OO. 6.4 Create operational mechanisms to protect the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity

Indigenous and local communities are closely linked with biodiversity and contribute to its protection.

The traditional knowledge possessed by indigenous and local communities on the possible uses of the biodiversity that surrounds them forms an important basis for the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. It is an important resource, particularly in the search for new medicines. This age-old knowledge needs to be preserved and maintained.

Holders of traditional knowledge are key stakeholders in ABS agreements and initiatives. Article 8j of the CBD addresses specifically the respect, preservation and maintenance of the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It also encourages the wider application of this knowledge, with the approval and involvement of those holding it, on the understanding that any benefits that arise from the use of such traditional knowledge will be shared.

Article 15.1 of ILO Convention 169 recognises specifically the rights of indigenous peoples to the natural resources on their territories, including the right to participate in the use, management and conservation of these resources³⁴.

Belgium does not believe that in this country there are indigenous and local communities that fall within the definition of the CBD. Belgium is however participating in international discussions concerning traditional knowledge.
Traditional knowledge, innovations and practices should be recognised in access and benefit-sharing arrangements. The participation of representatives of idigenous and local communities in appropriate forums should be supported. On the other hand, the preservation and sharing of traditional knowledge will be integrated into those Belgium's development cooperation or scientific cooperation projects that target indigenous and local communities as primary stakeholders.

Considering GMOs in agriculture covered by patents owned by multinationals, special care should be taken to avoid that their use would alter or eliminate traditional agricultural practices, leading to biodiversity as well as to social threats (cf. obj. 4.b.7; et 4.d.4 ). Moreover, transgenes being sometimes possibly issued from living organisms traditionally known for their interesting properties, equitable sharing of benefits arising from those genes should be promoted.

* CBD instrument
To facilitate and support the development and strengthening of capacities of individuals, institutions and communities for the effective implementation of the provisions of the CBD relating to access and benefit-sharing and the Bonn Guidelines in particular, the CBD adopted at its 7th meeting the "Action Plan on Capacity-Building for Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing". The action plan identifies key areas that require capacity-building initiatives and mechanisms for the implementation of capacity-building in these areas.