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Rethinking knowledge governance: A commons approach for the protection of Traditional Knowledge

Hartwig, Ida LU (2025) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20251
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
The Traditional Knowledge (TK) of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) plays a crucial role in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. Yet, market- and state-driven governance of TK continues to assist and enables its exploitation. I investigate the potential of Traditional Knowledge Commons to protect the knowledge and rights of IPLC from violations. Through a multi-case study analysis of the Kukula Healers and Potato Park, and expert interviews, I find that Traditional Knowledge Commons are a promising model to rebuild trust and respect, which are the main challenges to the equitable sharing of TK. In practice, their impact relies on the recognition and protection of IPLC customary laws and remains limited due to a... (More)
The Traditional Knowledge (TK) of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) plays a crucial role in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. Yet, market- and state-driven governance of TK continues to assist and enables its exploitation. I investigate the potential of Traditional Knowledge Commons to protect the knowledge and rights of IPLC from violations. Through a multi-case study analysis of the Kukula Healers and Potato Park, and expert interviews, I find that Traditional Knowledge Commons are a promising model to rebuild trust and respect, which are the main challenges to the equitable sharing of TK. In practice, their impact relies on the recognition and protection of IPLC customary laws and remains limited due to a lack of enforceability and reliance on Western concepts. In conclusion, Traditional Knowledge Commons are suitable for promoting respectful, informed, and equitable approaches through capacity-building efforts that address epistemic differences and the rights of IPLC. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Hartwig, Ida LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Traditional Knowledge, Convention on Biological Diversity, Traditional Knowledge Commons, Customary Law, Sustainability Science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2025:019
language
English
id
9191422
date added to LUP
2025-06-09 10:41:23
date last changed
2025-06-18 09:13:07
@misc{9191422,
  abstract     = {{The Traditional Knowledge (TK) of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) plays a crucial role in addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. Yet, market- and state-driven governance of TK continues to assist and enables its exploitation. I investigate the potential of Traditional Knowledge Commons to protect the knowledge and rights of IPLC from violations. Through a multi-case study analysis of the Kukula Healers and Potato Park, and expert interviews, I find that Traditional Knowledge Commons are a promising model to rebuild trust and respect, which are the main challenges to the equitable sharing of TK. In practice, their impact relies on the recognition and protection of IPLC customary laws and remains limited due to a lack of enforceability and reliance on Western concepts. In conclusion, Traditional Knowledge Commons are suitable for promoting respectful, informed, and equitable approaches through capacity-building efforts that address epistemic differences and the rights of IPLC.}},
  author       = {{Hartwig, Ida}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Rethinking knowledge governance: A commons approach for the protection of Traditional Knowledge}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}