It could be asserted that customary use of biological resources has been the basis of sustainable livelihoods and ‘customary sustainable development’. Indigenous peoples and local communities, like other people on the planet, should enjoy the right to development and practice activities that contribute to sustainable activities. Customary use, like traditional knowledge, is not a static concept or practice, but it is continuously evolving and adapting to changing circumstances, developing innovations to address environmental, social, economic and political challenges. Commercial activities that support customary use and contribute to sustainable development can be considered an aspect of responding to challenges and a component of the right of indigenous peoples and local communities to development. I therefore agree with the argument in the abstract that their right to pursue their aspirations for sustainable development should be supported and upheld.

The relationship between customary use and the right to development is grounded in indigenous peoples' right to self-determination: the right to freely determine or pursue their economic, social and cultural development. This means through their own institutions and following their own practices.