The Tkarihwaié:ri Code of Ethical Conduct to Ensure Respect for the Cultural and Intellectual Heritage of Indigenous and Local Communities Relevant to the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity

At its tenth meeting, the COP also finalized the negotiation of and adopted the Code of Ethical Conduct on Respect for the Cultural and Intellectual Heritage of Indigenous and Local Communities Relevant for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity (“the Tkarihwaié:ri code of ethical conduct) and invited Parties and Governments to make use of its elements to guide the developments of models of codes of ethical conduct for research, access to, use, exchange and management of information concerning traditional knowledge. The code provides for Prior informed consent and/or approval and involvement.

The word "Tkarihwaié:ri" is a Mohawk term meaning "the proper way".The term was provided by the Elders of the Mohawk Community of Kahnawake.The Mohawk are the traditional custodians of the area of Montreal where the code was negotiated.