News & Updates

• • October 13, 2012

  • People’s Biodiversity Festival

  • Away from the Hi tech security of COP 11 another festival was organised which brought together many diverse groups working in India on biodiversity. The People’s Biodiversity Festival which sought to unite the diverse groups was organised by various groups and collectives working on biodiversity ranging from saving seeds to fighting against land grabs across India. Unlike the COP there were no priority passes and high security.Fresh organic food was available at affordable prices for all the participants. Each day was marked by different panel sessions and the evening saw cultural programmes. The inaugural session was coordinated by the Adivasi Aikya Vedika – an Alliance of Adivasi Peoples, across 9 districts of Andhra Pradeshwhere Koya,Kond,Chenchu, Savara communities implored their ancestors and mother earth and worshiped their seeds and kick started the festival. Panelists included Dr. Vandana Shiva, Mr. Bhaskar Save, Ms. Uzramma, Dr. Sagari Ramdas, farmers and adivasis from across the country who asserted their rights over their resources. Adivasi Aikya Vedika participated in the panel discussion on Indigenous people and bio-diversity and Vaikuntha; Savara adivasi leader spoke about access and benefit sharing in the panel discussion on Intellectual Property Rights regime. Our stall was vibrant with communities hailing from 12 districts and two states showcasing their indigenous knowledge and biodiversity. Along with exhibiting their biodiversity and craft- our stall which was co-organised by Adivasi Aikya Vedika, Yakshi and Anthra added to the educational aspect where the people from the communities imparted their knowledge with the visitors. The ‘People’s Biodiversity Festival’ laid the foundation for cooperation and sharing of our seed wealth and related knowledge- for inclusive, ecological self reliance in harmony with nature; and for public policy correction towards such purpose. ‘People’s Biodiversity Festival’ was the celebration of what is rightfully ours and it was truly vibrantly festive and colorful, with irrepressible energy. On the final day a Manifesto was released which is attached.

    View: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/peoples-biodiversity-festival-rejects-ipr-regime/article3999786.ece