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SECTION IV
KEY METHODS AND TOOLS
Whilst there is no set formula, the process of documenting, developing, and using a biocultural
community protocol involves a number of integrated methods and tools. It is intended to build on existing
community experience and ongoing efforts to define local visions, plans, and priorities and to engage with
external actors accordingly. This section provides an overview of the following key methods and a number
of accompanying tools that can be adapted and used in the protocol process:
Endogenous development and wellbeing;
Power and multi-stakeholder partnerships;
Legal empowerment, social mobilization, and advocacy; and
Monitoring and evaluation.
The tools are not intended to be used word-for-word or as a mandatory step-by-step check-list. Many
have been adapted from other toolkits and innovated upon specifically for community protocols. They are
presented as non-exhaustive options that could be further adapted to a wide range of situations. It is up
to the community facilitators, catalysts, and leaders to discuss and decide which ones would be most
relevant and how to use them appropriately within the local context.
A.
ENDOGENOUS DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING
Endogenous development, which is
present and active in many Indigenous
peoples and local communities around
the world, provides the foundation for
a biocultural community protocol. It is
defined as localized change that is
initiated, determined, and controlled
from within communities, that
mobilizes
and harnesses local
resources and assets, and that retains
benefits within the locality. It is based
on communities’ own criteria of
development and change and takes into account material, social, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing.
Endogenous development theory suggests that communities are more likely to remain cohesive and
sustain their traditions, cultures, spirituality, and natural resources when they develop their future
collectively and base their plans on the resources available within the community.
Note to community facilitators:
This sub-section introduces a number of key tools related to
endogenous development and wellbeing. The tools include:
Community institutions sketch map
Community decision-making calendar
Historical timeline
Trend line analysis
Community visioning
Assessing community capacities
Assessing key opportunities and threats
Community wellbeing impact assessment worksheet