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A site dedicated to promoting the interlinked biological and cultural riches of indigenous peoples and local communities.

Biocultural Heritage includes a wealth of biological resources from genetic to landscape level, and long standing knowledge and practices, that are vital for food and health security.

Biocultural Heritage also describes the bundle of rights that support indigenous peoples and local communities (Traditional Resource Rights). We present biocultural strategies and methodologies for horizontal learning among communities, and emerging biocultural legal and policy frameworks.

About Biocultural Heritage

Performing Vital Functions
Drivers of Change
An Evolving Concept
A Research Framework
Evidence of inter-linkages
A Complex System
Customary Laws

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Tools & Materials

Community biocultural protocols
Biocultural registers
Biocultural products
Biocultural territories
Equitable partnerships
Links & Resources

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Policy & Practice

International policy & law
Regional laws
National & local policy/ law
Putting the concept into practice

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Outputs & Partners

Case studies and partners
Project workshops
Publications and papers
Press releases
Policy submissions

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You'll find guidance and resources for grassroots organisations, researchers, practitioners and policymakers.

This website draws on action research by and with indigenous and local communities, including the project 'Protecting community rights over traditional knowledge: Implications of customary laws and practices' (2005–2009). This was a collaboration involving IIED and research partners and indigenous communities in Peru, Panama, Kenya, India and China - See Case Studies and Partners.

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logos This project is supported by International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) frame funds with kind support from The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and The Christensen Fund.