A historic benefit-sharing agreement has been established through the Khoikhoi People's Rooibos Biodiversity Trust (KPRBT), ensuring that communities linked to the rooibos plant will receive direct benefits from the successful industry their knowledge helped develop. Rooibos, a key player in the global tea market, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Khoikhoi and San peoples, who previously shared their expertise on the plant's medicinal and nutritional properties without compensation. The formation of KPRBT addresses this inequity, aiming to equitably distribute financial benefits among Khoikhoi communities. Chantall Revell, Secretary of the Khoikhoi Peoples Rooibos Biodiversity Trust, elaborates….

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The trust's framework prioritizes applications based on community needs, supporting education, cultural heritage, and local development.  After a lengthy legal battle, an initial 1.5% gate price was set, with hopes for future increases. Supported by legal advocates, the agreement became a global example under the Nagoya Protocol, inspiring similar initiatives for Indigenous communities. 

Journalist: Zizipho Moni
Email: zamamoni04@gmail.com