| Friday,
31st March
On
Friday morning, Chair Juan Luis Muriel, Spain, introduced a
representative of the World Bank, who noted the institutions work on
biodiversity and indigenous issues. He cited the Bank's operational
policy on indigenous peoples, which notes the need for their
consultation and participation with regards to Bank projects that may
impact them.
After
discussion and adoption of the recommendations and the meeting's
report into which was inserted reference to the term "indigenous
peoples" by indigenous participants at the request of ZAPOTECA,
Mariangela Rebua, Brazil, on behalf of the Bureau, proposed a
recommendation giving tribute to the government and people of Spain.
This was accepted. In a closing statement, the Indigenous Caucus
expressed its appreciation for the improved participatory mechanisms
of the Working Group and highlighted some key points, including
recognition of: the rights of indigenous peoples as contained in ILO
Convention 169; the expression "indigenous peoples and local
communities"; and rights to lands and territories. She further
underscored the role of women and asked for assistance from the
CBD's regular budget and voluntary funds to support the
participation of indigenous peoples and local communities at COP-5.
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