FAO, Indigenous Peoples and the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)

Indigenous peoples.

There are over 370 million,

living in more than 90 countries,

accounting for 5% of the world population,

but constituting 15% of the poor.

Indigenous peoples are
custodians of native seeds,

traditional knowledge and biodiversity.

FAO recognizes indigenous peoples as
fundamental partners in development.

The Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO)

promotes the United Nations’
core principles

and encourages the
respect of human rights,

including the right
to self-determination in development.

The FAO Policy on Indigenous
and Tribal Peoples builds on this -

by calling for Free Prior
and Informed Consent – FPIC.

FPIC is a participatory process
enabling indigenous peoples

to have a say in interventions
that may affect their lives.

This means granting or denying consent,

but only after receiving
the information about the intervention

well in advance,
in a culturally appropriate way,

and prior to authorizing
and starting any activity.

Indigenous peoples collectively decide,

free of coercion,
violence and manipulation.

Knowing that, if consent is given,
it can be also withdrawn at any stage.

Free Prior and Informed Consent
also enables indigenous peoples

to participate and negotiate
the conditions

under which the intervention is designed,

implemented, monitored and evaluated.

To facilitate a common approach to FPIC,

FAO and its partners have
designed a practical manual

with six key steps
to follow along the project cycle.

Steps for ensuring that
equal consideration

is given to all members of the community.

FAO training on FPIC comprises
webinars and e-learning

and face to face activities.

Implementing
Free, Prior and Informed Consent

and working with indigenous peoples from
the beginning of the intervention

gives project managers knowledge

to improve understanding
of indigenous communities,

to build trust

and to ensure the sustainability
and ownership of the intervention.

But above all,
it recognizes the positive impact

that comes from making sure

that the voices of indigenous women, men,
youth and elders are also heard

and respected.