United Nations Convention : Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)

Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a key principle recognized by the United Nations to protect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. It ensures that these communities have the right to be consulted and to give or withhold their consent before any project or activity that might affect them is initiated. FPIC is essential to ensure that decisions are made fairly, with respect for the communities’ autonomy, and without pressure. It emphasizes four key components:

Free

The consent is free, given voluntarily and without coercion, intimidation, or manipulation. A process that is self-directed by the community from whom consent is being sought, unencumbered by coercion, expectations, or timelines that are externally imposed.

Prior

The consent is sought sufficiently in advance of any authorization or commencement of activities.

Informed

The engagement and type of information that should be provided prior to seeking consent and also as part of the ongoing consent process.

Consent

A collective decision made by the right holders and reached through a customary decision-making process of the communities.

Organizations and Standards Guiding Environmental and Social Responsibility

International organizations like the FAO, UNDRIP, and IPCC play vital roles in shaping global environmental and social policies. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks help guide responsible practices, supported by national contributions and commitments. Verification agencies such as VERRA and Gold Standard ensure the credibility of carbon projects. Economic models, like the green and circular economy, focus on sustainability, promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction.

International Organizations

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

National and Regional Contributions

Nationally Declared Contributions (NDCs)

Verification Agencies

VERRA (USA) – Focuses on carbon standards and verification.

Gold Standard (Switzerland) – Ensures environmental integrity for carbon projects.

Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) – Promotes high standards for the voluntary carbon market.

Sustainability and Economic Models

Green and Circular Economy – Emphasizes resource efficiency, sustainability, and reducing waste in economic activities.

We Abide by Global Conventions

Relevant Sources and Initiatives