GUIDELINES:
Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in
Project Planning and Implementation

by Alan R. Emery
February, 2000

A Partnership Publication of the
The International Labour Organization, The World Bank, The Canadian International Development Agency, and KIVU Nature Inc.

This publication is available in hard copy from: The World Bank, 1818 H. Street N.W. Washington D.C., USA. or The Canadian International Development Agency, 200 Promenade du Portage Hull, Quebec, Canada.

You may also copy this publication from this web site courtesy of KIVU Nature Inc., 47 Okanagan Dr., Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2H 7E9. Just place your cursor on the page you want to copy and press the "Print" tab on your browser. If you have problems, drop us a line (info@kivu.com) and we will send you a copy by e-mail attachment.

---

2) All development projects should strive to benefit all people affected.

3) All development projects should strive to have the broadest possible knowledge base to achieve the best possible results.

---

2) Indigenous communities should be able to choose their own representatives and not have them assigned.

3) Indigenous traditional knowledge is best acquired by engaging indigenous holders of the knowledge as active participants in the project, using traditional knowledge as part of the team of experts.

4) Indigenous peoples participation as bearers of traditional knowledge is best achieved by observing trust, respect, equity, and empowerment as the basic principles of interaction.

5) Traditional rights to resources, self-governance, and the integrity and autonomy of indigenous peoples' cultural realities should be respected.

---

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the participation of so many people from around the world who participated in the preparation of these Guidelines. Literally hundreds of people generously contributed suggestions for improvement to the early drafts. Many of these people were indigenous holders of traditional knowledge, others were representatives of governments, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. Still others were experts on various aspects of related fields of endeavour, and finally many were participants in workshops held specifically to undertake rigorous testing of the principles and recommendations in the Guidelines.

The principal supporter of the effort to create these Guidelines through the several drafts has been Peter Croal of the Canadian International Development Agency. Without his enthusiasm and tenacity the progress that we have achieved so far would simply not have been possible. Reiner Woytek of the World Bank has contributed much energy and critical thinking to ensure that the Guidelines have a highly supportive, yet balanced style throughout. Huseyin Polat and Doming Nayahangan of the International Labour Organization have also been two very special supporters of the Guidelines. Their efforts in organizing and managing the Manilla workshop as well as their constant intellectual contributions have greatly added to the effectiveness of these Guidelines.

---

"Exceptionally important and needed"

(R. Goodland – World Bank, USA)

"A much needed document ... very well done and very well thought out"

(S. King – Shaman Pharmceuticals, USA)

"Brings out clearly the many aspects of this complex issue."

(M.S. Swaminathan – Swaminathan Research Foundation, India)

"I think it is a superb initiative, long overdue."

(R. McConnell – Natural Resources, Canada)

"This is a wonderful contribution and I am extremely pleased with your efforts."

(D.M. Warren – Indiana State University)

"Heartily congratulated by the focus group ... document which is needed by many organizations."

(Results of a workshop from Concordia University, Canada)

"...commend your team for taking the initiative to develop it. It is clear that a lot of time and effort has been put forth in preparing it."

(James Ransom, Assembly of First Nations, Canada)

"A welcome (and much needed) addition to the development planning/environmental assessment worlds."

(Catherine Hill, FAO)

"A very well researched paper which raises a number of thought-provoking issues of concern to Aboriginal peoples. I especially like the division of the paper into three sections under the headings of Indigenous, Corporate, and Government."

(P. Cuillierier, Indian and Northern Affairs, Canada)

... impressive set of guidelines. ... an important step in mainstreaming issues related to indigenous communities by, first, promoting recognition of their rights to land and resources, and second, by providing guidance for incorporating their concerns into environmental assessments. We are in agreement with your recommendations..."

(M. Concepcion J. Cruz, Global Environmental Facility)

"On the whole ... the guideline is intelligent and interesting covering a wide context..."

(Z. Tuli, International Labor Organization)

"An important step in the direction of improved cross cultural understanding and how to deal with different perceptions of environmental issues and land use."

(Ellen Woodley, Consultant)

"I certainly find a lot in them to agree with, and plan, if I may, to begin using them immediately in classes I teach on dealing with traditional cultural issues in environmental impact assessment..."

(Tom King, Silver Springs, USA)

"I can not begin to express my thanks to you for sending me this prototype in E.A..."

(Diane Henry, Stony Point and Kettle Point Negotiating Committee, Canada)

"Thank you! Learning about this work I felt as though I'd been wrenched out of a daily grinder and allowed to breathe some fresh tropical air."

(Nancy Wildgoose, Canada)

"This is a very ambitious and difficult undertaking. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Centre for Traditional Knowledge (CTK), the World Council for Indigenous Peoples (WCIP), and Environment Canada should all be commended for even attempting it. The author, Alan R. Emery & Associates, has produced a tidy format that presents the material in an attractive way. "

(G. Wagner, Wagner and Associates, Canada)

"It will be a valuable tool for indigenous peoples, governments and private proponents involved in environmental assessment of project proposals."

(J. Crook, Indian and Northern Affairs, Canada)

"At the end of the testing activity, the participating stakeholders including NGOs and other support groups concluded ... that with these Guidelines serving as a framework for dialogue, the Indigenous Peoples, Government, and Business would find it easier to come to terms with one another in relation to the planning and implementation of environmentally sensitive development projects."

(Workshop conclusions, Manila, Philippines)

---

Contact us: home@kivu.com