What is Traditional Knowledge Systems?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
TKS encompasses knowledge, practices, skills, and innovations held by indigenous and local communities.
- 2.
It is transmitted orally, through demonstration, and through cultural practices from one generation to the next.
- 3.
TKS is often adapted to local environmental conditions and resource availability.
- 4.
It plays a crucial role in sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.
- 5.
The protection of TKS involves safeguarding intellectual property rights and preventing its misuse or misappropriation.
- 6.
Many countries have enacted laws to protect TKS, including provisions for benefit-sharing when TKS is used commercially.
- 7.
TKS is often integrated into modern scientific research to develop new solutions to pressing challenges.
- 8.
Examples of TKS include traditional medicine, agricultural practices, and water management techniques.
- 9.
The role of women in preserving and transmitting TKS is often significant, particularly in areas like healthcare and agriculture.
- 10.
Challenges to TKS include globalization, cultural erosion, and the lack of recognition and support from governments and institutions.
- 11.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is actively involved in developing international frameworks for the protection of TKS.
- 12.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasizes the importance of respecting, preserving, and maintaining TKS of indigenous and local communities.
Recent Developments
8 developmentsIn 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the importance of TKS for sustainable development.
There is growing recognition of the role of TKS in addressing climate change, particularly in areas such as disaster risk reduction and adaptation.
Many countries are developing national strategies to integrate TKS into their education systems.
The use of digital technologies to document and preserve TKS is becoming increasingly common.
There are ongoing debates about the best ways to protect TKS from biopiracy and misappropriation.
Several indigenous communities are using legal mechanisms to assert their rights over their TKS.
Research is being conducted to validate the effectiveness of traditional medicine and agricultural practices.
International collaborations are promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices related to TKS.
This Concept in News
2 topicsPM Modi Highlights India's Ancient Text Preservation Efforts
23 Feb 2026The news about PM Modi highlighting India's ancient text preservation efforts demonstrates the government's commitment to recognizing and valuing Traditional Knowledge Systems. This news underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and intellectual property, particularly in a rapidly changing world. The digitization of manuscripts and promotion of research on ancient languages are practical steps towards ensuring that this knowledge is not lost and can be accessed by future generations. This news also highlights the potential of traditional knowledge to provide valuable insights for the future, particularly in fields like medicine, mathematics, and philosophy. Understanding the concept of Traditional Knowledge Systems is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the government's actions and their potential impact on society. It also helps in appreciating the importance of protecting and promoting traditional knowledge for sustainable development and cultural preservation.
Kashmir's Fishing Culture: Livelihood, Tradition, and Culinary Heritage
15 Feb 2026The news about Kashmir's fishing culture demonstrates how Traditional Knowledge Systems are not just historical artifacts but living, evolving practices. (1) It highlights the aspect of TKS related to resource management and sustainable practices, specifically in the context of fisheries. (2) The news applies the concept of TKS by showing how traditional fishing methods and preservation techniques contribute to the local economy and food security. It also shows how these practices are adapted to the specific environmental conditions of Kashmir. (3) The news reveals the importance of TKS in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion within the community. (4) The implications of this news for the concept's future are that it underscores the need to protect and promote TKS to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods and cultural heritage. (5) Understanding this concept is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides a framework for understanding the value of traditional practices and the challenges they face in the modern world. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to appreciate the significance of the fishing culture in Kashmir and the importance of preserving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
61. What are Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) and why are they important for UPSC preparation?
Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) are the accumulated knowledge, skills, and practices developed by communities over generations, often passed down orally or through cultural practices. They cover fields like agriculture, medicine, and conservation. For UPSC, TKS is important because it relates to GS-1 (Culture, Society), GS-3 (Environment, Science & Technology), and Essay papers. Questions can appear in both Prelims and Mains.
Exam Tip
Remember that TKS is interdisciplinary, linking culture, environment, and technology. Focus on its applications and relevance to current issues.
2. What are the key provisions that define Traditional Knowledge Systems?
The key provisions defining Traditional Knowledge Systems are: * TKS encompasses knowledge, practices, skills, and innovations held by indigenous and local communities. * It is transmitted orally, through demonstration, and through cultural practices from one generation to the next. * TKS is often adapted to local environmental conditions and resource availability. * It plays a crucial role in sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. * The protection of TKS involves safeguarding intellectual property rights and preventing its misuse or misappropriation.
- •TKS encompasses knowledge, practices, skills, and innovations held by indigenous and local communities.
- •It is transmitted orally, through demonstration, and through cultural practices from one generation to the next.
- •TKS is often adapted to local environmental conditions and resource availability.
- •It plays a crucial role in sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.
- •The protection of TKS involves safeguarding intellectual property rights and preventing its misuse or misappropriation.
Exam Tip
Focus on the practical applications of each provision, especially in the context of environmental sustainability and community development.
3. How does Traditional Knowledge Systems work in practice?
In practice, Traditional Knowledge Systems guide communities in various aspects of life. For example, traditional agricultural practices can help maintain soil fertility and conserve water. Traditional medicine provides healthcare solutions using local plants and herbs. Conservation practices help protect biodiversity and manage natural resources sustainably. These systems are dynamic and adapt to changing environmental and social conditions.
4. What are the legal frameworks in place for the protection of Traditional Knowledge Systems?
The legal framework for Traditional Knowledge Systems is complex and varies across countries. Key international agreements include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol. Many countries have also enacted national laws to protect TKS. These laws often address intellectual property rights, access and benefit-sharing, and the prevention of misappropriation.
Exam Tip
Focus on the CBD and Nagoya Protocol, understanding their objectives and how they relate to TKS protection. Also, be aware of national laws in India related to biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
5. What are the challenges in the implementation of measures to protect Traditional Knowledge Systems?
Challenges in implementation include: * Lack of awareness and understanding of TKS among policymakers and the public. * Difficulties in documenting and preserving TKS, especially oral traditions. * Balancing the protection of TKS with the need for innovation and development. * Ensuring that communities benefit from the commercialization of their knowledge. * Addressing the issue of biopiracy and the misappropriation of TKS.
- •Lack of awareness and understanding of TKS among policymakers and the public.
- •Difficulties in documenting and preserving TKS, especially oral traditions.
- •Balancing the protection of TKS with the need for innovation and development.
- •Ensuring that communities benefit from the commercialization of their knowledge.
- •Addressing the issue of biopiracy and the misappropriation of TKS.
6. How has the recognition and importance of Traditional Knowledge Systems evolved over time?
The recognition of Traditional Knowledge Systems gained momentum in the late 20th century. International organizations like the UN and UNESCO started emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge. Before this, TKS was often overlooked or dismissed as unscientific. The growing awareness of environmental issues and the limitations of modern science led to a renewed interest in TKS. In 2023, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing the importance of TKS for sustainable development.