Peru Braces for Stronger Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions

By Espinosa Bellido Abogados

Sherif Saadallah, Executive Director of the WIPO Academy, undertook a high-level visit to Lima to discuss ongoing and future collaboration in the area of intellectual property (IP) education, training and skills-building with key partners.

The official visit to Lima coincided with the launch of the tailored version of the WIPO Academy’s landmark General Distance Learning Course on Intellectual Property (DL-101) for the Andean Community. The course was developed by the WIPO Academy and the General Secretariat of the Andean Community to cover the basics of IP in the context of legislation and examples relevant to the Andean Community.

The course is open for registration until August 30, 2024 on the WIPO eLearning Center.

The course is offered exclusively in Spanish and covers the basics of intellectual property (IP) in the context of legislation and examples relevant to the Andean Community. Topics such as traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, country branding, and geographical indications are addressed throughout the course under the guidance of a dedicated tutor from the Andean Community and a digital avatar.

These traditions have been passed down through generations and serve as the foundation for the cultural identity of the Andean people. They connect them to their ancestors, their land, and their unique way of life. Traditional knowledge often includes practices for sustainable agriculture, land management, and use of natural resources. This knowledge, built up over centuries, is crucial for adapting to the challenges of climate change and preserving the environment. Indigenous communities also possess a wealth of knowledge about medicinal plants and their properties which can contribute significantly to advancements in medicine and healthcare.

"The WIPO Academy and the Andean Community team who worked on this course have meticulously introduced the case studies, examples, and scenarios that will enable learners, and in particular young people, in the Andean Community to effectively apply theoretical knowledge on innovation to practical situations," said Sherif Saadallah.