Traditional knowledge implementation action plan : part I & II

Abstract

The mandate of the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to develop frameworks for Traditional Knowledge (TK) protection arose at the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting in 1999 out of a recognition that the region’s traditional and cultural resources were being improperly exploited without due compensation to TK owners. Work on TK aims to address this on two levels through the development of regional frameworks for 1) Traditional Biological Resources (protection of traditional plants, medicinal knowledge etc), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP); and 2) Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture (TKEC) (protection of traditional arts, songs, dances etc.), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).