Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems - HLPE-FSN consultation on the scope of the report

Focus area: Enhancing equity and inclusiveness in agriculture and food systems

During its 51st plenary session (23-27 October 2023), the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted its four-year Programme of Work (MYPOW 2024-2027), which includes a request to its High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) to produce a report on “Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems” to be presented at the 54th plenary session of the CFS in October 2026.

The text of the CFS request, as included in the MYPOW 2024-2027, is as follows:

Rationale: Indigenous Peoples’ agricultural and food systems are intimately tied to nature and are capable of providing food and nutritional security whilst restoring ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity. This was recognized by the scientific group of the UN Food Systems Summit, which led to the creation of the Coalition on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems. 

Traditional knowledge clearly contributes to the enhancement of the sustainability of agriculture and food systems. FAO’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) provide a good example of how to support traditional systems and demonstrate the wealth they can provide at social, economic and environmental levels. Since 2002, GIAHS has designated 62 systems in 22 countries as agricultural heritage sites. These represent diverse natural landscapes and agricultural practices that create sustainable livelihoods and food security in rural areas while combining biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, traditions and farmer innovations in a unique way. 

The 2022 HLPE-FSN Note on Critical, Emerging and Enduring Issues for Food Security and Nutrition reports that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge systems are becoming more widely appreciated as methodologically, substantively and contextually strong and they address current contemporary agricultural and food system challenges through insights on socioecological mechanisms and interactions within food generation environments. Additionally, there is great value in acknowledging and striving to foster the connection between modern, scientific practices and traditional knowledge systems. 

Despite their centrality, Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are undervalued and under unprecedented risk of disappearance. One of the main challenges is that Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are either misunderstood or unknown, which often result in incomplete or inadequate policy tools. To this end, it is critical to establish a political willingness and leadership to increase Indigenous People's participation in the policy making processes. 

This thematic workstream will benefit from the comparative advantage of the CFS to offer an inclusive and intergovernmental platform for global coordination and policy convergence, which will bring together policy makers, scientific international communities, UN Agencies and Indigenous Peoples. 

Objectives and expected outcomes: The objective of the workstream is to create a set of focused, action-oriented policy recommendations on “Preserving, strengthening and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems and traditional practices for sustainable food systems to achieve FSN” as a key means of achieving the CFS vision, SDG2, and an array of other SDGs, including SDGs 1, 10, 12, 13 and 15. The workstream will benefit from the findings and recommendations of an HLPE-FSN report on the topic.

Overview

This scoping paper draft addresses Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems’ solutions to enhance food security and nutrition (FSN) and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The scope covers preserving, strengthening and promoting these systems and practices in a rights-based policy framework to develop and present a set of focused, action-oriented policy recommendations. 

Indigenous Peoples have deep and enduring connections, along with inherent and granted roles and rights, related to food systems, knowledge systems and traditional practices. Unique and sophisticated food systems-related knowledge is possessed by Indigenous Peoples, much of which is undocumented and therefore un- or under-utilized. Even when it is documented, indigenous knowledge is often overlooked and rarely recognized as having scientific value, resulting in its exclusion from published literature.

The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) has been analyzing issues related to Indigenous Peoples and indigenous knowledge in all its reports, and with increasing frequency in recent years. Sustainable Forestry for Food Security and Nutrition (2017) makes ten recommendations specific to Indigenous Peoples. Integration of transdisciplinary science and indigenous knowledge in participatory innovation processes that transform food system is recommended in the 2019 HLPE-FSN Report, Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition. In the 2022 HLPE-FSN Note on Critical, Emerging and Enduring Issues for Food Security and Nutrition, the need to build meaningful interfaces for diverse knowledge and practices is emphasized. It states that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge systems are methodologically, substantively and contextually strong, and can contribute to evidence-based agricultural and food system policies and programmes, and deliver solutions, across important dimensions of FSN.

