Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions

Traditional knowledge refers to any knowledge originating from a local or traditional community that is the result of intellectual activity and insight in a traditional context, including know-how, skills, innovations, practices and learning, where the knowledge is embodied in the traditional lifestyle of a community, or contained in the codified knowledge systems passed on from one generation to another. The term is not limited to a specific technical field, and covers agricultural, environmental or medical knowledge, and knowledge associated with genetic resources.

In order to promote the use and protection of Traditional Knowledge in the country, Namibia adopted the Swakopmund Protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore on 9 August 2010 at Swakopmund.