8
SECTION I
INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLKIT
Indigenous peoples and many local communities have unique protocols, procedures, rules, and
regulations (referred to as ‘protocols’) that regulate their interactions within and between communities
and with the territories and areas upon which they depend. Protocols provide clarity to community
members about rights, responsibilities, and appropriate behaviour. Respecting and acting according to
community protocols helps ensure social cohesion and reinforces customary laws, values, and decisionmaking processes.
Indigenous peoples and local communities are increasingly engaging with external actors such as
government agencies, researchers, companies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However,
external actors often do not understand customary protocols and governance systems because they are
codified in ways specific to each community, culture, and location. Failing to respect community protocols,
whether intentional or not, can lead to conflict, deterioration of otherwise constructive relations, and
negative impacts on the environment.
To address this issue, Indigenous peoples and local communities have begun to document and develop
their protocols into forms that can also be understood by others. They are using them to ensure that
external actors respect their customary laws, values, and decision-making processes, particularly those
concerning stewardship of their territories and areas. They are actively seeking recognition of customary
systems of governance and management, including traditional knowledge and practices, and their roles in
the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and ecosystem adaptation. Many are referring
to these instruments as ‘biocultural community protocols’.1
A.
OVERVIEW OF THE TOOLKIT
Biocultural Community Protocols: A Toolkit for Community Facilitators (the Toolkit) is for Indigenous
peoples, local and mobile communities, and supporting community-based and non-governmental
organizations (CBOs and NGOs). It is intended to support communities to secure their rights and
responsibilities and strengthen customary ways of life and stewardship of their territories and areas. It is
directed primarily towards facilitators from the communities themselves or from supporting
organizations with whom they have long-standing and positive relationships.
1
Note: This Toolkit uses the terms ‘biocultural community protocol’, ‘community protocol’, and ‘protocol’ interchangeably. See
Part I: Section II/F for a discussion about guiding principles.