Much has been documented on the consequences for Indigenous Peoples when separated from their traditional food systems. Those consequences include food insecurity, malnutrition[1], loss of food biodiversity, and opportunity-loss for transforming food systems to be more resilient and sustainable (Kuhnlein et al., 2009, 2013). The 2023 HLPE-FSN report on Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition, recommends that policy and legislation should be informed by indigenous knowledge and related data, to broaden the spectrum of evidence for FSN policy and action, and address the systemic inequalities disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples.

Reviewing, consolidating, and presenting FSN recommendations from relevant sectors and disciplines will bring much needed attention to policy imperatives for achieving the CFS vision and the SDGs; and for advancing progress on realizing the right to food and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Consultations on this scope and on the development of the full report will be held with a comprehensive range of rights-holders and stakeholders. Beneficiaries of the report will be Indigenous Peoples and the wider global community, through the CFS. 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

While drafting the report, HLPE-FSN experts will adhere to the following guiding principles, in addition to the established HLPE-FSN working procedures, to ensure legitimacy among stakeholders and maintain a high degree of scientific quality:

  1. The rights-based policy framework includes the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the right to food, and the rights of nature, along with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
  2. Consistent with the wording of the CFS request, and in respect of the position of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and that of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, the focus on ‘food and knowledge systems’ will be Indigenous Peoples exclusively (i.e., it will not include terms such as ‘local communities’)[2]. 
  3. The report will be focused on Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, as elaborated in the CFS MYPOW. 
  4. The report will also address traditional knowledge and practices covering those from cultures and communities with heritages and legacies of place (e.g., local communities), and those designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)). 
  5. A review of relevant policy recommendations from a range of scientific and intergovernmental processes will be conducted. 
  6. Relevant text and recommendations from previous HLPE-FSN reports will be reviewed, updated, and corrected as appropriate.
  7. Current disparate, conflicting, contradictory, and controversial issues will be addressed, along with ramifications, repercussions and unintended consequences for Indigenous Peoples from unrelated, and/or well-meaning policies and processes.
  8. Recommendations will be directed to CFS, UN agencies, private sector, civil society organizations, national and local governments, academia and research sector, and Indigenous Peoples’ mechanisms and governing bodies as rights’ holders. 
  9. All consultations, content of the report, and especially all recommendations, will respect Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), principles of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS, 2011), and sovereignty issues around food and information. 

KEY QUESTIONS TO GUIDE THE E-CONSULTATION ON THE SCOPE OF THE HLPE-FSN REPORT

1. Do you agree with the guiding principles indicated above?
2. Should the objectives include mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and lessons learned from them, for the benefit of all, or solely for the benefit of Indigenous Peoples as rights holders?
3. What are the challenges related to Free, Prior and Informed Consent and Access and Benefit Sharing when widely promoting and/or mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems?
4. How can the report ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups, sustainability, and protection against commercialization risks for Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems?
5. How should oral knowledge and traditions be documented and referenced in the development of the report?
6. What dimensions linked to Indigenous Peoples’ agency, e.g., in governance issues, could be addressed?
7. Are there important/relevant policy papers and instruments missing from the foundational documents list?
8. Could you please indicate relevant references that should be taken into account?
9. What best practices, ethical standards, and strategies for addressing climate change should be highlighted in the report?
10. Which best practices or strategies to promote cross-cultural understanding should be highlighted in the report?
11. Are the previous legal documents such as Prior and Informed Consent, enough in light of this evolution of thinking about Indigenous People’s knowledge, or do they need to be revised?

The results of this consultation will be used by the HLPE-FSN to elaborate the report, which will then be made public in its V0 draft for e-consultation, and later submitted to peer review, before finalization and approval by the HLPE-FSN drafting team and the Steering Committee.

We thank in advance all the contributors for reading, commenting and providing inputs on the scope of this HLPE-FSN report. The comments are welcome in English, French and Spanish languages.

This e-consultation is open until 13 December 2024.

The HLPE-FSN looks forward to a rich consultation!

Co-facilitators:

Paola Termine, HLPE-FSN Coordinator ad interim, HLPE-FSN Secretariat

Silvia Meiattini, Communications and outreach specialist, HLPE-FSN Secretariat 

[1] Malnutrition relates to a deficiency, excess, or imbalance of energy and other macro and micronutrients.

