Protection of Traditional Knowledge: The Work and the Role of International Organisations and Conferences

Abstract

The concepts of traditional knowledge, indigenous people and indigenous knowledge have gained broad use in international discussions on sustainable improvement. Nevertheless, their use is usually subjected to confusion. There have been numerous attempts to clarify the notions of traditional knowledge, indigenous knowledge and people. Although there are no globally approved definitions, this paper is devoted to analysing the approaches of international organisations to the protection of traditional knowledge. The study discusses the work of the international organisations: WIPO, UNESCO, WHO, WTO and FAO, as well as international conferences: Conference of the Parties of Convention on Biological Diversity and UNCTAD. The examples of traditional knowledge illustrate the paper: use of turmeric for wound healing in India, use the Hoodia plant to suppress hunger during hunting in South Africa and others. It is noted that today, at the international level, there are no instruments that ensure comprehensive protection of traditional knowledge. The author concludes that WIPO and UNESCO currently carry out the main work aimed at providing the protection of traditional knowledge. However, other international organisations and conferences, such as WHO, WTO, FAO, UNCTAD and Conference of the Parties of CBD in their work are also addressed some aspects associated with the preservation of traditional knowledge.