Indigenous biocultural property: understand the laws around the world

Developed by law firms in eight countries, Mattos Filho-coordinated research provides information for protecting indigenous culture

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Published on August 31, 2021

The term ‘Biocultural property’ defines the traditional practices and knowledge indigenous people hold in relation to their native territory. In order to prevent this knowledge from being misappropriated, the Venezuelan non-profit organization Fundación Nativo has developed a practical guide for indigenous communities in Latin America.

Mattos Filho’s 100% Pro Bono practice acted as the project’s international coordinator, having been recommended by the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s Trust Law Program. The research, titled ‘Protection of Biocultural Property of Indigenous Communities: a comparative overview of 9 countries around the globe’, served as the foundation of Fundación Nativo’s guide. It involved a study of the laws and legal protections in nine different countries (Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Peru, the USA, and Venezuela) regarding the biocultural property of indigenous communities who aim to promote sustainable development.

Fundación Nativo is dedicated to strengthening and promoting the autonomy of indigenous communities in Latin America through cultural conservation and preserving natural resources. The guide resulting from the research will provide indigenous leaders with information on ways to protect their communities’ biocultural property.