- Protecting traditional knowledge is one of the main topics considered by the UNCTAD/ICTSD capacity-building project on TRIPS and Development . This project , which started in July 2001 , aims to improve understanding of the development implications of the TRIPS Agreement and to strengthen the analytical and negotiating capacity of developing countries so that they are better able to participate in intellectual property rights ( IPR ) -related negotiations in an informed fashion in furtherance of their sustainable development objectives .