The Potential and Contradictions of Geographical Indication and Patrimonization for the Sustainability of Indigenous Communities: A Case of Cordillera Heirloom Rice in the Philippines

In the Montane areas of Cordillera, Philippines, IP (indigenous people) have cultivated native rice for generations on their terraces, which were designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site in 1995 Food Agriculture (FAO) Agricultural site, Globally Important System (GIAHS) 2011. This heirloom was registered as collective trademark 2018 will be sui generis geographical indication (GI) coming years. Based author’s interviews with stakeholders production conducted Philippines 2019, this article aims to analyze whether GI patrimonization contribute sustainability communities Cordillera. paper demonstrates that exhibit both potential contradictions ecological, socio-cultural, economic dimensions communities, compatibility these is challenged. The concludes public policies need pay particular attention accompanying when are designed protect them from over-development area over-commodification certified agri-food products.