Knowledge produced by universities and research institutes around the world is gathered, documented and disseminated in a coherent and systematic way.
The same should be done with community-based, local or indigenous knowledge, most of which reinforces sustainable relationships between humans and their natural and social environments. This knowledge is passed down from generation to generation within communities. It should be included, alongside the more usual scientific knowledge, as part of national and international discussions on development and the strenghtening of intellectual capacity.
IK Resource Centres play a crucial role in documenting indigenous knowledge and building up national and regional databases containing information on various subjects. The ultimate success of these efforts depends, however, on whether this information can be disseminated and exchanged effectively. The Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor is one of the instruments that promote a flow of information among the people who, despite the variety of their backgrounds and institutional affiliation, have a common interest in local or indigenous knowledge.
We are happy to present you with the third and last issue of 1993. From the many reactions to the previous two issues, it would seem that the Monitor contains information which is being found relevant for educational, training, research and policy purposes. It is also apparent from the number of individuals and institutions that have asked to be put on the mailing list, that interest in the field of IK and development is growing.
Although the response to the format and content of the Monitor has been generally positive, there is always room for improvement. We would therefore appreciate receiving your comments and suggestions, including suggestions for themes for special issues of the Monitor. Comments on specific articles are also most welcome as we are considering creating a section called 'reactions and debate'. This will help to make the Monitor a true platform for discussion and the exchange of information.
The Monitor was distributed free of charge in 1993, thanks to grants from Nuffic and IDRC, Canada. Free distribution in 1994 will be on a limited scale.