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p. 8 of 8 BACK | NEXT Introduction Definition of Indigenous People Indigenous Peoples and Development Laws and Conventions Affecting Indigenous Peoples Policy Objectives, Processes and, Approaches Organizational Implications and Resource Requirements Policy on Indigenous Peoples Key Elements in an Indigenous Peoples Development Plan

Policy on Indigenous Peoples

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Key Elements in an Indigenous Peoples Development Plan

As reflected in para. 38 of the policy document on indigenous peoples, responsibility for preparation of an indigenous peoples plan rests with the relevant government or other project sponsor. The Bank will support the efforts of the government or project sponsor as necessary and appropriate. Key elements in ensuring that an appropriate indigenous peoples development plan is prepared include:

1. preparation, during project design, of a development plan that takes into full account the desires and preferred options of indigenous peoples affected by the project;
2. studies to identify potential adverse effects on indigenous peoples to be induced by the project, and to identify measures to avoid, mitigate, or compensate for these adverse effects;
3. measures to ensure the capacity or the strengthening of the social, legal, and technical skills of government institutions to be responsible under the project for dealing with indigenous peoples;
4. involvement of appropriate existing institutions, local organizations, and nongovernment organizations with expertise in matters relating to indigenous peoples;
5. consideration in project design of local patterns of social organization, cultural belief, and ancestral territory and resource use;
6. support for viable and sustainable production systems that are adapted to the needs and local environments and circumstances of indigenous peoples;
7. avoidance of creating or aggravating the dependency of indigenous peoples on project entities, and instead promoting self-reliance among these peoples;
8. capacity building for indigenous peoples communities and organizations to facilitate and support effective participation in development processes; and
9. adequate lead time and arrangements for extending follow-up, especially in dealing with indigenous peoples in remote or neglected areas where little previous experience is available.

Consultation with indigenous peoples groups is key to developing an effective, accurate, responsive indigenous peoples development plan.

Indigenous peoples often lack the information, knowledge, analytical and organizational capacities, and political channels and power to influence and direct development processes that directly or indirectly affect their lives. The following basic principles should apply to Bank-supported projects that affect indigenous peoples:

1. All development plans for indigenous peoples, including provisions for mitigation measures, should be based on full consideration of the options and approaches, including requirements for consultation, that best meet the interests of individuals and communities affected by projects. Qualified specialists should be involved in the formulation of such plans and mitigation measures, in consultation with the persons affected, both men and women. The development of approaches, plans, and mitigation measures must include consultation with the peoples affected.
2. When it is indicated that a project will have adverse effects on indigenous peoples, it is necessary that the scope and impact of such adverse effects be thoroughly assessed by qualified experts or agencies, and that appropriate mitigation measures are identified in feasibility studies. It is preferable that the net impact a project will have on indigenous peoples be not only positive, but also be perceived by indigenous peoples as positive. If individuals or communities must lose their social support systems or ways of life so that a project can proceed, they should be compensated appropriately.
3. Project design should take into consideration the social and cultural context of affected peoples, and their skills and knowledge relating to local resource management. Project design should draw upon the strengths of indigenous peoples organizations and communities, as well as traditional social organizations and indigenous knowledge, and as far as feasible should avoid introducing undesirable or unacceptable changes in the way of life of indigenous communities.
4. During project preparation, those preparing the project should promote the formation or strengthening of indigenous peoples' organizations to facilitate their participation in project identification, planning, execution, and evaluation. As needed, provision should be made to train indigenous peoples in project management activities.
5. Where previous experience and knowledge of working successfully with indigenous peoples is lacking, pilot-scale operations should be carried out and evaluated prior to the execution of full-scale efforts.
6. If government institutions responsible for interaction with indigenous peoples do not possess the necessary legal, social, and technical capacities, or if their relationship with indigenous peoples is weak, the involvement of experienced local community organizations and nongovernment organizations that can serve as intermediaries and that are acceptable to all parties involved, including governments, should be sought. Consideration should be given to traditional representative institutions. Approaches to developing the capacity of government institutions should be explored.
7. Bank approval of a project should not be based only on the concept and quality of project design, but also on the orientation, capacity, and operational record of the government agencies or other project sponsors concerned in executing the project.

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