Andina

Peru: Traditional knowledge and link with science attract interest at APEC forum

Photo: ANDINA/Juan Carlos Guzmán Negrini

Photo: ANDINA/Juan Carlos Guzmán Negrini

14:06 | Lima, Aug. 22.

The potential of traditional knowledge linked to science and innovation aroused widespread interest at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings held in Lima, National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CONCYTEC) Chairman Sixto Sanchez indicated on Thursday.

"Traditional knowledge from various regions in Peru has been integrated with science, technology, and innovation in such a way that it can be harnessed and enhanced for export to APEC economies," Sanchez indicated.

In remarks to the Andina News Agency, he explained how science has enabled the development of various potato varieties a crop that has persisted over time thanks to farmers' traditional knowledge.

The official mentioned the case of wool fiber and how science-technology have improved its quality for export through genetic enhancement.

Similarly, the CONCYTEC head noted how drones are enhancing the control of banana crops, in the country’s northern area, which are sold abroad.

"What has sparked the most interest at the APEC forum is traditional knowledge, as well as is technology transfer. Traditional knowledge can be replicated in other Asia-Pacific economies; it can indeed be replicated," he stated.

Sanchez also underscored that dialogue with the 21 APEC economies allows for identifying ways in which technological advancements in the bloc can help improve the products we produce and export them to other APEC members.

"There are a variety of fruits in the Amazonia that are not consumed in other countries; we are trying to make these varieties known first and then processed; with the help of science and technology, we are also enabling the organic growth of all these fruits," he stated.


The objective of the symposium was to share, strengthen, maintain, and develop skills to link science and technology with traditional knowledge related to biodiversity across APEC economies and their neighbors.


Published: 8/22/2024