A practical knowledge product for rights-based, community-led biodiversity governance in Africa
Based on a study of Natural Justice we developed a knowledge product that brings together approaches and tools that support the rights, participation, and self-determination of IPLCs in the implementation of ABS across Africa. Drawing on experiences from multiple countries, it offers a grounded, critical overview of what works, what doesn’t, and under which conditions community participation can become empowering.
Key elements:
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A structured overview of six complementary approaches to community support, including biocultural, legal and governance-based, market-based, procedural and capacity development, spatial and resource-based, and collaboration and advocacy approaches.
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Concrete examples of tools such as Biocultural Community Protocols, FPIC protocols, community by-laws, co-management arrangements, ethical guidelines, mapping tools, and advocacy mechanisms.
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A critical assessment of advantages, limitations, and risks, including elite capture, weak legal recognition, donor-driven processes, and tokenistic participation.
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Insights into context sensitivity, legal pluralism, customary law, and power dynamics shaping ABS outcomes in Africa.
No one-size-fits-all
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Effective ABS implementation depends on flexible, community-driven tools that are legally supported, culturally grounded, and combined thoughtfully over time. Participation must move beyond consultation towards real decision-making power, long-term engagement, and enforceable rights.
This resource is designed for actors aiming to develop context-specific and culturally appropriate approaches that support equitable and robust agreements with rights-holders and holders of traditional knowledge, including but certainly not limited to
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Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Community organisations
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Policymakers and government agencies
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NGOs and civil society actors
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Researchers and practitioners working on ABS, biodiversity governance, and human rights
By centering community perspectives and practical experience, this knowledge product supports more just, equitable, and durable approaches to benefit-sharing - grounded in trust, accountability, and respect for community governance systems.