Conservation Of Traditional Knowledge Research Articles

The Mien people's ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant use in Thailand and Vietnam

Abstract. Panyadee P, Pongamornkul W, Van On T, Trong ND, Giang PTL, Kim LT, Inta A, Sirisa-Ard P, Chansakaow S. 2024. The Mien people's ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant use in Thailand and Vietnam. Biodiversitas 25: 79-96. This study investigates the ethnomedicinal practices of the Mien people in Thailand and Vietnam, focusing on the diversity of medicinal plant usage and its implications for healthcare and traditional knowledge conservation. Through semi-structured interviews with key informants during transect walks in local forests and home gardens, data on 199 medicinal plant species were gathered, including vernacular names, plant parts used, preparation, and usage methods. Analysis revealed a significant use of these species, with 41 utilized for various health purposes in both countries, treating ailments related to reproductive systems (45 species), body strengthening (29 species), and the digestive system (21 species). In ethnobotanical practices, there were distinct preferences for plant parts. In Thailand, stems (29%), leaves (26%), whole plants (18%), and roots (14%) were predominantly used, while in Vietnam, leaves (29%), stems (24%), whole plants (19%), and roots (11%) were more common. A Spearman's rank correlation showed a strong positive correlation (0.77, p <0.001) between these preferences in both countries. The study documented 81 ailments across 23 health categories. Thailand reported 45 ailments in 20 categories, and Vietnam 67 in 19 categories. Reproductive health, musculoskeletal health, and body wellness strengthening were pivotal, with strong correlations in healthcare practices between the countries (correlation 0.75, p <0.001). Reproductive Health mainly involved postpartum treatment, Musculoskeletal Health focused on pain relief and rheumatism treatments, and Body Wellness Strengthening used plants as tonics and for relaxation. This research underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and the potential of traditional medicine in rural healthcare. It also highlights the scope and focus of the Mien communities' healthcare practices, providing valuable insights for future research and drug development.

A module for digital conservation of medicinal plants used by tribal communities living in selected villages of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, Central India

Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop a suitable module for digital conservation of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants (MPs) used by tribal communities living in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Design/methodology/approach The research used a qualitative approach to gather the data of MPs through the use of literature review and field survey. Based on the acquired data, a prototype digital learning system was constructed and assessed. This study used digital learning technologies to assess the requirements for transmitting traditional knowledge of important MPs used by tribal communities so that people can absorb and conserve them. Findings Over time, the focus on the digital conservation of traditional MP’s knowledge has progressively increased globally. Despite the rise in this field of study, information technology methods to preserve and distribute traditional knowledge of MPs have remained a few. When adopting digital learning to maintain traditional knowledge of MPs, it was discovered that it would be necessary to engage with relevant knowledge keepers, use multimedia, and provide content in local languages. Research limitations/implications This study helps in conservation of important MP species that are having biologically important therapeutic compounds meant for treating various ailments. Older generations of various tribal communities mainly hold traditional knowledge of important MPs, and unless it is preserved, it will perish along with its caretakers. Originality/value It is worth looking at a digital platform that can help future generations to maintain traditional knowledge of MPs, as it is a dynamic and ever-changing, it must involve a digital tool for its future conservation. Current methods for maintaining traditional knowledge of MPs were ineffective and constrained by space and time.

Some Common Medicinal Plants in Barsuan Range, Bonai Forest Division, Sundargarh, Odisha

Aim: To document the common medicinal plants used by the local tribal communities of mining areas of Barsuan Range, Bonai Forest Division, Odisha, India
 Background: From ancient times, medicinal plants are playing vital role in human health care systems. Nowadays, medicinal plants are less used by urban & rural areas but they are still used by tribal communities. From them, the valuable knowledge needs to be documented for future reference, particularly from mining areas where lot of threats are observed on them.
 Methodology: Keeping the threat and importance of traditional knowledge, an attempt has been made to document the most common medicinal plants of Barsuan Range, Bonai Forest Division, Odisha through field survey using Passport Data Form.
 Results: A total 50 common plant species were recorded having medicinal values and used by the local communities.
 Conclusion: In this modern era, the conservation of traditional knowledge is important. The present study highlights the some common medicinal plants of mining impacted areas which could be the raw materials for future herbal formulation and can create livelihood option.