[2] The Permanent Forum reiterates its call at its twenty-first session for a clear distinction between Indigenous Peoples and local communities. All United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and climate are encouraged to eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in connection with Indigenous Peoples, so that the term “Indigenous Peoples and local communities” would be abolished (Report of the 22nd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (with Oral Amendments), 2023).

The Permanent Forum reiterates the position of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, namely that it is unacceptable to undermine the status and standing of Indigenous Peoples by combining or equating them with non-indigenous entities such as minorities, vulnerable groups or local communities. Such attempts, whether by States or United Nations entities, are not acceptable and will be challenged by Indigenous Peoples and those mandated to defend their rights. The Permanent Forum urges all United Nations entities and States parties to treaties concerning the environment, biodiversity and the climate to eliminate the use of the term “local communities” in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples, so that the term “indigenous peoples and local communities” would be abolished (Report on the Twenty-First Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2022). 

Foundational documents and principles

  1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations. For the first time, it sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected. Article 25: 1 states: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food… Full text: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

  2. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): This Declaration, adopted in 2007, provides a global framework for efforts to protect and advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including food and knowledge systems. It recognizes that respect for Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditional practices contribute to sustainable and equitable development and proper management of the environment; and that Indigenous Peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures. Coverage includes human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs. Full text: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf

  3. Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security (Right to Food): The objective of the Right to Food, adopted by the FAO in 2004, is to provide practical guidance to States to achieve food security and nutritional adequacy for all. It recognizes that foods, diets and eating habits are vital to people’s cultures and traditions. Indigenous Peoples are identified as deserving special consideration in the context of access to resources and assets, land, and genetic resources for food and agriculture. Full text: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/307a8e6b-c478-49ba-8a29-f97c825d5770/content

  4. Voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security (VGGT): These Guidelines, endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security in 2012, call upon the States to recognize and protect the legitimate tenure rights of Indigenous Peoples and to consider adapting their policies and legal and organizational frameworks to Indigenous Peoples’ tenure systems, with the goals of food security, the right to adequate food, environmental protection, and more. Indigenous Peoples are identified as deserving special consideration; other groups are also listed (e.g., local communities). Full text: https://www.fao.org/4/i2801e/i2801e.pdf

  5. Rights of Nature (RoN): Rights of Nature is a legal instrument that describes inherent rights of ecosystems and species to have the same protection as people and corporations; that ecosystems and species have legal rights to exist, thrive and regenerate. In at least twelve countries, and several sovereign territories within countries, have enacted laws protecting rights for nature; many more countries are in the process of developing legislation. Indigenous worldviews align with and have accelerated the development of rights of nature law. https://www.garn.org/rights-of-nature/

  6. Guidelines on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues (GIPI): The purpose of GIPI is to assist the United Nations system in mainstreaming and integrating Indigenous Peoples’ issues in processes for operational activities and programmes at the country level. Full text: https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/UNDG_guidelines_EN.pdf

  7. Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (C-169): This ILO convention, adopted in 1989, recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples within the nation-States where they live; their right to land, natural resources, and full participate in decision-making. It defines responsibilities of governments to protect these rights. Full text: https://www.refworld.org/legal/agreements/ilo/1989/en/19728

  8. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: This 2022 COP decision highlights the relationship and roles of Indigenous Peoples and local communities as custodians of biodiversity and as partners in its conservation, restoration and sustainable use. It specifies and reiterates in its targets that traditional knowledge, innovations, worldviews, values and practices of Indigenous and local communities are respected, documented and preserved. Full text: https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf

  9. Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, also simply known as the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), Convention on Biological Diversity United Nations Environmental Programme, 2011: This protocol is an international agreement on the fair and equitable access to genetic resources and sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It notes the interrelationship between genetic resources and traditional knowledge, the importance for the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of its components, and for the sustainable livelihoods of these communities. It makes note of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. [Note: this document uses the phrase, “indigenous and local communities,” as do most treaties and guidelines from the CBD.]  Full text: https://www.cbd.int/abs/doc/protocol/nagoya-protocol-en.pdf

  10. Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): FPIC is a specific right, recognized in the UNDRIP and ABS, which allows Indigenous Peoples to provide or withhold/ withdraw consent, at any point, regarding projects impacting their territories; and to engage in negotiations to shape the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects. 

