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Overall, do positive laws and policies generally support or hinder the community’s ways of life
and priorities? What are the gaps and shortfalls?
How have these laws and policies changed over the past 10, 20, 50, or 100 years? How would
the community like to see them change in the future?
Community-defined Engagement of External Actors
When an outsider or external agency approaches the community for something, what
procedures must they follow? Who must they seek permission from?
How can the community inform them of this procedure?
What information would the community like to know before making any decisions? Consider
listing key questions that they should answer up front.
Once this information is presented, how would the community respond to different requests or
proposals? Examples may include taking samples of genetic resources, recording traditional
knowledge, establishing a protected area, or beginning a business venture on or near the
community’s territory or area.
What rights and responsibilities under which laws must be respected? What essential terms
and conditions must be adhered to?
How could the community explain these rights, responsibilities, and terms and conditions to the
external actor?
What would the community do if they were not properly adhered to?