Rainer Willi Bussmann’s scholarly impact: a scientometric review

Background: The article ascertains the intellectual legacy and impact of Rainer Willi Bussmann (RWB), an active ethnobotanist. It is a scientometric review intended to provide a tribute to the intellectual contributions he has made to Ethnobiology, and associated disciplines.Methods: Bussmann’s various IDs were used to collect his publications from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and ResearchGate. He was also contacted (via email) for information on his life history and the scientific expeditions that he took. Personal experience of one of the authors (ZAM) was also used for describing Bussmann. The tools used for mapping were CRExplorer, VOSviewer and Perish or Publish.Results: RWB developed scientific curiosity about plants at a very young age. His entire career has been characterized by seeking and creating opportunities in research, conservation and community service. The 1767 publications authored or co-authored by RWB were published in 369 different source titles. But 16.98% of his publications were published in ‘Ethnobotany of Mountain Regions – Ethnobotany of the Andes’ followed by 13.92% publications in ‘Ethnobotany of the Himalayas’. Out of the total publications (1767), 1200 (67.91%) are book chapters followed by Journal articles 274 (15.50%). Out of 1200 book chapters the maximum (966; 80.5%) were published in year 2020. He has collaborated with authors from 55 countries. It was found that titles of his publications are in 18 world languages, the prominent languages being English, Spanish and German.Conclusion: Documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge is the theme around which RWBs research revolves. He has conducted numerous such studies in Bolivia, Peru, the Caucasus, and the Himalayas. Examination of keyword co-occurrence (text analysis of titles and abstracts) networks facilitated the identification of clusters, addressing subjects such as ethnobotany and documentation of traditional knowledge of Peru, Bolivia, Pakistan etc.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for treating diabetes in Agadir Ida Outanane region, Southwestern Morocco

In Morocco, diabetes affects 6.6% of men and women nation-wide and is higher in urban areas. Medicinal plants are used commonly by local people of Morocco for treating diabetes. The aim of this study was to identify plants species used for curing diabetes in the Agadir Ida Outanane region, Southwest Morocco. Data were collected by semi-structured and structured interviews. 400 interviews were conducted with knowledgeable villagers. The obtained data were analyzed through fidelity level (FL: 0-100%), use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC: 0-1). This ethnobotanical survey has identified 22 species belonging to 14 families distributed. The most represented families are Lamiaceae and Asteraceae. Three plants species, Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall, Pulicaria mauritanica Batt., and Salvia aegyptiaca L., are mentioned for the first time for traditional treatment of diabetes. The most frequently cited plant species are Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels , Cistus creticus L ., Globularia alypum L., Olea europaea L. This survey shows that traditional medicine is still used and constituted a very rich heritage in Agadir Ida Outanane region. The collected data may help for archiving and conservation of traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in the study area. In addition, it forms a basis for preliminary information required for future phytochemical investigation on the most used plants.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by tribal migratory shepherds in hills of Tungasigarh of Thunag Subdivision of district Mandi Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh tribal migratory shepherds carry rich repository of traditional knowledge of wild medicinal plants and its uses, in this respect, an ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Tungasigarh and its surrounding area of Thunag Subdivision district Mandi Himachal Pradesh from 2018 to 2019. The required information on ethnomedicines used by tribal migratory shepherds was collected through personal field visits, interview method and by using a pretested questionnaire. Total 64 medicinal plant species were reported viz. Aconitum heterophyllum Allium ursinum, Allium humile, Trillium govaninum, Bergenia ciliata, Berberis lyceum, Cannabis sativa, Dioscrea deltoidea, Rhododendron arboratum, Pistacia integerrima, Zanthoxylem armatum was recorded. Total of 64 species were documented herb species were dominant (48) followed by shrub (9), tree (7). This study shows that shepherds in tribal areas are highly dependent on ethnobotanical medicines, which evolved over generations of experience, for the healthcare. This survey can help as baseline data on ethnomedicinal plants used in Thunag sub division of Mandi district and could be helpful in conservation of traditional knowledge as well as medicinal plants.

