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Traditional Knowledge Guardianship and data sharing

Traditional knowledge is a valuable and sacred asset that needs to be properly secured and safeguarded. ESS have worked with many Indigenous groups throughout Australia to implement a practical set of tools to assist them to protect their rights and interests in traditional knowledge in its various forms, which include language, lore, stories, ceremonies, songs, kinship, and through traditional ecological knowledge and practices.

The tools make sure that traditional knowledge can be managed and governed in a way that protects these interests and respects cultural values.

ESS also provides clients with guidance about practical knowledge guardianship and data sharing. A crucial part of knowledge guardianship is understanding the value of the knowledge held by traditional owners and how it may be controlled and shared to their advantage and for the benefit of their communities. ESS has practical experience working with Indigenous organisations to devise and deploy data sharing protocols and agreements, which have simultaneously protected the traditional knowledge and generated benefits and opportunities for traditional owners and knowledge holders.

Key features:
  • Protection of rights to traditional knowledge in the interests of Indigenous knowledge holders.
  • Knowledge guardianship in accordance with local cultural protocols.
Projects using Traditional knowledge guardianship:

Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation

Kakadu National Park

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