Download Part III: Using a Biocultural
Community Protocol
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One of the main reasons for developing a biocultural community protocol is to use
it as a platform to engage in dialogue with external actors such as government
officials, companies, researchers, and NGOs. As much as possible, the community
should strive to engage constructively and according to their own terms, values,
and priorities.

This part of the Toolkit contains five sections. Engaging with External Actors could first entail putting them on notice and establishing dialogue to share information, improve understanding of different perspectives, and seek innovative ways to address a common concern or fulfill a shared vision. Raising Awareness within your and other communities and amongst the broader public can be an empowering process in itself and help build internal cohesion and social mobilization around key issues. Engaging in Decision-Making Processes at all levels of government as well as with companies and research institutions can be an effective way to ensure communities’ ideas, concerns, and priorities will be enacted into law, policy, and practice. Negotiating with External Actors generally requires addressing significant power imbalances and ensuring clarity on what is involved in a process of free, prior, and informed consent. Preventing and Resolving Conflict is an integral part of overcoming differences in communication styles, in understanding of the issues, and in expectations of the process or outcomes.