Ethnomedicinal survey of the plants used for gynecological disorders by the indigenous community of district Buner, Pakistan

Background: This study is the first of its own kind conducted in the study area with the aim to document and conserve the indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used for curing gynecological diseases. Materials and Methods : During the course of work, the use of medicinal plants and their ethnomedicinal uses for gynecological problems were documented by interviewing 532 people of different ages (20-110 years) through semi-structured interviews Results : The result of the present work is showing the dependency of the indigenous population on medicinal plants. In the present work 60 plants, species belonging to 40 families were collected and their medicinal uses were documented by interviewing both genders of the local population through semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires. The results of the study were compared to 14 previously published articles. The result of this study indicates that Asteraceae was the dominant family with 4 species. Similarly, the dominant life form was herb (39 species) and the most used plant part was leaf (19 species). The highest RCF (Relative Citation Frequency) value was obtained for Acacia modesta Wall. 0.71. The highest UV (Use Value) was 0.91 for Trachyspermum ammi (L.) sprague and lowest UV was 0.50 for Ficus benghalensis L. The highest ICF (Informants Consensus Factor) value 1.0 was obtained for emmenagogue and vomiting and the lowest for leucorrhoea (0.67). Conclusions: The present study shows that the study area is rich in ethnomedicinal knowledge. The result also indicates that the local population is more sensitive and careful about gynecological diseases. This study is providing a baseline for future pharmacological studies to discover new herbal drugs. Keywords: Traditional knowledge conservation; Ethno-medicine; Gynecological disorders; Buner; Pakistan

An Ethnomedicinal Survey of Indigenous Knowledge on Medicinal Plants in the Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba, Malawi

Introduction: Medicinal plants and ethnomedicinal studies continue playing a significant role in herbal products development and traditional knowledge conservation. Calls for ethnomedicinal studies have increased recently to unleash the potential in medicinal plants and document verbal traditional knowledge. This study recorded the medicinal plants administered by traditional practitioners in the Traditional Authority Chikowi area of Zomba district in Malawi. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted for 2 weeks in September 2017. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to traditional medicine practitioners using snowball sampling in the company of botany personnel from the National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens (NHBG). Data collected included plant local names, medicinal uses, parts used, preparation methods and administration methods to clients. Some species were photographed and identified in the field by the NHBG officers. Results: Five traditional practitioners were interviewed. Fifty-nine medicinal plant species belonging to 38 families were used as prophylaxis and treatment for 27 communicable and non-communicable diseases/conditions. Fabaceae family (papilionoideae 11.9%, mimosoideae 5.1%, caesalpinioideae 1.7%) had the largest percentage of species (18.6%). Preparation methods ranged from infusion (38.0%) to cream (2.0%). Of these, 86.0%, 12.0% and 2.0% were administered orally, topically and rectally respectively. Roots were the most used part (60.8%) while the least used was flowers (1.3%). Nearly two-thirds were trees or shrubs (32.2% each). Conclusion: The area has a rich biodiversity of medicinal plant species and knowledge scientists can use as a baseline for identification of plant species, bioactive compounds and preparations with useful medicinal properties.

Ewé: a web-based ethnobotanical database for storing and analysing data.

Ethnobotanical databases serve as repositories of traditional knowledge (TK), either at international or local scales. By documenting plant species with traditional use, and most importantly, the applications and modes of use of such species, ethnobotanical databases play a role in the conservation of TK and also provide access to information that could improve hypothesis generation and testing in ethnobotanical studies. Brazil has a rich medicinal flora and a rich cultural landscape. Nevertheless, cultural change and ecological degradation can lead to loss of TK. Here, we present an online database developed with open-source tools with a capacity to include all medicinal flora of Brazil. We present test data for the Leguminosae comprising a total of 2078 records, referred to here as use reports, including data compiled from literature and herbarium sources. Unlike existing databases, Ewé provides tools for the visualization of large datasets, facilitating hypothesis generation and meta-analyses. The Ewé database is currently available at www.ewedb.com.

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico.

