Relationships Before Transactions
Ekobius aims to be a welcoming coordination base for people seeking responsible collaboration. Indigenous peoples are decision-makers and partners. Neither a donation, an investment nor land ownership entitles anyone to community knowledge, genetic resources, cultural experiences or an exclusive relationship.
Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Our proposed approach is to discuss an activity before it starts, communicate in an understandable form, identify the appropriate decision-makers and allow a genuine choice. Consent is specific to an activity. Its scope, conditions and any process for changing or ending the agreement should be documented with participants.
Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property
ICIP encompasses concerns about cultural expressions, language, stories, knowledge and related materials. Agree what may be recorded, who may access it, whether publication is permitted and how attribution and benefits will work. Sensitive knowledge may remain confidential or outside a project entirely.
Access and Benefit-Sharing
Projects involving genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge require an activity-specific review of applicable access rules and mutually agreed terms. Monetary benefits may be accompanied by training, local employment, shared research outputs or equipment, as agreed. The CBD and ABS Clearing-House provide reference frameworks; this website is not an access permit.
Start the Right Conversation
A buyer should describe the product and transaction. A researcher should provide a protocol. A filmmaker should identify audiences, intended use and consent arrangements. Ekobius can coordinate an inquiry; the relevant communities and authorities decide whether and on what terms to participate.