  11. The White/Wiphala Paper on Indigenous Peoples’ food systems: This paper, published as a contribution to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, addresses Indigenous Peoples foods, food systems, and traditional knowledge, and how they contribute to resilience and sustainability of food systems worldwide. It presents the perspective that Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge is evidence-based; i.e., it has methodological, substantive and contextual strengths equal to or indeed beyond those of many (dominant) scientific study designs. Full text: https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/3462ba89-ea23-4d49-a3bf-e64bdcc83613/content

  12. Indigenous Youth Global Declaration on Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems: This paper, delivered and published in 2021, presents perspectives and actionable recommendations on respecting, preserving and revitalizing Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems, and traditional diets and practices. Full text: https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/faoweb/2021/Indigenous/EN_Indigenous_Youth_Global_Declaration_on_Sustainable_and_Resilient_Food_Systems.pdf

  13. Local Biodiversity Outlooks 2: This 2020 report highlights the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in providing nature-based solutions for conserving, protecting and sustainably using biodiversity through traditional knowledge and practices. They highlight the effective transformations needed for recognizing and respecting diverse ways of knowing and being, revitalizing Indigenous and local food systems, tackling environmental crises, and inclusive decision-making. Full text: https://localbiodiversityoutlooks.net/publications/

Additional references

Azam-Ali, S. et al. (2023). Marginal Areas and Indigenous People Priorities for Research and Action. In: von Braun, J., Afsana, K., Fresco, L.O., Hassan, M.H.A. (eds) Science and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-15703-5_14

FAO and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. (2021). Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems: Insights on sustainability and resilience from the front line of climate change. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5131en

FAO. (2016). Free Prior and Informed Consent: An indigenous peoples’ right and a good practice for local communities: Manual for project practioners. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/8a4bc655-3cf6-44b5-b6bb-ad2aeede5863/content

HLPE. (2017). Nutrition and food systems. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-12 www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe

HLPE. (2017). Sustainable forestry for food security and nutrition A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-11/en

HLPE. (2019). Agroecological and other innovative approaches/ A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-14

HLPE. (2022). Critical, emerging and enduring issues for food security and nutrition. A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/3/cc1867en/cc1867en.pdf

HLPE. (2023). Reducing inequalities for food security and nutrition. A report by The High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. https://www.fao.org/cfs/cfs-hlpe/publications/hlpe-18

IFAD. (2022). Sustainable and resilient Indigenous Peoples’ food systems for improved nutrition No Title. https://www.ifad.org/digital-toolbox/indigenous-peoples-food-systems/features.html

Kuhnlein, H., Erasmus, B., & Spigelski, D. (2009). Indigenous Peoples’ food systems: the many dimensions of culture, diversity and environment for nutrition and health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CINE. https://www.fao.org/4/i0370e/i0370e.pdf

Kuhnlein, H., Erasmus, B., Spigelski, D., & Burlingame, B. (2013). Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and well-being: interventions and policies for healthy communities. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and CINE. https://www.fao.org/4/i3144e/i3144e.pdf

UN General Assembly. (2015). Right to Food. General Assembly Seventieth Session, A/70/287. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Food/A-70-287.pdf

UNEP. (1992). Convention on biological diversity. https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8340;jsessionid=EF1F228DCABD0D7B5DC72F68338975A9

UNESCO. (2018). UNESCO policy on engaging with Indigenous Peoples. In United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000262748/PDF/262748eng.pdf.multi

United Nations. (2015). The UN Sustainable Development Goals.

