SCIENTISTS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE USE OF KNOWLEDGE

Web version of a press release issued on 27th August 2002 by SGR

One of the world's largest networks of scientists has joined with third world and indigenous peoples' representatives to launch a discussion on a comprehensive 'Convention on Knowledge' [1] expressing commitment to "develop and use knowledge, ethically, responsibly, for the good of all".

The launch is to take place at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. The organisations are, Institute of Science in Society (ISIS), Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR), International Network of Engineers and Scientists for Global Responsibility (INES), Third World Network (TWN) and Tebtebba Foundation (International Centre for Research, Education and Capacity Building for Indigenous Peoples).

INES is a network of more than 90 organisations in some 40 countries, and includes a trade union of 1.5 million members. It represents the one of the largest collection of scientists in the world.

The paper originated with Mae-Wan Ho, director and co-founder of ISIS, but many have contributed to it since. The first draft was produced after she attended the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre in February this year and was struck by how the fifty thousand gathered there, with one voice, opposed neo-liberal economic globalisation and called for a new model of world governance and finance. "I thought it was time to change the dominant knowledge system, which is ripe for changing any way," she says, "I was overjoyed and surprised by the enthusiastic response, first from fellow scientists and then, most importantly, from third world and indigenous peoples' representatives."

It shows that the many scientists, like ordinary citizens, are deeply concerned about science and what science and technology are doing to our world. These range from the destruction of the global ecosystem, the hazards of genetic engineering and threat of eugenics, science serving aggressive military ends, to the commercialisation of science, the privatisation of knowledge, the role of science and technology in creating inequality and conflict, and the destruction of indigenous knowledge systems.

"It contains everything we have been working for!" says Reiner Braun of INES, "We have been involved in promoting international peace, ethics, justice and sustainable development as scientists."

The concerns are widely shared by people living in Third World countries. "The poor bear the brunt of the destructive impacts of bad science and technology," says Martin Khor, director of the TWN, "whether it be climate change, or environmental degradation created by intensive agriculture, chemical and biological pollution." The paper is the start of "a dialogue that will lead to greater sustainability".

Vicki Tauli-Corpuz, director of Tebtebba Foundation, is calling for people everywhere to support the paper and to "get involved in its principles and ideas", to "stop the improper use of science and promote indigenous knowledge and holistic science."

"It is a very useful and important document, and we definitely need something like this," says Eva Notvotny, "We in SGR promote the ethical practice and use of science and technology, and this is a further step for this work."

Notes:

[1] The full document is posted on the websites of ISIS, SGR and TWN

The Convention aims to:

• Stop knowledge being developed and used for destructive, oppressive or aggressive military ends
• Keep knowledge in the public domain, open and accessible to all
• Promote knowledge in diverse, inclusive and pluralistic forms, especially indigenous knowledge
• Promote knowledge for sustainability
• Promote knowledge that serves public good, independent of commercial interests or government control
• Promote knowledge that makes the world equitable and life-enhancing for all in every respect