An ethnobotanical study was performed to collect information on the use of medicinal plants in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico. The area has a high number of endemic species, and the social importance of the medicinal plants in the community is essential for public health and the conservation of traditional knowledge. This study identified the medicinal plants currently used, registered traditional knowledge, and documented the patterns of ailments treated in the indigenous communities of Totonacas. A total of 101 medicinal plants belonging to 51 families were described by 85 local informants. Asteraceae was the family with the highest number of plant species identified by these informants. Plant parts are used to treat several ailments, including venomous bites, gastro-intestinal disorders, infectious diseases and other disorders. Informants reported that the most common plant part used was the leaf tissue (55%), and they also took the herbal remedies orally (72%), and decoctions (38%) as well as infusions (29%) were the forms used to prepare these natural remedies. This study provides documentation of medicinal plants used in the Veracruz area of Mexico. Mexican people are still dependent upon medicinal plants, and in order to avoid their loss, certain measures of conservation for medicinal plants are needed.

Use of mammals in a semi-arid region of Brazil: an approach to the use value and data analysis for conservation

BackgroundThis study aimed to survey the knowledge and use of mammals by the residents of the rural community of Capivara in the municipality of Solânea (Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil) and to propose a new method of using the use value as a tool for data analysis in ethnozoological surveys.MethodsThe uses attributed to mammals were recorded through semi-structured interviews conducted with the breadwinners (men and women) living in the community. The species were identified through guided tours, by descriptions made by the interviewees, and using specimens donated by them, as well as by comparison with the pertinent scientific literature (morphological and ecological). Through the use value differentiated analysis, it was possible to distinguish the current use value of the species (effective use) from their potential use value (knowledge, but no effective use) to determine their real importance related to the uses cited by the studied group.ResultsNineteen species were cited; however, only 17 of them were identified and then distributed in 13 families. The other species were identified at the genus level Leopardus sp. and order Rodentia. The species were classified into 6 categories of use: food, captive breeding, zootherapeutic, artisanal, magic/religious, and veterinary purposes.ConclusionsThis article discusses possible conservation solutions, given the irregular exploitation of some species, warning about the biodiversity, and traditional knowledge conservation.

Uso tradicional de la fitodiversidad de los bosques de <i>Pinus hartwegii</i> en dos comunidades mexicanas de alta montaña

Se registra el conocimiento tradicional de las plantas útiles en los bosques de Pinus hartwegii, un ecosistema importante que marca el límite altitudinal de la vegetación arbórea en México y que brinda importantes servicios ambientales por ser cabecera de cuencas hidrológicas. El estudio se realizó en dos comunidades rurales de alta montaña en el centro de México: Ranchería Las Palomas (RLP) en el Estado de México y San José Pilancón (SJP) en el estado de Veracruz. Se usó el método de consenso de informantes y se hicieron entrevistas semiestructuradas al 10 % de la población, recorridos botánicos, análisis de datos del Índice de Valor de Uso (IVU) y riqueza de plantas. Se encontraron 51 especies útiles en RLP y 46 especies en SJP, así como nueve categorías de uso en RLP y once en SJP. El IVU coincidió en las dos comunidades, donde el pino-ocote (P. hartwegii) fue la especie más importante (1,9 RLP y 1,2 SJP). Se encontraron 24 especies en común, 16 coinciden con los nombres comunes y usos, pero ocho especies tuvieron nombres y usos diferentes. De manera general, para las localidades estudiadas, se pudo reconocer que el conocimiento tradicional sobre las plantas útiles se resguarda en la población adulta y del sexo femenino. Se espera que este estudio sea una base para la valoración y conservación del conocimiento tradicional y la fitodiversidad de este tipo de bosques, tanto por las comunidades locales, así como por autoridades en temas ambientales.

