2
provisions of the UNDRIP under Articles 38, 41, 42 of the same Declaration and to providefor ways and means of ensuring participation of indigenous peoples on issues affectingthem.1.6
Following international protocol and language, the term Indigenous Peoples as opposedto Indigenous People will be used in the text.
2.0 On the language of ‘Indigenous People’ vs. ‘Indigenous Peoples’
2.1 The use of the term ‘Indigenous Peoples’ is internationally accepted language, includingby the UN General Assembly. UNFCCC and SBSTA must conform to the use of internationally accepted language.2.3
Recommendation 1
To retain the term ‘indigenous peoples’ in all UNFCCC and SBSTA text and change references to‘indigenous people’ into ‘indigenous peoples’.
3.0 On methodologies to ensure participation of indigenous peoples in theimplementation of REDD
3.1
IIPFCC reiterates that indigenous peoples have been and continue to be the primaryguardians of nature, not only of forests but of the entirety which includes land, forests,trees, food, medicine, livelihoods and knowledge; the source of life. For generations,indigenous peoples have managed to utilize forests resources in a sustainable manner.Indigenous peoples have always regarded forests as not simply resources to be exploitedbut as the source of life and integral part of our lives and lifestyles. Forests have not onlyprovided shelter and food to indigenous peoples, they also form the basis of manycultures, and have various spiritual and cultural values for us that cannot be expressed inmonetary values. Many indigenous peoples derive their distinct identities from theirrelationship with the forests. In addition, many of the forests that are looked at forutilization in REDD mechanisms are located within our ancestral lands and territories overwhich we have inalienable, collective rights over our lands, territories and forests. REDDinitiatives without due respect for our rights can be destructive to us, our existence andsurvival as indigenous peoples. We have made these statements at all possible occasions,national as well as international to which we kindly refer you again. It is for these reasonsthat indigenous peoples should play a major role in all discussions related to forests. Weare rights-holders in these discussions, not just stakeholders.
3.2
UNFCCC and SBSTA should ensure that REDD initiatives are designed and implementedwith full respect for the rights of indigenous peoples, including our rights to our territoriallands, the right to free prior and informed consent, and the right to fully enact on ourresponsibilities toward our forest land and resources upon recognition of our rights.
3.3
In respect as well of the need to enable UNFCCC to be in accordance with currentlyacceptable language and standards regarding indigenous peoples, IIPFCC recommendsthe full and effective participation of indigenous peoples within all climate changenegotiations, policies, proposals, projects and programmes at all levels, beginning with
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