Training Manual on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in REDD+ for Indigenous Peoples

This Training Manual on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in REDD+ for Indigenous Peoples is the third in a series of four manuals after What is REDD?, What to do with REDD?, and Understanding Community-based REDD+. The first two publications (i.e., What is REDD and What to do with REDD?) were focused on raising awareness of indigenous communities for a better understanding of the concept of REDD+, on what the possible impacts and opportunities of REDD+ are, and how to protect their rights in REDD+ processes and mechanisms. The manual on Understanding Community-based REDD+, on the other hand, focused on assisting indigenous communities to gain knowledge, skills and equip them for full and effective participation in REDD+.

This manual is the product of the collective work of indigenous peoples’ leaders and representatives engaging in processes related to REDD+. The process that has resulted in this manual includes a write-shop of indigenous representatives from REDD+ countries, a review of materials relating to REDD+ and FPIC, and consultations with indigenous experts. The initial draft served as the guide for the Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) on FPIC in REDD+. This process ensures the reflection of the perspectives of indigenous peoples in development of this manual.

Since the REDD+ final design and architecture – including its key elements such as financing and the system of information, implementation and monitoring of safeguards – is under negotiations for a comprehensive agreement on REDD+, this manual should be treated as a working guide. It shall be updated according to key developments relating to REDD+ and the experiences and insights of indigenous peoples on the application of environmental and social safeguards, including the right to FPIC of indigenous peoples in REDD+.

What is the purpose of this manual?

This manual aims to build the capacities of the indigenous peoples, networks and organizations to advocate and work for the effective implementation of FPIC for indigenous peoples in the activities and projects relating to REDD+. In particular, the objective of this manual is to equip indigenous peoples with the knowledge and understanding of FPIC and REDD+; and to provide a general guide to communities on the application of FPIC in REDD+ activities in upholding their rights, interests and welfare. Since the social and political environment in each country and locality varies, the use of this manual can be adjusted and customized to better fit the needs and other specific considerations of both the trainers and trainees.

Like previous manuals, this manual on FPIC in REDD+ also intends to strengthen the capacities of indigenous communities to decide on whether they would like to engage in REDD+ or not. It includes a section on engagement in REDD+ for the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples for the protection of their rights in REDD+ processes at different levels.

After understanding the basic concepts of REDD+ and FPIC, indigenous peoples will be able to take decisions by themselves on REDD+ either to withhold consent or accept REDD+ implementation in their territories based on their own terms and conditions.

This manual provides some practical guidelines on how to organize the consultation process; how to access information related to REDD+; how to select IP representatives at national and community levels; how to conduct Free, Prior and Informed Consent; how to conduct independent and collective deliberation for collective decision making process; and how to ensure a grievance mechanism in REDD+

Who is the intended audience of this manual?

This manual is targeted for indigenous leaders, members of IP organizations and communities, activists, and advocates in general. It is particularly intended for indigenous educators, trainers and facilitators working with indigenous organizations and communities, especially those to be affected by REDD+. Since this is an advanced training manual, trainees or users shall have familiarity with REDD+ and indigenous peoples rights in general. At the minimum, they should have read or gone through the manual on What is REDD+ and What to do with REDD+. It is also expected that the resource persons using this manual will already be knowledgeable and experienced in training approaches and facilitation skills.

In particular, the target participants to the Training of Trainers (ToT) for FPIC in REDD+ at the regional and national levels are indigenous leaders and advocates with the qualifications mentioned above. After the ToT, they are expected to be the trainers and resource persons for the local or community based training, seminars or similar activities on this topic. This manual will be useful for indigenous communities, especially those affected by REDD+, as they are the main target of this manual for awareness-raising and capacity-building.

What are the contents of this manual?

This manual on FPIC in REDD+ has three (3) modules with elaboration below. This training is targeted for four consecutive days, including a 1-day field visit in indigenous communities preferably affected by REDD+. The content and methodologies can be adjusted or customized to fit the needs and other specific considerations of the trainees as well as other important factors.

The first module is focused on basic information and understanding of REDD+, including key developments on REDD+ at the international level. The second module relates to providing the knowledge and understanding of FPIC and the application of FPIC; and the third module provides a community guide on how to conduct FPIC and also to ensure the implementation of FPIC in REDD+

The table below gives you an overview on what is going to be covered in each module, the number of sessions that each module contains, and the duration of the respective sessions of this training manual.

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