Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions Act 2026.

This Act establishes a legal framework for the protection, preservation and responsible use of Nauruan traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions through the recognition of traditional cultural and moral rights, which are protected in perpetuity. It creates the Nauru Cultural Authority to administer a system requiring the free, prior and informed consent of traditional owners for non-traditional or commercial uses, including derivative works, and mandates benefit-sharing and attribution through authorised user agreements. The Act also provides mechanisms for the registration, management and enforcement of rights, including civil and criminal remedies for unauthorised use or misrepresentation. By safeguarding traditional knowledge and cultural heritage while recognising customary practices and community ownership, the Act supports the protection of indigenous cultural resources and traditional practices relevant to the sustainable management of natural resources and community livelihoods.