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There is no clear definition of what is considered traditional knowledge. However, it can loosely be defined as "knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world, developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment, and passed on orally from generation to generation".¹

Contrary to common perception, traditional knowledge is not necessarily old knowledge. It is evolving all the time, a process of continuous, even daily creation as individuals and communities take up the challenges presented by their social and physical environment.² In many ways, therefore, traditional knowledge is actually contemporary knowledge. Traditional knowledge is embedded in traditional knowledge systems, which each community has developed and maintained in its local context.³

The protection of traditional knowledge is the subject of widespread discussion at national, regional and international levels. It is an issue being considered in various fora by governments and non-government organisations.

The Ministry of Economic Development has prepared these fact sheets to provide information on the various international processes and bodies considering issues related to traditional knowledge. This is the first phase of a broader project to increase awareness of these issues and develop a framework in which further consideration of traditional knowledge, and its interface with the intellectual property rights system, can take place.

There are fourteen fact sheets in total. Each fact sheet provides introductory information under the following headings:

• Background on the organisation or forum discussing traditional knowledge;
• Consideration of traditional knowledge - why is traditional knowledge being considered in this forum and what is being done?;
• Future work of the forum on traditional knowledge; and the
• New Zealand position - what views or positions have been expressed or taken by New Zealand?

¹Convention on Biological Diversity website [link to external website]. The World Intellectual Property Organisation ("WIPO") suggests some useful ways to characterise traditional knowledge. This includes knowledge which is: generated, preserved and transmitted in a traditional context and between generations; distinctively associated with or linked to a traditional or indigenous culture or community (or communities) through a sense of custodianship or cultural responsibility; or identified by the source community as being traditional knowledge.

²Intellectual Properties: Page Two[link to external website].

³Intellectual Properties: Page Two[link to external website].