ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on six international conventions on biodiversity and examines how IEK is represented in those. Together, these conventions constitute primary global agreements that constitute international law and policy on biodiversity. The chapters concludes that there are very few examples where engagement between IEK and its holders is visible or credible in the international conventions on biodiversity. In the limited number of examples that exist, they suggest that the experience of IEK holders is not necessarily positive in relation to the conventions where they are represented. The chapter suggests that if they are well designed, conservation policies and approaches may be able to engage Indigenous Peoples and local communities in problem identification and solutions, weave IEK into decision-making, and extend the repertoire of approaches required to address today’s social-environmental challenges.
