Dr. Sujatha Patil
Preserving Traditional Knowledge holds paramount significance in the realm of environmental conservation and sustainable development. Many aspects of the Earth's rich biodiversity have been safeguarded and nurtured by indigenous communities, underscoring the pivotal role of their wisdom. Their invaluable insights are central to upholding and sustaining genetic resources and other bio-assets. Most of these communities reside in regions abundant with the planet's plant genetic resources (PGRs). However, a looming concern arises from the escalating application of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and patents to biological resources, which could lead to their rapid depletion and the consequent erosion of habitats. This poses a profound threat not only to the indigenous communities' way of life and livelihoods, built upon generations of resource utilization, but also to broader food security considerations.
Acknowledging and safeguarding Traditional Knowledge at the international level would significantly contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity management. In this context, the present analysis delves into both global and national perspectives, critically assessing the roles of entities such as the CBD, FAO, WIPO, and the Biodiversity Act in safeguarding traditional knowledge. The exploration of these frameworks seeks to identify avenues for enhancing the protection and preservation of traditional wisdom.
