Traditional knowledge, gender issues and intangible values

Traditional knowledge is in the process of re-emerging as a priority concern at the global level, and is increasingly being recognized as constituting the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity. However, the significance of traditional knowledge needs to be critically reassessed against the backdrop of a complex modern world shaped by the onset of globalization and the profound societal changes it entails. Local and global communities are experiencing a loss of traditional knowledge and values, which goes hand in hand with a decline in cultural diversity and the dilution of a sense of community. This process of impoverishment of traditions is reflected in the present global food system which, hinging on the idea that local agriculture must serve the global market, transforms food into a mere commodity and compels people to conform to a single way of producing and consuming food. In this scenario, cultural, social and environmental costs are extremely high. In order to counter such phenomena, it is essential to undertake projects aimed at gathering, reinforcing, preserving and promoting traditional material and immaterial heritage, which must be perceived as the founding element of any community. It is also vital to recognize the importance of combining the concept of biodiversity with ethnodiversity, the precious local heritage which distinguishes every human group and which can only be enriched through exchanges among traditions and cultures. Local food production must be appreciated as a form of both cultural and physical nourishment for any community, and for this reason must be supported and promoted. Although women make an indispensable contribution to local food production, in many settings they are still the weakest link due to their lack of access to economic resources, education and healthcare. In this regard, policies grounded on the recognition of women as the founding elements of every community and co-players in community social, political and economic life must be developed.