Understanding transmission of traditional knowledge across north-western South America: a cross-cultural study in palms (Arecaceae)

The transmission of traditional knowledge (TK) depends largely on the ability of people to preserve and learn new knowledge. Different and opposing evidence about loss, persistence and generation of TK has been reported, but cross-cultural comparisons are notably missing. We interviewed 2050 informants at 25 localities in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, across three ecoregions (Amazon, Andes, Choco) and three cultural groups (Indigenous, Mestizos, African-Americans). Our main aims were to: (1) explore the transmission of palm use knowledge for 10 use categories across five age cohorts; and (2) identify the use categories in which knowledge is widely shared by all age cohorts or unique to one cohort. TK was heterogeneous between different age cohorts in the Amazon and the Choco and increased with age. TK in the Andes was more evenly distributed between generations, with divergent tendencies in relation to age. TK about the categories Human food and Construction was widely distributed. TK in the categories Medicinal and veterinary, Utensils and tools and Cultural uses were more narrowly distributed. Our cross-cultural and multiple-scale study indirectly shows that the maintenance of TK relies on multiple variables, including ecological, social, cultural and economical factors. Our results provide a strong argument that conservation of TK should be embedded in local strategies that recognize all possible influences on knowledge transmission.

Livelihood Dependence, Traditional Knowledge Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management - A Study on Birbhum Forest Division, West Bengal

Livelihood Dependence, Traditional Knowledge Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management - A Study on Birbhum Forest Division, West Bengal

Traditional knowledge and biocultural diversity: learning from tribal communities for sustainable development in northeast India

This paper presents a synthesis of grassroots activities designed to promote the learning and conservation of traditional knowledge and related biocultural resources among Adi, Monpa and Khasi tribes of northeast India. The results indicate that the participation of knowledge holders in various village level activities can enhance the promotion of traditional practices, learning of knowledge and conservation of related resources. Knowledge holders of varying age groups and social systems have many notable traditional practices that provide promising solutions to current challenges. The promotion of traditional knowledge-based products can also facilitate the conservation of resources and the subsistence survival of people. Strong multi-level networks between all stakeholders are needed to ensure the sustainability of traditional knowledge and conservation of biocultural resources of communities of northeast India.

Ethnobotanical survey of antidiarrhoeal plants of Parinche valley, Pune district, Maharashtra, India

Ethnopharmacological relevance Maharashtra is the third largest state in India with a large tribal population. Documentation of traditional knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is important for conservation and utilization of indigenous knowledge. Diarrhoeal diseases are the second largest cause of morbidity in rural India. Medicinal plants given by the traditional healers of Parinche in Pune district, Maharashtra are known to be efficacious for many common ailments, including diarrhoeal diseases. Aim of the study Ethnobotanical survey of antidiarrhoeal plants from Parinche valley towards the documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge. Materials and methods Interviews and inquiries were conducted amongst traditional healers, indigenous communities and village elders. Results One hundred and eighty two plants used by tribes and natives for different ailments were documented of which 28 flowering plants were for diarrhoea. Leaf was the most preferred plant part. Amongst the 28 plants, antidiarrhoeal activity of five plants viz., Caesalpinia sepiaria, Dioscorea pentaphylla, Launaea pinnatifida, Syzygium rubicundum and Ziziphus jujuba has not been reported previously. Two species viz., Ziziphus xylopyra and Syzygium rubicundum are endemic to India. Conclusion Parinche valley is an ethnobotanically rich area with abundant availability and knowledge of medicinal plants that can serve as a model for low cost health care.

The genetic basis for bioactivity in the traditional medicine plants of Australia

Ethnobotany is the study of the relationship between plants and traditional people. The indigenous inhabitants of Australia, the Australian Aboriginals, use a range of plants from their tribal lands for their medicinal purposes. However, it is generally accepted that it may not be the actual plant that is responsible for the medicinal properties but organisms that reside in the living tissues of the plant known as endophytes [1]. Selected plants and their endophytes' genomes will be screened, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for genes that encode the enzyme complexes, non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS), which are involved in the biosynthesis of many bioactive compounds. Previously, six different plant species medicinally used from the Dharawal and Dunghutti tribal area (Sydney and north coast, NSW) were screened for NRPS and PKS genes. Four plant species and a soil sample possessed NRPS genes while five plant species showed PKS amplification [2]. Two plant species, so far, have been screened for endophytic growth. Surface sterilised plant material was transferred to several different agar media. Results show that plant species 1 had two endophytic organisms growing within the leaf. Plant species 2 had an endophytic Penicillium species growing within the plant stem. The Penicillium species also contained PKS genes similar to those of other fungal species PKS. Using the available traditional knowledge of medicinal plants coupled with modern genetic techniques allows for greater potential to discover new bioactive compounds with conservation of traditional knowledge and its biological source.

