GFCR Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Policy

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is committed to protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems while respecting the rights, knowledge, and practices of Indigenous Peoples. This Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Policy establishes a framework for meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples in GFCR’s coral reef conservation efforts.

The Policy aims to integrate Indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge into coral reef protection strategies, acknowledging the intricate relationships between Indigenous cultures and their environments. It supports the GFCR’s commitment to transforming the livelihoods of coral reef-dependent communities and ensuring their resilience to major shocks.

By implementing this Policy, the GFCR seeks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of its coral reef conservation initiatives while safeguarding the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples who have been stewards of these ecosystems for generations. The Policy ensures GFCR- supported programmes and projects create opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to participate in and benefit from activities without compromising their cultural identities and well-being.

This Policy outlines GFCR's expectations for Convening Agents to fully respect the human rights, cultural heritage, and traditional knowledge of Indigenous Peoples. It details: its purpose and scope; principles for engagement; requirements for effective collaboration – including identification, meaningful engagement, free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), grievance redress mechanisms, and Indigenous Peoples Plans and Planning Frameworks – monitoring and reporting procedures; and specialised expertise and adaptative management statements.

The Policy addresses the GFCR’s Investment Principle 8 (Equitable Outcomes), which states that: “the GFCR supports interventions with positive and equitable outcomes and that protect the rights of stakeholders particularly Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and regardless of gender, ethnicity, culture, political or socio-economic status”.