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The process of developing, and using a biocultural community protocol involves collective reflection and
deliberation, participatory documentation and communication, legal empowerment, and social
mobilization. It can be a powerful way for communities to determine and communicate their own plans
and priorities and advocate for respect and appropriate support for their ways of life. A biocultural
community protocol can serve as a platform for asserting rights and affirming responsibilities under
customary, national, and international law, particularly in response to opportunities and challenges posed
by external actors. It can also contribute to the revitalization of certain cultural practices or norms that
affect their interactions with the environment.
Although each is adapted to its local context, a biocultural community protocol is generally:
Determined by a self-defined community with a close connection to a specific territory or
area that is the foundation of their identity, culture, language, and ways of life
Documented, developed, and used in a participatory manner by that community and,
where appropriate, with the support of trusted and long-standing organizations
Intended to promote appropriate recognition of and support for community-specific
customary ways of life and stewardship of their territory or area
Based upon values, standards, procedures, rights, and responsibilities set out in customary,
national, and international laws and policies
A biocultural community protocol is not:
Determined or defined by an external actor such as a government official, researcher,
businessperson, or consultant
Documented, developed, or used in a top-down or prescriptive manner or in a way that
undermines the community’s decision-making processes and right to self-determination
A guarantee that the community will provide free, prior and informed consent to an
external invention or project
An agreement to enter into any negotiations or contractual arrangements
A tool that can be used to undermine or hinder values, standards, procedures, rights, and
responsibilities set out in customary, national, and international laws and policies.
Key Resources on Biocultural Community Protocols
Biocultural Community Protocols: A Community Approach to Ensuring the Integrity of Environmental
Law and Policy (Bavikatte and Jonas, 2009)
Biocultural Community Protocols and Conservation Pluralism (Jonas et al., 2010)
Biocultural Community Protocols for Livestock Keepers (Köhler-Rollefson, 2010)
Community Biocultural Protocols: Building Mechanisms for Access and Benefit-sharing Among the
Communities of the Potato Park Based on Quechua Customary Norms ( Asociación ANDES et al., 2011)
Community protocols website: www.community-protocols.org