SciDev.Net

The World Conference on Science (organised by UNESCO in cooperation with ICSU and held in Budapest in 1999) called for broad collaboration between science and society to meet the challenges of the future. In particular, it noted that traditional and local knowledge systems can make a valuable contribution to science and technology, and that there is a need to protect and promote this knowledge.

The General Assembly of the ICSU acknowledged this, but emphasised that traditional knowledge must be distinguished from approaches that seek to promote anti- and pseudo-science. A study group was set up to advise the ICSU regarding further action; this report is the outcome of their efforts.

The group’s recommendations include the following:

• the interaction between holders of traditional knowledge and scientists should be strengthened;
• ICSU should participate in the work of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO);
• ICSU and its member organisations should take active steps to promote joint partnerships between scientists and holders of traditional knowledge, as well as local scientists.

This paper is about the World Bank’s ‘Indigenous Knowledge for Development Program’, which was launched in 1998. It reflects on the experiences of the initiative, and the steps that could be taken to help communities and governments to integrate IK into the development process. The paper concludes that IK has been put on the international agenda but that some substantial challenges remain.

Priorities for the World Bank are:

• encouraging more countries to formulate and implement strategies for IK integration;
• enhancing the capacity of national and regional IK networks;
• promoting the local exchange and adaptation of indigenous knowledge;
• identifying innovative mechanisms to protect IK in a way that fosters its further development, promotion, validation, and exchange.

This paper has been prepared in the context of the World Bank’s Indigenous Knowledge for Development Initiative, which intends to develop a global knowledge partnership (a network of public, private and not-for-profit organisations from both developed and developing countries).

It highlights the involvement of the knowledge base of the poor and emphasises the importance of IK in development activities, stressing that integration of IK in development activities will improve their results.

The paper proposes a framework for action around four pillars: disseminating information; facilitating exchange of IK among developing-country communities; applying indigenous knowledge in the development process; and building partnerships.

A paper acts as an excellent introduction to IK-related issues, and the annexes provide several useful overviews and action plans for IK in development.

A French version is also available