Participatory natural-resource management in developing countries
Oxford (UK)
6-7 April 1998

The participatory perspective has been incorporated into a number of policy initiatives in natural-resource management over the past 20 years, especially in the developing world. Projects that take this approach attempt to foster collaboration between government agencies and local populations, so that existing social structures and traditional knowledge of the resource can be utilized to develop more effective strategies for resource use. One aim of such projects is to break the barrier of mistrust that divides state agencies from user groups. Disillusionment with decades of intrusive and centralized resource management strategies has forced agencies to admit that the local community could be a critical factor in any attempts to meet ecological goals.

This workshop provides a useful opportunity to take stock of how successful some of these initiatives have been, and to derive from them lessons for programme design and implementation. It is being jointly sponsored by the Centre for South Asian Studies, University of Edinburgh; and the Oxford Centre for Environment, Ethics and Society (OCEES) at Mansfield College, University of Oxford.

The workshop has five provisional sub-themes, which include:

- Defining communities.
What are the main issues as levels of social organization are selected for interventions? How can social capital be maintained and reinforced rather than undermined? Does social capital emerge spontaneously, or can it be constructed?

- Livelihood issues.
Do the projects improve the choice available to the poorest of the poor? Or do they reinforce processes of exclusion and marginalization, directly or indirectly?

- Gender issues.
What are the roles of women in planning and management? Have the projects achieved any changes in gender relations? Should such changes be explicit objectives of such projects?

For more information, please contact: Bhaskar Vira, WMI Research Fellow, OCEES, Mansfield College, Oxford OX1 3TF, UK.
Tel.: +44-1865-284 660.
Fax: +44-1865-270 886.
E-mail: bhaskar.vira@mansfield.oxford.ac.uk
URL: http://users.ox.ac.uk/~mans0040

Medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa
Cape Town (South Africa)
14-18 April 1998

This regional workshop has been organized jointly by the Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI), (Kenya); the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa (Canada); and the Traditional Medicine System Organisation, University of Cape Town (South Africa). It will be the second in a series of workshops organized by ELCI and IDRC within the framework of the regional medicinal plants and local communities (MPLC) (Africa) project which was initiated by ELCI in April 1995 in collaboration with IDRC, the Government of the Netherlands, and DANIDA, and in consultation with NGOs, community- based organizations, and traditional practioners involved in the areas of medicinal plants, traditional medicine, and indigenous knowledge and biodiversity in Africa. A similar workshop was held on 17-21 November 1997 in Conakry (Republic of Guinea) for the French-speaking African countries (see report).

The workshop in April will bring together representatives of environmental NGOs, grassroots organizations, research institutions, and governments of English-speaking African countries.

The objectives of the workshop are as follows:

• to provide a forum for exchanging experiences and for reviewing progress that has been made on the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants and on the study of traditional medical practices in Africa;
• to identify gaps, constraints, needs, and priorities in the area of Research and Development (R & D);
• to develop an outline of a plan of action for promoting and developing medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa in the context of R & D;
• to examine mechanisms, strategies and tools for international and regional cooperation in the area of medicinal plants and traditional medicine.

Among the topics to be addressed are 'Protection and conservation of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge' and 'Integration of traditional medicine in public health systems'.

For more information, please contact: Ernest Rukangira, Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Working Group, ELCI, P.O. Box 72461, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel.: +254-2-562 022.
Fax: +254-2-562 175.
E-mail: erukangira@elci.gn.apc.org

Building a sustainable economy
Havana (Cuba)
31 May - 5 June 1998

This international conference is presented by UNESCO's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, the American Friends Service Committee, and the Centro Felix Varela.

The task of the conference is to develop comprehensive guidelines for building a sustainable economy. An international group of resource persons distinguished in their fields will participate.

Working group and plenary sessions will address topics such as:

• socially responsible markets and enterprise;
• the science and technology of sustainability; and
• the fundamental ethical and spiritual questions of how culture, education, human rights, and our notions of social order and civilization are at play in the challenge of building a just and sustainable economic order.

Interdisciplinary conference on the environment
Washington (USA)
7-10 July 1998

The Interdisciplinary Environmental Association (IEA), in conjunction with Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, is holding its 4th international interdisciplinary conference on the environment. The conference is motivated by the need to combine ideas and research findings from different disciplines in order to enhance our understanding of the interactions between the natural environment and human institutions.

