THE workshop on Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture continued yesterday with discussions covering the areas of Treaties on Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture, Government Policy and the economic benefits of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Lawrence Makili said:
“Today like yesterday is also interesting.
“With the examples given in the successful use of Traditional Knowledge in other countries including Fiji, I am encouraged to explore the options we have for commercial purposes.
“The presenters clearly convinced me that the high level of infringements or theft of our Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture is serious.
“It means to me that, we are being deprived of our rights so it is important that we protect our rights and see how we can use these to our benefits”.
Mr Makili goes on to say:
“I am convinced that our Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture can offer a better alternative economic development to industries such as mining, fisheries and other extractive industry sectors.
“Our Government needs to be serious in how it is plans and nurtures the culture and art sector including our TKEC”.
The workshop is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
It is jointly run by Francis Waleanisia (Wale & Associates), Pita Niubalavu (SPC Consultant) and Ilan Kiloe (Melanesian Spearhead Group consultant), Andrew Nihoprara (local consultant) and members of the Ministry of Culture.
The lineup of speakers also included Paul Roughan, Martin Housananu and Genesis Kofana of the Prime Minister’s Office, Joanna Hanu (Attorney General’s office) and other industry representatives including musicians, visual art, film makers, shell money makers and others.
It is also well represented by women and youth.
Today the workshop will be looking in detail at Genetic resources, international treaties on Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Culture and how these also relate to the new law that Solomon Islands is trying to enact.
These are very technical areas in law but are important for the future of the cultural sector and how our people.
