Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous Peoples Planning Documents and the New Public Communications Policy

ADB's Board of Directors approved the new Public Communications Policy (PCP) on 22 April 2005 and it will take effect on 1 September 2005. The PCP includes specific requirements for disclosing Indigenous Peoples Planning Documents.

Borrowers or private sector sponsors should disclose indigenous peoples development plans (IPDPs) to indigenous peoples/ethnic minorities (IP/EM) affected by ADB projects. This can be in the form of brochures, leaflets, or booklets in local languages. Other communication methods should be used for non-literate people.

IP planning documents that borrower/ private sector sponsor shall disclose to affected IP/EM.

Also, ADB shall make the IP Planning documents publicly available.

IP planning documents that ADB shall disclose to the public.

The PCP will ease dialogue with affected people and other individuals and organizations by allowing them to access information about a public or private sector project or program under preparation (including social and environmental issues). ADB will support this by working closely with the borrower or project sponsor to ensure that they

• provide information;
• seek feedback on the proposed project design; and
• designate a focal point for regular contact with affected people.

Disclosure and consultation should start early in project preparation to adequately consider the views of affected people in project design. Disclosure and consultation should also continue at each stage of project or program preparation, processing, and implementation. ADB shall ensure that

• project or program design allows for stakeholder feedback during implementation; and
• information about any major changes to project scope is also shared with affected people.

Overall, the PCP will enable greater access to information and expand opportunities for those affected by ADB operations to influence decisions that shape their lives.