World Conference on Science (1999) and Other Knowledge Systems

In June 1999 in Budapest (Hungary) took place the World Conference on Science – Science for the Twenty-First Century organized by UNESCO and the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the first global conference on science and society in almost twenty years.

To the surprise perhaps of some, traditional knowledge figured prominently in the preparations and debates of the conference and in the two principal documents approved by the conference. Among the follow-up actions was a study by ICSU in collaboration with UNESCO, on the relations between traditional knowledge and modern science.

The debates associated with the Budapest conference and its follow-up have also contributed to the launching by UNESCO of an intersectoral programme on Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS), which has given rise to several field studies in small-island situations.

Science, Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Development. ICSU Series on Science for Sustainable Development No. 4. ICSU/UNESCO.(2002).

Evolution of village-based marine resource management in Vanuatu. Coastal Region and Small Island papers #15 . R. E. Johannes and F. R. Hickey (2004).

Reef and Rainforest: An Environmental Encyclopedia of Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands / Kiladi oro vivineidi ria tingitonga pa idere oro pa goana pa Marovo. Edvard Hviding (2005).