Background

The South Asian region boasts of a rich and diverse heritage of Traditional Knowledge (TK) systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions(TCE), which cover a vast spectrum including agriculture, weather forecasting, health and wellbeing etc.  TK and TCE play a vital role in defining the identity of South Asian people. The recorded heritage of TK and TCE in South Asia dates back to early civilization of the world. The Traditional Knowledge of the South Asian Region has evolved over the centuries with influence of internal and external factors. These systems, particularly those practiced by the minority, indigenous and vulnerable communities, however, face a great threat in this modern era due to the influence of globalization and other factors.

With the extensive reliance on scientific knowledge, trends in globalization and homogenization, TK systems and TCEs are facing the threat of extinction. The influence of western knowledge systems and the impact of multi-national corporations and media in marketing global products and services has become a great threat to TK and TCEs.  Obtaining patency for traditional knowledge by third parties and sharing very little with the original bearers of traditional knowledge is another impact of globalization.   The influence of information technology in creating homogenization of culture is also threatening TK and TCEs. If the rich and diverse traditional knowledge is not safeguarded from the influences of globalization, we will not be able to pass down this heritage to our next generations, which we are currently enjoying thanks to our forebears.

Various aspects of preservation, protection and promotion of the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of local and indigenous communities are looked into by many international bodies such as World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO etc. The work already carried out by the international bodies has a tremendous impact in safeguarding TK systems and TCEs.  Although SAARC Cultural Centre recognizes the impact of work already done in conserving TK Systems and TCEs in direct and indirect means, the concern is that most of the programmes that look into preservation and promotion of Traditional Knowledge is developed by Western Policy Makers with little or no consultation with the traditional knowledge bearers and policy makers in South Asia. As a result the views and issues of the South Asians are not adequately represented at international level and are not properly reflected in policy making.  There is a need to examine the details, the unique features, problems and challenges of the TK systems and TCE of South Asia.


What is Traditional Knowledge?
The cumulative and dynamic body of knowledge, know-how and representations possessed by peoples with long histories of interaction with their natural milieu is called Traditional knowledge. It is intimately tied to language, social relations, spirituality and worldview, and is generally held collectively. Too often, it is simplistically conceived as a pale reflection of mainstream knowledge, in particular, Science. (UNESCO: 2006) These unique ways of knowing are important facets of the world’s cultural diversity, and provide a foundation for locally-appropriate sustainable development. (UNESCO: Links)

Indigenous knowledge is the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples, or local knowledge particular to an area, region or country, etc. Thus all indigenous peoples are traditional knowledge holders, yet all traditional knowledge-holders are not indigenous. (UNESCO: 2006)

Traditional knowledge, technologies and cultural expressions although is old, can be highly evolutionary, adaptive, creative and even novel. It greatly contributes towards strengthening social cohesiveness and cultural identity, as it is a body of knowledge, customs, beliefs and cultural works and expressions handed down from generation to generation. (Dutfield G.:2006)

‘Indigenous knowledge is local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society.  It is the basis for agriculture, health care, food preparation, education, environmental conservation and a host of other activities. Much of such knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, usually by word of mouth.’ (SLARCIK: 1996: vii)

What is Traditional Cultural Expressions?

Traditional cultural expressions (or, "expressions of folklore") include music, art, designs, names, signs and symbols, performances, architectural forms, handicrafts and narratives. TCEs are integral to the cultural and social identities of indigenous and local communities, they embody know-how and skills, and they transmit core values and beliefs. Their protection is related to the promotion of creativity, enhanced cultural diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage. (WIPO: http://www.wipo.int/tk/en/folklore/)