This spring, in keeping with WWF's interest in entering partnerships with indigenous peoples to work towards its conservation objectives, WWF put forth an international position paper - Indigenous Peoples and Conservation: WWF Statement of Principles. The position paper endorses the existing international instruments on indigenous peoples (Agenda 21, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Draft UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples) and recognises indigenous peoples right to land resources traditionally owned or used by them including the right to determine priorities and strategies for the development or use of their land. Principles for conservation partnerships with indigenous peoples are outlined calling for consultation with indigenous peoples and their participation and informed consent in conservation activities on their lands. The principles of partnership also make provisions for assistance to indigenous peoples organisations in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of conservation activities. WWF is committed to upholding these principles and looks forward to partnerships with indigenous communities and organisations who share WWF's commitment to conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of resources and pollution prevention.

For further information:
Gonzalo Oviedo Carrillo
Forest Policy Unit
WWF International
Avenue du Mont-Blanc
1196 Gland, Switzerland
Tel: + 41 22 364 95 22
Fax: + 41 22 364 82 19