Traditional knowledge

Introduction, characteristics, aspect, Importance

1. Traditional knowledge

2. Contents Introduction Characteristics of indigenous knowledge Aspects of traditional knowledge The impact of colonization on Traditional Knowledge Diff. TK VS Western knowledge Protecting traditional knowledge Conclusion

3. 1.Introduction Traditional knowledge  refers to the  knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. Developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment. Traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation.

4. Examples Bamboo basket making Use of turmeric as antiseptic

5. 2.Characteristics of indigenous knowledge Is generated within communities Is location and culture specific Is the basis for decision making and survival strategies Is not systematically documented Concerns critical issues of human and animal life: primary production, human and animal life, natural resource management Is dynamic and based on innovation, adaptation and experimentation Is oral and rural in nature

6. 3.Two aspects of TK First: Practical base- Traditional explanations of environmental phenomena , winds or water currents for example are based on cumulative collective experience, tested over centuries , by people who have a sophisticated and practical knowledge of the land on which they depended for every aspect of life. Second: Spiritual to the ethical beliefs and world views of indigenous peoples.

7. 4.The impact of colonization on Traditional Knowledge TK has not been systematically documented until recently; It has largely orally transmitted Enforced shifts away from tradition subsistence practices Health and social problems; and The dominance of western scientific traditions

8. Traditional knowledge Western scientific knowledge 1.Qualitative 1.Quantitaive 2.Intuitive 2.Rational 3.Holistic 3.Reductionistic 4.Moral, spiritual 4.Supposedly value-free 5.Considers “mind” and “matter” together 5.Mechanistic 6.Based on empirical observation 6.Based on experimentation and systemization 7.Generated and held by the users themselves 7. Generated by specialists 5.diff. TK VS Western knowledge

9. Why should we protect traditional knowledge?

10. The protection may be defensive which aims at stopping third parties from acquiring intellectual property rights over  traditional knowledge. Positive protection seeks to grant rights that empower communities to promote their traditional knowledge, control its uses and benefit from its commercial exploitation 6.Protecting traditional knowledge

11. Protecting TK also contributes to the cultural and political goals of self-determination and self-reliance by creating strong, ongoing appreciation within the community of its history and its roots. Because TK has a wide range of commercial and scientific uses , its becoming increasingly valuable to non-indigenous outsiders.

12. Traditional knowledge documentation There are also many initiatives underway to document traditional knowledge. In most cases the motive is to preserve or disseminate it, or to use it, for example, in environmental management, rather than for the purpose of legal protection.

13. The  Traditional Knowledge Digital Library  ( TKDL ) is an  Indian   digital knowledge repository  of the  traditional knowledge , especially about  medicinal plants  and formulations used in Indian systems of medicine. Set up in 2001.

14. The objective of the library is to protect the ancient and traditional knowledge of the country from exploitation through  biopiracy  and  unethical   patents , by documenting it electronically and classifying it as per  international patent classification  systems.

15. There are nevertheless concerns that if documentation makes traditional knowledge more widely available to the general public , especially if it can be accessed on the Internet, this could lead to misappropriation and use in ways that were not anticipated or intended by traditional knowledge holders .

16. 7.Conclusion Traditional knowledge helps shape and defines their existence and provides the foundation for their beliefs and traditional practices. It provides the basis for problem-solving strategies for local communities, especially the poor. It represents an  important component of global  knowledge  on development issues.