At the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), we are dedicated to building strong, respectful partnerships with Tribal and Indigenous communities that protect their inherent right to self-determination. Through our Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) practices, we commit to ensuring these communities have the power to make decisions about conservation efforts that may impact their lands, resources, and cultural practices.
FPIC is an internationally recognized standard ensuring that affected communities have the right to:
Free: Make decisions without coercion.
Prior: Be consulted well in advance of any activities.
Informed: Receive full, accessible information on potential impacts.
Consent: Grant, modify, withhold, or withdraw their consent at any time.
Implementing FPIC reflects our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. This approach aligns with our mission to protect wildlife and habitats in collaboration with communities, ensuring all voices are valued in conservation. We also know that respecting and honoring Indigenous rights and knowledge contributes to better environmental and community outcomes.
Our FPIC Guidelines outline a phased process for engagement:
Laying the Groundwork – Build internal capacity and develop a mutual, trust-based relationship.
Impact Assessment – Collaborate with communities to understand and address potential impacts, through both Western science and Indigenous Knowledge.
Implementation & Monitoring – Work together to implement agreed actions, while checking for ongoing consent.
Reflection & Improvement – Continuously refine our practices based on community feedback and shared learning.
We are proud to walk alongside Indigenous communities, striving for mutual respect and benefit in every conservation effort. For more information, please reach out to our FPIC team, Jon Naranjo (naranjoj@nwf.org) and Vic Hogg (hoggv@nwf.org).
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