UNPFII. (2022). Report on the Twenty-First Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Pub. L. No. E/2022/43-E/C.19/2022/11, United Nations, Economic and Social Council. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/unpfii-twenty-first-session-25-april-6-may-2022

UNPFII. (2023). Report of the 22nd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (with Oral Amendments), E/2023/43-E/C.19/2023/7. https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii/unpfii-twenty-second-session-17-28-april-2023

World Health Assembly. (2023). The health of Indigenous Peoples. 76th World Health Assembly WHA76.16 Agenda item 16.3. https://doi.org/10.5334/dsj-2020-043

WB, The Indigenous Peoples' Resilience Framework: https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/4cafc3a906669ba0d34d4a39dc903472-0090012024/indigenous-peoples-resilience-framework-executive-summary

Please note that in parallel to this scoping consultation, the HLPE-FSN is calling for interested experts to candidate to the drafting team for this report. The call for candidature is open until 16 December 2024. Read more here

 

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En la actualidad la población mundial enfrenta tres problemáticas importantes relacionadas con la alimentación. Una de ellas es la dificultad para garantizar la soberanía alimentaria dado que las hambrunas y la inseguridad alimentaria son una preocupación evidente en muchos lugares del planeta, la otra la constituyen los elevados índices de mortalidad a causa de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles cuyo factor de riesgo principal es la alimentación inadecuada y la tercera, la contribución al daño del planeta.

El presente libro  tiene por objetivo contribuir con el rescate del consumo de productos alimenticios locales en la zona norte de Quintana Roo, mediante la réplica de recetas tradicionales y el desarrollo de recetas innovadoras, para fortalecer la soberanía alimentaria de sus habitantes, contribuyendo al mantenimiento del estado de nutrición adecuado y promoviendo formas sustentables de producción de alimentos.

La Cultura, comida y poder: Más vale tortilla dura que hambre pura muestra de manera somera la relación de los alimentos y preparación de los mismos atravesados por el proceso de la Conquista y el discurso de poder que se impone en la alimentación prehispánica.  Una reflexión que permite revalorar los productos y alimentos antiguos en un camino hacia la fusión y complemento de los productos y alimentos  del viejo mundo.

En este sentido, merece poner nuevamente en relieve la importancia del rescate de los saberes tradicionales, los significados poderosos de los alimentos locales en las personas y la cultura hoy en día.

See the attachments:

Transferencia de conocimientos en el uso de alimentos locales subutilizados, para estudiantes de educación básica en las ciudades de Cancún y Puebla.

 

Objetivo general: 

Transferir conocimientos sobre el uso y consumo de alimentos locales subutilizados a estudiantes de educación básica y padres de familia de las ciudades de Puebla y Cancún que promuevan una alimentación recomendable.

 

Objetivos específicos:

  1. Enlistar los alimentos locales subutilizados en las respectivas localidades.
  2. Identificar los alimentos locales subutilizados y sus respectivas características nutrimentales y compuestos bioactivos.
  3. Identificar el uso tradicional de los alimentos locales subutilizados.
  4. Generar una propuesta teórica- metodológica que pueda replicarse en otras escuelas.
  5. Crear recetas de fácil elaboración empleando alimentos locales subutilizados, con el fin de reproducirlas con estudiantes de educación básica y padres de familia de las ciudades de Puebla y Cancún.
  6. Diseñar talleres culinarios participativos para dar a conocer las recetas a los estudiantes de educación básica y padres de familia de las ciudades de Puebla y Cancún, con la intención de que puedan realizarlas en casa.
  7. Elaborar un material didáctico que incluya recetas, características nutrimentales, compuestos bioactivos y usos tradicionales de los alimentos locales subutilizados.
See the attachments:

This is an important issue. From my observation, preserving some important traditional knowledge that has a good value for resilient food systems and nutrition is eroded due to lack of any incentives from any relevant bodies. Therefore, there is a need to an institutional support and encouragement.

Respuestas a las interrogantes sobre sistemas alimentarios y conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas:

Desde la perspectiva de un especialista en gastronomía, a continuación se presentan las respuestas a las interrogantes planteadas:

1. ¿Está de acuerdo con los principios rectores indicados anteriormente?

Claro que sí. 

2. ¿Deberían los objetivos incluir la integración de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas, y las enseñanzas adquiridas de los mismos, en beneficio de todos, o únicamente en beneficio de los pueblos indígenas como titulares de derechos?

