Good governance, indigenous peoples, and biodiversity conservation : recommendations for enhancing results across sectors

The document presents four areas of reform that can improve the performance and enhance the results of donor interventions, based on the lessons from the past decade: linking democracy with conservation; creating commitment to sustainable development and poverty alleviation; promoting cooperation through global strategic networks; and invigorate donor frameworks that support indigenous peoples and biodiversity conservation. An appendix documents best practices in these areas, based on the following guiding principles: (1) Have a written policy. Enforce safeguards and do no harm. (2) Have direct contact and relationships with indigenous peoples. (3) Base relationships on respect, mutual learning, and reciprocal accountability. (4) Empower and effectively engage indigenous social and political structures. (5) Stay the course. Long-term relationships are the key to success. (6) Be transparent. (7) Support indigenous peoples in efforts to address core issues that affect all citizens. (8) Raise the priority of indigenous rights and environmental concerns vis-a- vis other competing priorities during all bilateral and multilateral negotiations. (9) Value donor coordination and work together on these issues.