Diversity of medicinal plant by Talang Mamak tribe in surrounding of Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park, Riau

Local peoples in a certain area is very depends on plants grow on surrounding them for fulfill daily lifelyhoat such as food, clothing, construction material, medicinal, etc. People knowledge in plants utilized especially as medicinal matter was passed on from generation to generation. Documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge from the local people until to do the research of diversity of medicinal plant by Talang Mamak tribe in Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Riau. Field data collection of medicinal plants was done by directobservation and interview with the figure or tribe-head and community is used medicinal plant in surrounding them. From the survey it result that at least 77 species of plants are used as medicines. Five species from these was categorised as endangered species such as pulai (Alstonia scholaris), gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis), kapung-kapung (Oroxylum indicum), pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia), and akar kuning (Arcangelisia flava). Kinds of diseases can be cover with ingredient of traditional medicines, the process and method, part of plant used, and species having potency for develop in the future is discussed in this paper.© 2007 Jurusan Biologi FMIPA UNS SurakartaKey words: Medicinal plant, Talang Mamak tribe, Bukit Tigapuluh National Park, Riau

American Folklore Society Recommendations to the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore

In pursuing its mandate, the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore (GRTKF) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) must confront a wide range of issues of interest to folklorists and the individuals and communities with which they work. These issues range from basic definitions of folklore and traditional knowledge to the rights of traditional knowledge and folklore bearers and from the relationships between folklorists and the people they collaborate with in their work to the relevancy of current legal regimes of national and international intellectual property to the needs and local processes developed through customary and traditional systems. The American Folklore Society (AFS) is an association of scholars and other professionals who create and communicate knowledge about folklore. Our more than 1,200 members are scholars and teachers at colleges and universities, professionals in arts and cultural organizations, and community members involved in folklore work. Members of the American Folklore Society live and work throughout the world. I. General IGC Processes and Participation The American Folklore Society believes that the issues in front of the IGC are deserving of international assessment, and we applaud the work of the IGC in addressing issues of considerable concern to communities and peoples throughout the world. In order that the IGC best achieve its objectives in a process that provides input from all relevant stakeholders, the AFS recommends the following: WIPO should take the necessary steps (including the provision of financial support) to ensure the equitable and meaningful participation of indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge communities in discussions of the IGC—GRTKF. WIPO should recognize that the needs of member states are not necessarily synonymous with those of the indigenous and traditional knowledge communities that reside within their [End Page 296] boundaries and that the rights and interests of these groups may run counter to those of member nations. WIPO should take the necessary steps to ensure that conclusions of the IGC—GRTKF and similar bodies incorporate the identified needs of indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge communities who are the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures. The peoples and communities affected by the work of the IGC—GRTKF should have a major role in determining the results of that work. WIPO should recognize that traditional knowledge and folklore are part of the culture of both indigenous peoples and nonindigenous peoples. The latter includes groups who have developed significant traditional knowledge and folklore over the course of generations in locations different from their historical places of origin. WIPO must comprehensively communicate the results of this committee's work, as well as all WIPO laws dealing with intellectual property rights and traditional knowledge and folklore, to indigenous peoples and traditional knowledge communities. II. Traditional Knowledge and Folklore Of particular concern to the AFS is the consideration of the impacts of intellectual property regimes on traditional knowledge and folklore, and especially on those individuals and groups who actively maintain the dynamic traditions and lore that contribute to the world's knowledge and diversity. This knowledge has been, and continues to be, a significant source of social, cultural, economic, and political power. The AFS believes that the IGC—GRTKF must consistently strive to be sensitive to the needs of diverse knowledge systems and communities, as well as to issues of social and political justice bound up in diverse forms of expressive culture. The AFS thus recommends the following steps as intrinsic to maintaining sensitivity and respect of traditional knowledge and folklore and the bearers of these traditions: WIPO and other relevant intergovernmental organizations should provide assistance and capacity building to developing nations, indigenous peoples, and traditional knowledge communities through the provision of (1) technical assistance on matters relating to intellectual property, traditional knowledge, and folklore; (2) technical assistance on the documentation and conservation of traditional knowledge and folklore; and...