La integración de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas debe ser en beneficio de todos, reconociendo siempre a los pueblos indígenas como titulares de derechos y garantizando su participación plena y efectiva en los procesos de toma de decisiones. Esto implica:

  • Reconocer y valorar los conocimientos, innovaciones y prácticas tradicionales de los pueblos indígenas en la gestión sostenible de los recursos naturales y la producción de alimentos.
  • Promover el intercambio de conocimientos entre los pueblos indígenas y otros actores, fomentando la innovación y la adaptación al cambio climático.
  • Garantizar el acceso equitativo a los beneficios derivados de la utilización de los conocimientos tradicionales, respetando los derechos de propiedad intelectual de los pueblos indígenas.

3. ¿Cuáles son los retos relacionados con el consentimiento libre, previo e informado y el acceso y la distribución de beneficios a la hora de promover y/o integrar ampliamente los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas?

Los principales retos son:

  • Asegurar un proceso de consulta efectivo y culturalmente apropiado que garantice el consentimiento libre, previo e informado de los pueblos indígenas en todas las etapas de los proyectos.
  • Establecer mecanismos transparentes y equitativos para el acceso y la distribución de beneficios, que reconozcan los derechos de los pueblos indígenas sobre sus conocimientos tradicionales.
  • Prevenir la biopiratería y la apropiación indebida de los conocimientos tradicionales, fortaleciendo los marcos legales y las capacidades locales.

4. ¿Cómo puede el informe garantizar la inclusión de los grupos marginados, la sostenibilidad y la protección contra los riesgos de comercialización de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas?

El informe debe:

  • Incorporar un enfoque de derechos humanos y género, prestando especial atención a las necesidades y prioridades de los grupos marginados dentro de las comunidades indígenas.
  • Promover prácticas agroecológicas y sistemas alimentarios resilientes que contribuyan a la seguridad alimentaria y la conservación de la biodiversidad.
  • Establecer salvaguardas para prevenir la comercialización inapropiada de los conocimientos tradicionales, promoviendo el comercio justo y el desarrollo económico local.

5. ¿Cómo deberían documentarse y tomarse como referencia los conocimientos y tradiciones orales en la elaboración del informe?

La documentación de los conocimientos y tradiciones orales debe realizarse con el consentimiento libre, previo e informado de los pueblos indígenas, utilizando metodologías participativas y culturalmente apropiadas. Se deben emplear diversas técnicas de documentación, como:

  • Entrevistas con personas mayores y guardianes del conocimiento.
  • Grabaciones de audio y video.
  • Talleres comunitarios y cartas sociales o mapas etnográficos.
  • También se sugiere técnicas de proyección para rescatar la memoria histórica o la tradición oral de los participantes. 

Es fundamental respetar los protocolos y prácticas culturales de los pueblos indígenas en el manejo de la información, garantizando la confidencialidad y el control comunitario sobre los conocimientos tradicionales.

6. ¿Qué dimensiones vinculadas a la capacidad de acción de los pueblos indígenas (p.ej. en cuestiones de gobernanza), podrían abordarse?

El informe debe abordar las siguientes dimensiones:

  • Fortalecimiento de las instituciones y sistemas de gobernanza propios de los pueblos indígenas.
  • Promoción de la participación plena y efectiva de los pueblos indígenas en los procesos de toma de decisiones a nivel local, nacional e internacional.
  • Reconocimiento y protección de los derechos territoriales de los pueblos indígenas.
  • Apoyo a la autodeterminación y el desarrollo autónomo de los pueblos indígenas.

7. ¿Faltan documentos e instrumentos normativos importantes/relevantes en la lista de documentos fundacionales?

Sin comentarios. 

8. ¿Podría indicar referencias pertinentes que deberían tenerse en cuenta?

  • FAO. (2021). Sistemas alimentarios de los pueblos indígenas. Libro Blanco/Wiphala.
  • FAO. (2019). Promoviendo la biodiversidad y los sistemas alimentarios indígenas. Directrices para la acción.
  • IIED. (2020). Los pueblos indígenas y la gobernanza de los sistemas alimentarios: experiencias de América Latina.

