“FasTips No. 12: Indigenous and Local Peoples and Traditional Knowledge” emphasizes the importance of recognizing and integrating traditional knowledge (TK) held by Indigenous and local communities into impact assessment (IA) processes. It outlines key strategies for practitioners, including:
Respectful Engagement: Collaborate with communities in a manner that honors their cultural protocols and intellectual property rights.
Informed Consent: Ensure that communities fully understand and voluntarily agree to the use of their TK in IA activities.
Mutual Benefit: Aim for outcomes that provide tangible advantages to both the project proponents and the communities involved.
By adopting these practices, IA professionals can enhance the relevance and effectiveness of assessments, leading to more sustainable and culturally appropriate project outcomes.
Want to effectively incorporate traditional knowledge into your IA practices? Download FasTips: Indigenous and Local Peoples and Traditional Knowledge for 10 key insights.
About FasTips Series
The IAIA FasTips series delivers practical tips in a fast format. When time is short, FasTips provide quick advice without the need for formal guidance.
Designed for impact assessment (IA) professionals, FasTips clarify common questions. While they help refine best practices, they do not replace the IAIA Best Practice Principles series.
Have a topic suggestion? Or have you been using or sharing FasTips? Let us know! Contact Maria Partidário, FasTips Series Editor, with your feedback and ideas.
