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The Khoikhoi Peoples’ Rooibos Biocultural Community Protocol is a guide developed by the National Khoisan Council (NKC) to protect the traditional knowledge (TK) of the Khoikhoi people regarding Rooibos. It documents the historical dispossession of the Khoikhoi under colonialism and apartheid, asserts their status as original knowledge holders, and outlines the legal and procedural frameworks for obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for the use of their biocultural heritage. The document details a benefit-sharing model involving a trust and a traditional knowledge levy to provide restitution for past misappropriation.

The document establishes the San and Khoi people as the original knowledge holders of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), citing a 2014 South African government study. It outlines the legal framework for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity and South African law, and notes ongoing negotiations between the rooibos industry and the National Khoi & San Council and South African San Council to ensure compliance with bioprospecting regulations.