Indigenous Experts Share Experiences and Recommendations on Traditional Occupations

FPP recently developed a new publication that examines traditional occupations in indigenous peoples’ communities. The publication is based on a survey that was filled in by 17 indigenous experts, providing information from 13 countries.

The publication provides an overview of the most important traditional occupations in the participating communities, also addressing their degree of practice and gender aspects. A key section is on the decline or increase in the practice of traditional occupations in the community over the past 10 years. Another central topic is the issue of government support for traditional occupations.

The experts shared their experiences on their government’s attitude towards them, and on any regulations that discourage traditional occupations or prohibit them. Also relevant is the information on whether or not questions about traditional occupations are included in national surveys/statistics – which can be important for recognising such occupations. The experts also reflected on whether formal education paid attention to traditional occupations, and shared examples of community-led initiatives for the transmission of knowledge and skills related to traditional occupations. Lastly, the report pays attention to main threats to traditional occupations (e.g. reasons people abandon traditional occupations and/or seek other jobs or leave the community) and main opportunities for improving their status.

Parties to the CBD agreed that the review of status and trends in traditional occupations will help chart their progress regarding their target on traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use (Aichi Target 18, for which this is a main indicator).

FPP’s survey used the definition of ‘Traditional Occupations’, as agreed in the International Technical Workshop on Indicators Relevant for Indigenous Peoples, held in Baguio City, Philippines, in November 2008. Here it was agreed that the indicators on traditional occupations should focus on “occupations where knowledge of traditional culture and practices may influence the way the work is performed”. Information based on the recommendations, experiences and views of indigenous communities was used from the survey to develop a submission to inform Parties and others on the status and trends evident in traditional occupations.

The research provided very interesting preliminary insights into the practice of traditional occupations. The publication provides a systematic analysis of the responses to the survey along with some quantitative analysis that was drawn from the results, illustrated by specific examples/quotes from the contributions. Graphics are included to visualise main situations and trends. We hope that this small set of data will be a starting point for a broader investigation into the status and trends of traditional occupations.

The publication is available to download free in English and Spanish from our website.