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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
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