February 11-12″ 2013″ Rome” Italy

We” the indigenous peoples of Asia” Africa” Pacific” Latin America and the Caribbean” still conserve our diverse identities” cultures and spiritual traditions. The ecosystems within our territories are still relatively intact” and we continue to be the custodians of biodiversity. Our diverse knowledge systems and livelihood practices have the potential to contribute and inspire new models of sustainable development” building on culture and identity” firmly anchored in respect for our individual and collective rights.

In the midst of the economic” environmental and cultural crisis” it appears to us that the current development processes have not delivered the promised goals of poverty reduction and sustainable development. Evidence shows that indigenous peoples are overrepresented among the poor” often excluded from poverty reduction efforts and still suffer from discrimination. We are ready to continue contributing and participating” to work in a mutually beneficial partnership with IFAD to reach the ambitious goal of reducing rural poverty” recalling that there can be no sustainable rural development without – or at the expense of – indigenous peoples.

We sincerely appreciate the serious efforts of IFAD to establish a strategic partnership with indigenous peoples” which has reached a higher ground with the establishment of the Indigenous Peoples Forum. We see this as a good practice of intergovernmental institutions and a key step in the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” which establishes a universal minimum standard for survival” dignity and well-being of our peoples. The Forum institutionalizes our relationship with IFAD and establishes a shared learning environment” based on the principles of consultation” participation and dialogue. It will also help in facilitating the implementation of the IFAD Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples. The dedicated funds of the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF)” has increased IFAD’s engagement with indigenous peoples as a specific target group.

Our collaboration so far has generated valuable experiences” lessons learned and good practices” but also revealed challenges. Some states still do not adequately recognize indigenous peoples in national legislation and policies. The contents of IFAD’s Policy of Engagement and provisions on free” prior and informed consent have not been systematically applied. These are identified as major obstacles for having our issues adequately reflected in IFAD country strategies and programs. At the project level” a survey has shown an encouraging number of projects involving indigenous peoples in the design phase” but a significantly weaker participation in implementation” monitoring and evaluation phases.

We therefore put forward the following recommendations to consolidate our partnership and strengthen the systematic implementation of IFAD’s Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples:

For governments” IFAD and indigenous peoples jointly to:

• Firmly link the Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum with follow-up mechanisms at regional” national and project levels” for effective tripartite dialogue on the inclusion of indigenous peoples’ needs and priorities in country strategies and IFAD-funded projects

• Document” exchange” share” replicate and scale out good practices with regards to indigenous peoples’ self-determined sustainable development.

Particularly” we call upon governments to:

• Recognize indigenous peoples’ rights to land” territories and resources” including rangelands and corridors; and the contributions of traditional knowledge systems and technologies and traditional livelihoods for ecosystem resilience and sustainable development.

• Build the capacity of government institutions to address indigenous peoples’ needs and priorities” by providing training to staff and employ indigenous experts within their institutions

• Respect” protect and fulfill the rights of indigenous peoples as contained in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples” and acknowledge the role of indigenous traditional institutions” authorities and organizations

We call upon IFAD to:

• Increase its capacity on indigenous peoples’ issues” including by providing training to staff” further the employment of indigenous experts and” as possible” appoint focal points at country level

• Ensure full and effective participation of indigenous peoples” including in the formulation of country strategies and throughout the project cycle.

• Implement effectively its Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and” in working with projects targeting or affecting indigenous peoples” systematically encourage borrowing governments to consult with indigenous peoples to obtain their Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). IFAD should consider this consultation and consent as a criterion for project approval” as stated in its policy of engagement with indigenous peoples.

• Increase the direct funding to indigenous peoples’ organizations and institutions” including increasing contributions to the Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF)

• Acknowledge and value indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and technologies and environmental services in conservation and sustainable use of their ecosystems” as in-kind contributions to projects.

• Inform and involve indigenous peoples in supervision missions and evaluation

• Identify and operationalize” in collaboration with indigenous peoples” specific indicators on the well-being of indigenous peoples

• Devise measures for affirmative action targeting indigenous peoples and” in particular” indigenous women and youth

• Use the Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples as a platform for policy dialogue at country level with governments and other development partners

• Ensure that during project formulation in country – and within the design of projects- communication and information provisions for indigenous peoples are appropriately provided.

• Continue the support to the 2014 World Conference on Indigenous Peoples

• Support and undertake joint advocacy with indigenous peoples on their issues and concerns in the post 2015 Development Agenda

Our commitment as indigenous peoples’ organizations is to:

• Continue to defend and sustain our land” territories and resources as the basis for our sustainable livelihoods and development; and as our contribution towards global environmental sustainability.

• Report back to our communities and organizations on the outcomes of this first Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum and continue the dialogue and our partnership at all levels.

• Work jointly with IFAD and governments in the design and elaboration of economically viable” culturally appropriate and ecologically sound sustainable development models for our peoples.

• Advise and influence governments to adopt and implement public policies oriented towards the promotion of indigenous peoples’ self-determined sustainable development.