guidelines do not apply to traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources under the Nagoya Protocol, but may be used as an input, where appropriate, for the development of specific instruments under the Protocol,

1.Welcomes and adopts the Voluntary Guidelines as contained in the annex to the present decision;

2.Invites Parties and other Governments to use the Voluntary Guidelines, as appropriate;

3.Invites Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities to promote the guidelines through appropriate educational and awareness-raising activities, as appropriate;

5.Invites Parties to report on experiences gained by using the Voluntary Guidelines through the national reports;

6.Invites Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities to promote regional cooperation and share experiences and best practices on relevant measures, including approaches and measures relating to traditional knowledge shared across borders, where they exist;

7.Also invites Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities to submit their views concerning measures to address publicly available traditional knowledge to the Executive Secretary, and requests the Executive Secretary to compile the measures and views received and make the results available for the consideration of the Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions at its tenth meeting, in order to contribute to the finalization of Tasks 7 and 12 of the revised multi-year programme of work on Article 8(j) and related provisions, as appropriate;

8.Further invites Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations and indigenous peoples and local communities to submit their views concerning best practices to implement “prior and informed consent”, “free, prior and informed consent” or “approval and involvement” to the Executive Secretary, and requests the Executive Secretary, to compile the information on best practices received and make the results available for the consideration of the Working Group on Article 8(j) and Related Provisions at its tenth meeting, in order to contribute to the finalization of Tasks 7 and 12 of the revised multi-year programme of work on Article 8(j) and related provisions, as appropriate;

9.Invites relevant international agreements, agencies, and organizations to take into consideration the guidance contained in the annex to the present decision in the implementation of their work;