The FAO policy on indigenous and tribal peoples aims to provide a framework for FAO's work with indigenous communities. As an organization focused on rural poverty and food security, FAO sees indigenous peoples as important partners in development. The policy establishes seven core principles including development with identity, free prior and informed consent, and collective rights. It outlines FAO's objectives to improve its capacity to collaborate with indigenous groups, support indigenous livelihoods systems, and ensure indigenous participation in FAO programs.

1. FAO POLICY ON INDIGENOUS AND
TRIBAL PEOPLES
UNPFII, 10th
Session, 2011

2. “The central purpose of the policy is to provide a framework to
guide FAO’s work where indigenous peoples are
concerned”
“As an organization which specializes in rural poverty reduction
and food security, it is imperative for FAO to consider
indigenous peoples as fundamental stakeholders and
partners in development”
“FAO aspires to play an important role in the international
community’s efforts to ensure a better life for indigenous
peoples and rural populations. The fight against hunger
cannot be won without them”
The Policy: words from Dr. Diouf

3. 2005: Work on the Policy begins. A draft strategic framework is
completed in close collaboration with indigenous consultants.
2007-2008: The development of the policy is revisited and a preliminary
draft prepared by FAO’s Working Group on indigenous issues and
partners. An external consultation is launched.
2009: A draft of the policy is finalized and discussed at an “open
dialogue” held during the Civil Society Forum (November 2009), in
parallel to the World Food Summit.
2010: Formal clearance is sought. In August 2010 the policy is approved
by the Director General’s cabinet.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLICY: A BRIEF
HISTORY

4. A) Background information
- Gives information about indigenous peoples’
livelihoods, world views and concerns about
development
B) Core principles
1. Development with Identity
2. Free, Prior and Informed Consent
3. Participation and Inclusion
4. Rights over land and other natural resources
5. Cultural rights
6. Collective rights
7. Gender equality
POLICY: CONTENT AND PURPOSE

5. C) Objectives for engagement
- FAO will improve its institutional environment and
capacities to respond to and collaborate with
indigenous peoples and their organizations.
- FAO will enhance the capacity of governments to
engage indigenous peoples at the national and
international level, in pursuance of their rights and
visions of development.
POLICY: CONTENT AND PURPOSE

6. - FAO will integrate indigenous peoples’ issues into
the normative and operational areas of its work,
supporting indigenous peoples and their traditional
agriculture, food and livelihoods systems.
- FAO will facilitate the direct and effective
participation of indigenous peoples in current and
future FAO programmes and activities that affect
indigenous peoples.
Objectives (continued)

7. - FAO will establish measures to collaborate with
indigenous peoples and discourage ventures that will
have adverse impact on their communities.
- FAO will approach indigenous peoples in a way that
answers to, interacts with and learns from their
unique food and agriculture practices, livelihood
systems and specific socio-cultural circumstances, thus
building on their potential contributions and actively
encouraging ‘development with identity.’
Objectives (continued)

8. - FAO activities that affect indigenous peoples will be
guided by the human rights-based approach to
development, premised on the notion that everyone
should live in dignity and attain the highest standards
of humanity guaranteed by international human rights
law.
Objectives (continued)

9. - Natural resources, environment and genetic
resources
- Climate change and bio-energy
- Land and territories
- Food security, nutrition and the right to food
- Communication and knowledge systems
- Cultural and biological diversity
- Economic opportunity for sustainable
livelihoods
D) Priority Areas of Work

10. 1) Policy Dialogue and the development of
normative instruments
2) Field Programme
3) Advocacy and knowledge generation
E) Mechanisms for Implementation

11. FUTURE STEPS
• Within FAO
- Policy implementation: awareness raising, capacity
development, integration of indigenous issues into FAO
project, programme and policy work
- Develop guidelines for FAO staff on how to integrate
indigenous issues into projects and programmes
• Externally
- Strengthen relationships and collaboration with
indigenous peoples’ representatives
- Outreach, policy dialogue and awareness raising with
partners at all levels
- Develop proposal for funding to support the
implementation process and future programme of work

12. Thank you!