Decolonising action-research: the Potato Park biocultural protocol for benefit-sharing (PLA 65)

Journal (part) article
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G03402.pdf
Language:
English, Español
Published: June 2012
Area(s):
Participatory Learning and Action
Product code:G03402
Source publication:
Participatory Learning and Action 65

For decades, indigenous peoples have been calling for a holistic and more sensitive approach to their culture – one that values~and nurtures their traditional knowledge systems and biocultural diversity. This article describes an innovative participatory action-research approach with five Quechua communities in Peru,~where the communities worked with researchers to develop the Andean Potato Park’s biocultural protocol for equitable~benefit-sharing. The BCP includes not only benefits derived from access to genetic resources and traditional knowledge, but~also all benefits that come from activities related to the direct and indirect use of biocultural resources. The process of~participating in the development of a research methodology and focus became not only a process of empowerment for the communities and their institutions, but also enabled them to participate in~decision-making, particularly in defining the content of the BCP. As well as discussing this participatory process, the~article briefly outlines the provisions of the BCP, and reflects on how the methodology could be improved in the future.

This article appears in Participatory Learning and Action 65 on Biodiversity and Culture: exploring community protocols, rights and consent

Cite this publication

Argumedo, A. (2012). Decolonising action-research: the Potato Park biocultural protocol for benefit-sharing (PLA 65). .
Available at https://www.iied.org/g03402