Communities must get benefits of their knowledge
THE Department of Environmental Affairs has concluded a study on the traditional knowledge associated with two endemic species extensively utilised by bioprospecting and biotrade sectors in South Africa and abroad, namely: rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and honeybush ( Cyclopia spp.).
South Africa has a rich cultural heritage and is the third-most biological diverse country in the world.
The country has an expansive history of indigenous and local communities using their traditional knowledge on indigenous biological resources for, among other things, medicines and food.
This biological and cultural wealth is an important basis for commercial research, development and economic growth that underpins the well-being of the entire society, and it provides an extremely favourable environment for bioprospecting and biotrade for commercial gain.
The rooibos and honeybush species, equally, have a rich traditional knowledge. These species are being utilised in products such as medicines, food flavourings, cosmetics and extracts. These commercial activities are, however, regulated through the Biodiversity Act of 2004 and the Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing Regulations of 2008.
The legislation is further supported by the Nagoya protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefit arising from their utilisation under the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which South Africa became a party in 2013. These laws have increased awareness of bioprospecting, access and benefit-sharing activities in South Africa, and have provided opportunities for communities to benefit from their role as custodians of traditional knowledge on the useful properties of indigenous biological resources targeted for biotrade.
In 2011, the department was approached by the South African San Council on behalf of the San people.
The council expressed its concerns about inadequate acknowledgment, recognition and protection of their interests in relation to the ownership of traditional knowledge associated with the rooibos and honeybush species, which are being used commercially. The department undertook a stakeholder consultative study to validate the rightful holders of the traditional knowledge, to ensure that they derive benefits from the utilisation of these species in the development of products in terms of the act and the regulations.
The report has documented the origin of traditional knowledge associated with the species, as well as the original distribution of the species in South Africa, and linked it with the existing use by indigenous and local communities.
The report also details the history of the land where these species naturally grow, including how the land was occupied and how the traditional knowledge has been developed and passed on from one generation to the next. In addition, the report spells out how the knowledge as an information source has provided valuable leads into the scientific and commercial environment.
It includes information on existing commercial farming and wild harvesting activities, including an accurate description of the communities involved. The fact that these two species are endemic to the Cape Floristic Region, combined with the fact that the San and the Khoi people were historically residents in the natural distribution area of these species for centuries, and the fact that the industry has evolved and expanded in these particular areas, largely supports the concern raised by the San council. The study has revealed that the San and the Khoi people are the rightful holders of traditional knowledge associated with rooibos and honeybush.
In light of the finding, the department urges any individual or organisation involved in bioprospecting or biotrade using these species to engage with the Khoi and San communities to negotiate a benefit-sharing agreement.
To find the report click on the link https://www.environment.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/tr aditional knowledge_rooibosandhoneybushspecies_
Modise is the chief director of communications in the Department of Environmental Affairs
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Farm fury
MORE on the delights of North Korea. Leader Kim Jong-un (The Young ’Un) visited a terrapin breeding farm recently where he tore into managers for their performance, wagging his finger.
To quote North Korea’s official news agency, Kim “strongly criticised the shortcomings of its officials as a manifestation of incompetence, an outmoded way of thinking and irresponsible work style”.
What prompted this outburst? It seems the terrapin farm was supposed to also produce freshwater lobsters. But the lobster scheme failed.
Kim had planned to have terrapin soup and lobster on the menu at a lavish dinner to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers’ Party.
Given that he recently had his minister of defence publicly executed with an anti-aircraft gun for having the temerity to fall asleep at a function, those farm managers must be as insecure as the terrapins under their care.
North Korea – another of those nightmarish spots that blight our world.
Tailpiece
A WOMAN tells her doctor her husband is losing interest in sex. He gives her a pill and tells her to slip it into his mashed potatoes.
But it’s an experimental pill. She must report back on the effects. A couple of days later she’s back. “Well, how did it go?” “Wonderful, doctor. I slipped it into his mashed potatoes, as you said.
“A couple of minutes later he leaped up and ravished me right there on the table.” “That is most pleasing.” “Yes. We can’t go back to that restaurant, but there are lots more.”
Last word WAR is much too serious a matter to be entrusted to the military. – Georges Clemenceau