The purpose of this guidance document is to assist the IOC Governing Bodies and Secretariat in reflection and possible decisions for a sustainable and beneficial dialogue between holders of Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK) and other stakeholders in ocean science. The first part clarifies the chosen terminology and its associated definitions. The paper then documents the relevance of ILK to the High-Level Objectives (HLOs) of the IOC’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022–2029, before identifying some opportunities within existing structures and mechanisms, notably through the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Finally, it raises some programmatic, conceptual and politico/social obstacles and questions to be addressed in the context of opening a dialogue between ILK and ocean science.

English only. Presented as part of the report of the IOC Executive Secretary to the IOC Assembly at it 32nd session in June 2023.