Best Practice: Respecting Indigenous Peoples & Traditional Knowledge

Best Practice: Respecting Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Knowledge

April 2012

Best Practice
“Best Practice: Respecting Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Knowledge” outlines best practices for respecting Indigenous Peoples and integrating Traditional Knowledge (TK) into impact assessments. It emphasizes treating TK with the same value as Western scientific knowledge, ensuring Indigenous communities have meaningful participation, and upholding their rights, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
 
The principles highlight transparency, cultural sensitivity, gender inclusion, and safeguards against exploitation. By following these guidelines, impact assessments can incorporate Indigenous perspectives, protect cultural heritage, and promote more inclusive and effective decision-making.
About Best Practice Principles Series

IAIA’s International Best Practice Principles series covers a variety of impact assessment topical areas, sharing best practices for practitioners.