The conference welcomes environmental practitioners, academics, students and all other interested persons regardless of background. Conference presentations are aimed at the interested layperson, and will focus on:

• what all disciplines have to offer with respect to understanding environmental and resource problems;
• which solutions are available;
• the implications of the globalization of environmental concerns.

Conference proceedings will be distributed around the world to libraries, legislators, government agencies, and NGOs.

For more information, please contact: IEA, c/o Kevin L. Hickey and Demetri Kantarelis, Conference Co-Chairs, Economics/Foreign Affairs Department, Assumption College, P.O.Box 15005, Worcester, MA 01615-0005, USA.
Fax +1-508-767 7382.
E-mail: khickey@eve.assumption.edu

Or visit our website for information about IEA, or for the programmes and proceedings of earlier conferences: http://www.assumption.edu/html/academic/conf/iicecall.html

Development's demand for indigenous knowledge
Frankfurt (Germany)
4-6 September 1998

Workshop at the 5th Biennial Conference of the European Association of Social Anthropologists

Anthropologists have been studying indigenous knowledge since the last century, when their discipline came of age, long before indigenous knowledge was taken up in development contexts. The speed with which indigenous knowledge research has become a significant component in any sustainable strategy for development—in fact, the speed with which the idea of bottom-up participation as opposed to top-down modernization has been embraced--has in some regards taken anthropology by surprise. The discipline has some adjusting to do if it is to play its part more fully in these exciting events.

The workshop will explore contemporary issues including:

• the crisis of representation in anthropology. Who can write with authority about whose problems in an increasingly globalized world?
• the status of ethnography with respect to intellectual property rights. Who has the right to know what and to control the flow of knowledge?
• the demand for action research to facilitate participation. To what extent is it appropriate for foreign researchers to involve themselves in empowerment debates and politics elsewhere?
• conflicts with the demands of development. Should we instead accommodate to these (to the short-term demands of development agencies, for example) without courting unacceptable misunderstanding?

Anthropology has a wealth of experience on these and related issues, and has a great deal to offer the indigenous knowledge movement. We welcome expressions of interest, both to present papers and participate in discussions. There may be a chance of financial support from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for participants from lesser developed countries. (Personal details of applicants and titles of proposed contributions must be received as soon as possible).

Contact: Paul Sillitoe, Anthropology Department, 43 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN, UK.
Tel..: +44-191-374 2856.
Fax: +44-191-374 2870.
E-mail: paul.sillitoe@durham.ac.uk

Advances in integrating environmental assessment with economic and social appraisal
Manchester (UK)
23-24 October 1998

An international conference to review recent advances in the theory, integration and application of methods of environmental, economic and social impact assessment for purposes of achieving sustainable development, not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries and countries in transition.

The conference is being organized by the Collaborative Programme for Environmental Assessment and Economic and Social Appraisal in the Development Process. This programme is a joint effort of the Institute for Development Policy and Management, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Centre, of the University of Manchester; and the Development and Project Planning Centre, of the University of Bradford.

The topics to be covered include:

• recent developments and case experiences in economic, social and environmental appraisals and their integration; sustainability assessment;
• practical applications of the methods of environmental impact assessment, and social and environmental appraisal;
• cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria analysis;
• application of appraisal techniques to poverty alleviation; public participation; gender issues;
• sustainable natural-resource management.

An optional pre-conference programme will include a workshop on Impact assessment and sustainability in developing countries, and a number of visits to UK sites that offer examples of impact assessment and environmental management.

For more information, please contact: Debra Whitehead, Impact Assessment Conference Secretary, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, Crawford House, Precinct Centre, Oxford Road,
Manchester, M13 9GH, UK.
Tel.: +44-161-275 2800.
Fax:: +44-161-273 8829.
E-mail: debra.whitehead@man.ac.uk

(See also the notice under Calls.)

Alternatives for livestock development
Pune (India)
4-6 November 1997

This was the first international conference on ethnoveterinary medicine, bringing together some 200 delegates from 20 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The conference was organized by BAIF Development Research Foundation (an Indian NGO) and by a group of development professionals. Delegates included government representatives, staff of NGOs and pharmaceutical firms, veterinarians, biological and social scientists, extensionists, field workers, and local healers. The conference was supported by the Indian Ministry of Agriculture and several international development organizations and pharmaceutical firms.

