A Traditional Knowledge Database for Mozambique

This concept note proposes the creation of a first-of-its-kind national database in Mozambique to document and protect traditional knowledge (TK) related to biodiversity. The initiative aims to prevent the loss or misappropriation of cultural and scientific resources by establishing a secure, community-governed digital repository that bridges the gap between traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific research.

• Mozambique's current legal framework for traditional knowledge is based on the Constitution, the 2007 Regulation on Access and Benefit-sharing (Decree 19/2007), and the 2015 ratification of the Nagoya Protocol. A multi-sectorial revision of Decree 19/2007 began in 2021 to align it with international best practices and is expected to be finalized in 2025.
• Significant regulatory gaps exist regarding the digital documentation of traditional knowledge, as current laws do not address data ownership or digital rights management. Additionally, decades of research data are fragmented across various institutions and archives, leading to duplicated efforts and a risk of permanent data loss.
• The proposed database will utilize a multi-tiered access system to balance knowledge protection with authorized use. The highest level is the Community Representative Access Level, managed by authorized representatives via the Center for Ethnobotanical Research and Development (CIDE). This is followed by a Researcher Access Level for verified users with explicit approval, and a Public Access Level for non-sensitive, approved information.
• The database is designed for interoperability with other systems, most notably the BioNoMo database, Mozambique's primary biodiversity data repository. It also envisions integrations with the National Scientific Research Repository (RECIMO), SANBio Regional Networks, and South Africa's National Indigenous Knowledge Management System (NIKMAS).
• A community-centric data management framework will be implemented, prioritizing Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) through consultations in local languages and the use of visual/audio materials. A dispute resolution process is proposed that prioritizes local-level resolution via traditional authorities before escalating to regional councils or legal mechanisms.
• The database structure will include core data fields for species documentation (scientific and local names), traditional knowledge elements (dosage, rituals), cultural context, geographic information, and temporal data. It aims to align with international standards such as the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance and FAIR Data Principles.
• The implementation proposal outlines a 20-month timeline divided into five phases: Technical Specification (months 1-2), Stakeholder Consultation (months 3-5), Pilot Implementation (months 6-12), Review and Adjustment (months 13-15), and Full Deployment (months 16-20).

APA

Lyman, A. A. (2025). A Traditional Knowledge Database for Mozambique. Natural Justice. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025.02-MZ-Traditional-Knowledge-Database-Project-brief-v1.0-Designed.pdf

Chicago

Lyman, Ana Alecia. A Traditional Knowledge Database for Mozambique. Natural Justice, 2025. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025.02-MZ-Traditional-Knowledge-Database-Project-brief-v1.0-Designed.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Lyman |first1=Ana Alecia |title=A Traditional Knowledge Database for Mozambique |publisher=Natural Justice |date=February 2025 |url=https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025.02-MZ-Traditional-Knowledge-Database-Project-brief-v1.0-Designed.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{lyman2025traditional, author = {Lyman, Ana Alecia}, title = {{A Traditional Knowledge Database for Mozambique}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, year = {2025}, month = feb, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025.02-MZ-Traditional-Knowledge-Database-Project-brief-v1.0-Designed.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }