Abstract

In the past few decades world has witnessed the ever-growing impact of globalization and has entered a new age of development. Because of the easily assessable technology and increased dissemination of energy has brought about an evident change in the society as a result of such changes and advancements indigenous groups and local communities are becoming more connected to the dominant societies. At the same time, however, the process of globalization is simultaneously creating the real possibility that indigenous peoples as such will cease to exist. At the touch of a button, sacred cultural property - folklore, songs, stories or the location of sacred places - can be instantly appropriated and commodified for the global consumer. These incidences of appropriation and the adverse consequence of globalization has severely diminished the aspects of life and culture that goes to the very existence of indigenous peoples. The increasingly multicultural fabric of modern societies has given rise to many new issues and conflicts, ethnic and national minorities demand recognition and support for their cultural identity. Moral conflicts are now common features of multicultural societies. The nature of moral conflict has a profound impact over the public sphere as different groups question the legitimacy of indigenous people living the era of globalization. Cultural change is not only a story of loss and destruction, but also gain and creativity As these threats grow, increasing value is simultaneously being placed on the survival of minority cultures. In fact, the past decade has witnessed vast growth in demands and proposals for the protection of indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge. Nevertheless, legal regimes currently in place - most modelled on Western intellectual property laws - have thus far proven incapable of accommodating and protecting indigenous works.

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