Millions of livestock holders throughout the developing world lack adequate veterinary services. They rely instead on indigenous animal healthcare practices, or 'ethnoveterinary medicine': herbal remedies, traditional surgical methods, husbandry practices, and so on. But despite the usefulness of this resource, government and private veterinary services make little use of it.

The delegates discussed the merits and drawbacks of ethnoveterinary medicine, and how best to use it in development efforts. Presentations dealt with pharmacology and clinical validation; participatory methods and ethnobotany; the field application of ethnoveterinary medicine; homeopathy and acupuncture; research and education; commercialization; health and management of camels; and future approaches to the use and promotion of ethnoveterinary medicine.

Participants identified 46 ethnoveterinary research and field projects throughout the world. Indian traditional healers discussed their veterinary practices and provided examples of their remedies.

Among the recommendations for validating and using ethnoveterinary medicine were the following:

• Promising medicinal herbs should be identified and tested in the laboratory and in the field.
• Raw materials and finished products should be standardized so they can be commercialized and made more widely available.
• Extension workers need clear informative materials on effective ethnoveterinary treatments.
• Ethnoveterinary medicine should be integrated into mainstream veterinary education.
• Policy-makers and development professionals should be made aware of the potential of ethnoveterinary medicine, and should seek ways of using it to solve problems faced by livestock owners.

As a result of the conference, a group of Indian scientists proposed a national project on ethnoveterinary medicine, including the formation of a network of veterinary colleges, national laboratories and NGOs. Another group of participants will meet in Belgium in February, to discuss international networking activities.

The conference proceedings are currently being compiled.

For further information, please contact: Dr D.V. Rangnekar, BAIF Development Research Foundation, P.B. No. 2030, Asarwa Road, Ahmedabad 380016, Gujarat State, India.
Fax: +91-79-212 3045.
E-mail: baif.ahm@lwahm.net or: dv.rangnekar@smr.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net.in

Post-conference workshop for the production of a field manual on camel diseases
Pune (India)
7-8 November 1997

To provide camel herders with conventional veterinary services is almost impossible, since these pastoralists are usually nomadic and inhabit extremely remote areas. In addition, camel medicine is not normally given much attention in the veterinary curriculum, so veterinarians have little experience in the matter. But over the centuries, camel pastoralists have developed their own system of camel medicine, and can prevent and cure many health problems.

The purpose of the workshop was to produce a field manual on the treatment of camel diseases that includes both conventional and ethnoveterinary approaches and can be used as a resource by NGOs, extension workers and veterinarians, including students. The workshop was attended by about 20 people from 10 countries, representing different backgrounds (universities, NGOs and research institutes). The result was lively discussion and very productive cooperation. By giving traditional practices the same status as conventional medicine, the resulting manual will raise awareness and increase the recognition given to ethnoveterinary medicine.

For more information, please contact: Ilse Köhler-Rollefson, League for Pastoral Peoples, Pragelatostraße 20, 64372 Ober-Ramstadt, Germany.
Tel./fax: +49-6154-53 642.
E-mail: gorikr@t-online.de

Medicinal plants and traditional medicine in Africa
Conakry (Republic of Guinea)
17-21 November 1997

This regional workshop for French-speaking African countries was organized by the Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI) in conjunction with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa (Canada). It took place within the framework of the Medicinal Plants and Local Communities Project (Africa). It was the first of a series of workshops at the regional level, designed to identify needs and priorities. (See also the announcement of the Cape Town workshop.)

The workshop brought together a multi-disciplinary group of 50 people from environmental NGOs, grassroots organizations, research centres, and government bodies. Participants included researchers, health professionals, traditional and modern physicians, traditional practitioners, herbalists, and representatives of environmental NGOs.

Forty papers were presented. Presenters focused on their own work and on the status of traditional medicine and medicinal plants. The workshop laid the groundwork for a continuing dialogue among key stakeholders in the effort to conserve medicinal plants and promote traditional medicine.

The recommendations formulated by the workshop included:

• promoting the training of traditional healers, plant collectors, and consumers in techniques for the sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants;
• involving local communities in all aspects of conservation, research, and programme development and implementation, while giving special attention to the economic concerns of practitioners and to fair compensation for the custodians of cultural knowledge;
• establishing agreements between researchers, bio-prospectors and indigenous peoples regarding the manner in which traditional knowledge and medicinal plants are managed, used and protected;
• encouraging, through appropriate mechanisms, collaboration between traditional medical systems and modern systems of public health;
• increasing regional and international cooperation, especially for the exchange of information, the sharing of experiences, and the transfer of methods that are effective at the local level for conserving medicinal plants and developing traditional medicine.

