Using Biocultural Community Protocols to Preserve and Protect Valuable IK: A Course to Develop an Extra Layer of Rights for Two Indigenous Communities

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) has been faced with various challenges such as piracy and overall abuse of the rights of indigenous peoples towards their resources. This has led to communities being skeptical about their space and who to share their IK with This presented various problems leaving this IK at the periphery of the knowledge economy. It is pivotal to dwell into strategies that seek to preserve, protect IK as a resource which communities rely on for survival. This study applied participatory action research with an indigenous paradigmatic lens. The study focused on two Khoisan communities to unearth how this can benefit from developing their own Biocultural Community Protocols (BCPs). The data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study finds that the development of BCPs will ensure that communities manage their IK thereby protecting and strengthening the intricate linkages between the cultural systems of knowledge and the management of land and natural resources. It is concluded that BCPs are a relevant resource to ensure that IK is protected, promoted and managed to drive sustainable development.