http://www.johannesburgsummit.org | Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge for Sustainable Development The topic of traditional knowledge is experiencing resurgence on the international agenda, as is the need to develop stronger links between these forms of indigenous expertise and scientific discovery. This full day of presentations and lively debate involving indigenous knowledge holders and scientists (including indigenous scientists) from a wide range of natural and social science disciplines attracted a large audience and generated active discussion regarding a number of challenging issues. The event also provided the opportunity to launch the ICSU/UNESCO report entitled Science, Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Development. DISCUSSION AND SUMMARY Some called for more exhaustive scientific verification, such as statistical analyses for traditional meteorological predictions, while others questioned the validity of science, which in today’s market-dominated world has increasingly become a subset of economics. In the education domain, indigenous spokes persons questioned whether attempts to ‘endogenise’ education might at times amount to little more than a ‘translation’ of Western ways and values. The need to develop appropriate and effective methods for recording, protecting, and revitalising indigenous knowledge was also a key concern. Finally, participants recognised that both traditional knowledge systems and science, whether in the domains of environmental conservation, education, or medical practice, each had their place and that continuing their respectful coexistence, encouraging open dialogue, and strengthening synergies are mutually beneficial goals. Co-organized by UNESCO-LINKS, Tebtebba Foundation, ICSU (International Council for Science) << Back Programme Press Release: Innovative measures required to protect indigenous knowledge Official Summit Outcomes: Indigenous Issues Report on the Parallel Event Full ICSU Summary Report Website: International Council for Science (ICSU) |
Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge for Sustainable Development
Programme, Abstracts and Speaker Profiles
29 August 2002
SESSION I
Local & indigenous knowledge for environmental assessment
Farmers’ meteorological knowledge in Gujarat, India
P. Kanani, Gujarat Agricultural University, India
Cree knowledge for comprehensive environmental, social and cultural impact assessment, James Bay (Quebec, Canada)
R. Saganash, Grand Council of the Crees, Canada
Indigenous knowledge and foresight: A Cree elder’s environmental impact assessment
M. Roué, CNRS/MNHN, France
SESSION II
Countering the erosion of knowledge: revitalizing transmission
Recognizing, promoting, protecting and integrating IKS into the mainstream
C. Odora-Hoppers, University of Pretoria, South Africa
The endogenisation of education in South Africa
O. Ntsoane, North West University, South Africa
Culturally appropriate curricula and strategies for working with indigenous children and youth
S. Saemni, Director, IMPECT, Thailand
Strengthening indigenous knowledge and traditional resource management through schools
R. Nari, Department of Environment and Conservation, VanuatuDiscussion
Session III
Keepers of traditional knowledge: issues of protection and sharing
On traditional medicine and medicinal plants
M. Addy, COSTED, Ghana
Te Kete a Tini Rauhanga: A Mäori perspective
H. Kereopa, Tuhoe Maori, Te Kapu a Rangi Trust, New Zealand
Te Kete a Tini Rauhanga investigation of the native medicinal flora used by Tuhoe Maori
M. Leach, Waikato University, New Zealand