The workshop was an excellent occasion to build bridges between researchers, traditional healers and NGOs so that collaborative efforts can be initiated for future work in the area.

A report will be produced (in French) which includes the papers that were presented as well as summaries of the discussions and recommendations.

For more information, please contact: ELCI, Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Working Group, P.O. Box 72461, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel.: +254-2-562 022.
Fax: +254-2-562 175.
E-mail: erukangira@elci.gn.apc.org, or erukangira@elci.sasa.unon.org

Indigenous technology for watershed management
Beijing (P.R. China)
17-22 November 1997

Participatory Watershed Management Training in Asia (PWMTA) is a relatively new programme designed for developing human resources for participatory and sustainable watershed management. The programme is being financed by the Netherlands' government, and implemented by FAO. Various Asian countries are taking part. All partners agree that the programme should be based on a foundation of indigenous knowledge and technology, but little information is available on the subject. For this reason, the PWMTA participants decided to convene a workshop.

As preparation for the workshop, national studies of indigenous watershed management were conducted in each member country. At least 50 traditional technologies and practices were documented. The studies were discussed at length during the workshop, which brought together policymakers and senior professionals in fields related to watershed management. They came from eight countries, and represented both government agencies and educational institutions.

The studies that were presented showed that in each country there is a wealth of indigenous technology which can be used for sustainable watershed management. Nevertheless, research more often than not focuses on 'new' and 'high-input' technologies, even though these are not always the most suitable options, especially not in mountaineous regions where land-holdings are small. Moreover, any time that new technologies are introduced, the people at grassroots level are generally treated as though they are incapable of solving problems themselves.

The studies demonstrated that people at the grassroots level possess valuable knowledge, and that this fact is more widely recognized after this knowledge has been studied and documented. If development is based on the proven technologies of local people, and if these technologies are combined with suitable new technologies, the result will be development that is more sustainable.

During the workshop, participants stressed the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge in this specific field, which might be lost otherwise. It was also suggested that if indigenous watershed management technologies are not properly documented very soon, profit-making companies could find it easier to claim property rights. The participants also hope that the detailed descriptions of indigenous watershed management technologies will be useful to people at grassroots level in other countries.

The papers presented at the workshop are currently being edited, and valuable comments made at the workshop are being added. The final versions will be published later this year.

For more information, please contact: Mr Prem Sharma, Regional Coordinator PWMTA, FAO, P.O. Box 25, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel./fax: +977-1-225 144.
E-mail: sharma@PWMTA.wlink.com.np

Popular cultures and socio-cultural action
Pune (India)
2-8 January 1998

This seven-day meeting was organized by the Centre for Cooperative Research in Social Sciences at Pune, in collaboration with the Centre de Sciences Humaines of the French Embassy at New Delhi. It was attended by academics, social workers, social animators, film makers and performers.

Especially the second part was of interest to the readers of the Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor. It focused on various dimensions of Indian indigenous knowledge systems. Two papers dealt with indigenous medical knowledge. Dr Bernard Bel and co-author Andreine Bel described the systems of social, religious and political power that underlie actions that either repress or support indigenous health systems. They identified four types of discourse regarding health:

• scientific and pseudo-scientific assertions conveyed by educated people and the media;
• anti-scientific, romantic attitudes displayed by consumers of 'soft', alternative medicines in developed countries;
• defense of poor people who are not granted access to public health facilities;
• self-assertions and claims of traditional healers.

The ensuing debate questioned whether validation by scientific knowledge is really necessary. The authors maintain that, "Indigenous medicine, practised as a system, has already been validated by local beneficiaries." As a response to 'medical power', they introduced the concept of 'hidden knowledge' or domains of expertise that are never explored because they are restricted to specific communities whose voices do not count. The authors forcefully illustrated this point with a case study of indigenous midwives--"dais"--in rural India. They made it clear that social and gender prejudice has driven this knowledge into oblivion.

In the concluding session, debate centered around three main questions: research methodology and development, intellectual property rights, and cultural diversity.

The overall conclusion of the meeting was that participatory approaches should be cooperative in the sense of looking for a knowledge which leads the actors towards effective social transformation while at the same time leading the social scientists towards deeper insight into actual social processes and the 'modernity of tradition'.

(Dr Jan Brouwer)