Indigenous Peoples Biodiversity Guidance

USAID has designed this biodiversity sector guidance document to provide a practical tool for USAID missions and operating units to more effectively engage and partner with indigenous peoples in natural resources management and biodiversity conservation activities. Experience shows that engagement with indigenous peoples will take different forms depending on the context. Consideration of indigenous peoples’ own development priorities and their participation in development design and implementation processes can help to mitigate adverse impacts on their communities, avoid conflict that could delay or derail programming and lead to better biodiversity outcomes. Well-structured communication, engagement and consultation processes are vital to advance biodiversity program objectives while taking into account indigenous peoples’ expertise, needs and interests.