9. ¿Qué mejores prácticas, normas éticas y estrategias para abordar el cambio climático deberían destacarse en el informe?

  • Prácticas agroecológicas y sistemas de producción tradicionales resilientes al cambio climático.
  • Sistemas de alerta temprana y mecanismos de adaptación basados en los conocimientos tradicionales.
  • Gestión comunitaria de los recursos naturales y conservación de la biodiversidad.
  • Enfoque de género y empoderamiento de las mujeres indígenas en la adaptación al cambio climático.

10. ¿Qué mejores prácticas o estrategias para promover el entendimiento intercultural deberían destacarse en el informe?

  • Diálogo intercultural y espacios de encuentro entre los pueblos indígenas y otros actores.
  • Educación intercultural y promoción de la diversidad cultural.
  • Reconocimiento y valoración de los conocimientos y prácticas tradicionales de los pueblos indígenas.
  • Medios de comunicación y tecnologías de la información para la difusión de las culturas indígenas.

11. ¿Son suficientes los documentos jurídicos anteriores –como el Consentimiento Previo e Informado–, a la luz de esta evolución del pensamiento sobre los conocimientos indígenas, o es necesario revisarlos?

Si bien el Consentimiento Previo, Libre e Informado (CPLI) es un principio fundamental, es necesario fortalecer y operativizar su aplicación en la práctica. Esto implica:

  • Desarrollar mecanismos y procedimientos claros y culturalmente apropiados para garantizar el CPLI en todas las etapas de los proyectos.
  • Fortalecer las capacidades de las comunidades indígenas para participar en los procesos de consulta y toma de decisiones.
  • Asegurar el acceso a la información y la justicia para los pueblos indígenas.

En conclusión, la integración de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos de los pueblos indígenas en El Salvador requiere un enfoque holístico e intercultural que reconozca y respete los derechos y la diversidad cultural de los pueblos indígenas. Es fundamental promover la participación plena y efectiva de los pueblos indígenas en los procesos de toma de decisiones y garantizar el acceso equitativo a los beneficios derivados de la utilización de sus conocimientos tradicionales.

This consultation is very welcome within the framework of Indigenous Peoples' rights and the need for sustainable continuation of the wealth of biocultural knowledge contained in Indigenous Peoples' food systems.  I have enjoyed reading the entries to this point in time and offer some considerations, some more thorough than others, for each of the questions posed. Please see the attachment.

See the attachments:

Mr. Julio Prudencio

Investigador independiente afiliado a la Fundación TIERRA y al Instituto de Investigaciones Socioeconómicas de la Universidad Católica de Bolivia
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

Conservación, fortalecimiento y promoción de los sistemas alimentarios y de conocimientos y las prácticas tradicionales de los pueblos indígenas en favor de los sistemas alimentarios sostenibles: consulta del GANESAN sobre el alcance del informe
Atte

Julio Prudencio Böhrt

La concepción sobre el uso, búsqueda y conservación de las semillas; el mantenimiento de la foresta; la combinación de la diversidad/diversificación productiva; la producción agroecológica junto a la agricultura de conservación; la rotación de cultivos y la producción combinada de diversidad de productos agrícolas más la crianza de ganado a pequeña escala, que implementan los Pueblos Indígenas fundamentales en la adaptación al cambio climático.

Sin embargo, estas prácticas son poco consideradas por las políticas públicas ni son prioritarias en los programas de desarrollo, por lo tanto, no hay inversión económica para su conservación ni mantenimiento.

El Cambio climático a través de sus diferentes manifestaciones (lluvias a destiempo, sequías prolongadas, inundaciones, fuertes tempestades entre otras) está profundizando los problemas de los sistemas alimentarios y la seguridad alimentaria nutricional.

