| This thesis examines the role of the 'Community Resource Registry' as a mechanism for the protection of indigenous and local knowledge. The Registry, for short, will refer to the processes by which indigenous and local communities in various parts of the world, are documenting their knowledge as an intellectual and/or non-intellectual property right mechanism. Although the preservation and promotion of knowledge may be sought, the Registry specifically is being undertaken in order to sustain claims over knowledge.;Through an analysis of the existing literature related to the Registry, and a 6 week exploratory research trip to Ecuador, it will be demonstrated, that due to various technical and ideological concerns, the Registry may not be an effective mechanism for indigenous and local knowledge protection in and of itself. If appropriate mechanisms for such protection are to be considered, research needs to reflect indigenous and local visions for such a system. |