Si a eso se añaden los Programas Gubernamentales de desarrollo extractivista para el fomento a las exportaciones (quema de la Amazonía para ampliar la frontera agrícola con transgénicos; uso intensivo de agroquímicos, deforestación; expansión del monocultivo; más el uso de mercurio para la explotación del oro contaminando la tierra, los ríos y los peces, matando la biodiversidad) que no respetan la forma de vida y de ser de los Pueblos Indígenas, el desarrollo no es sostenible.

Ambas cosas; el Cambio Climático y el modelo extractivista/mercantil, están destruyendo los sistemas alimentarios que durante décadas han demostrado su sostenibilidad.

Hay que establecer Políticas Públicas (e Inversiones económicas) en restaurar los sistemas alimentarios y en su mantenimiento.

Las Políticas mundiales deben dar prioridad a los planteamientos de los Pueblos Indígenas para garantizar su desarrollo sostenible.

Se debe fortalecer la comunicación e intercambio de experiencias de estos PI y darles mayor cobertura internacional

La FAO debe establecer Directrices Voluntarias Integrales que aborden los riesgos de los modelos extractivistas protegiendo la integralidad cultural y la gobernabilidad regional/comunitaria (salvaguardar así los derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas).

The concept of seed use, search and conservation; forest maintenance; the combination of productive diversity/diversification; agroecological production together with conservation agriculture; crop rotation and the combined production of a variety of agricultural products plus small-scale livestock raising, implemented by Indigenous Peoples, are fundamental in adapting to climate change.

However, these practices are rarely considered by public policies and are not a priority in development programs, therefore, there is no economic investment for their conservation or maintenance.

Climate change, through its various manifestations (untimely rains, prolonged droughts, floods, strong storms, among others), is deepening the problems of food systems and nutritional food security.

If we add to this the Government Programs of extractive development to promote exports (burning the Amazon to expand the agricultural frontier with GMOs; intensive use of agrochemicals, deforestation; expansion of monoculture; plus the use of mercury for the exploitation of gold, contaminating the land, rivers and fish, killing biodiversity) that do not respect the way of life and of being of the Indigenous Peoples, development is not sustainable.

Both things; Climate Change and the extractive/commercial model, are destroying food systems that have proven their sustainability for decades.

Public Policies (and economic investments) must be established to restore food systems and maintain them.

Global Policies must give priority to the approaches of Indigenous Peoples to guarantee their sustainable development.

Communication and exchange of experiences of these Indigenous Peoples must be strengthened and given greater international coverage.

FAO must establish Comprehensive Voluntary Guidelines that address the risks of extractive models, protecting cultural integrity and regional/community governance (thus safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples).

Climate change is a real and active phenomena.

In all food related processing activities, this issue need to be considered.

So, a topic of climate change in each sector is a must, if we want to work on food in any means.

When we bring indigenous people in our topic, there are two issues need to be considered, 1) resilience of indigenous people and  adaptation potential and 2) vulnerabilities 

See the attachments:

The Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems, and traditional knowledge and practices are worth re-visiting to ensure a better utilization of our natural resources. By embracing our biocultural heritage will help to shape the future food system that enables sustainability. Given that our interconnected global food system involves a complex supply chain prone to risks due to regulatory barriers, disruptions because of economic  instability,  variations  in  consumer  demand.  The  global  food  system  is  wasteful  and  inefficient,  and  gaps  in  access  to  food  have  created  food  insecurity in many parts of the world. These gaps comprise food security and  also  food  safety,  such  as  food  waste,  the  failure  to  track  the  origin  of  foods, and compromised safety and quality in processed food products. To  achieve  sustainability,  reduce  waste,  and  ensure  the  efficient  use  of resources, changes are required in food supply chains with inputs from traditional knowledge, starting with local  suppliers  and  processors.  More in Chapters 11 and 12 of an open access book - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003057758/food-security-high-north-kamrul-hossain-lena-maria-nilsson-thora-martina-herrmann?_gl=1*vfocij*_ga*MjAzMzM4NjY1OS4xNzI5MDY4NjE0*_ga_0HYE8YG0M6*MTcyOTA2ODYxNS4xLjAuMTcyOTA2ODYxNy42MC4wLjA.*_gcl_au*MTc2NDM2NTExMy4xNzI5MDY4NjE4