Indigenous Peoples and the Environment

About this grant

This renewal grant will support the Indian Law Resource Center’s continuing efforts to reform World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank policies and projects that affect indigenous peoples and their environment. Most of the world’s remaining large tracts of tropical forest are inhabited by indigenous peoples who lack the legal right to manage and protect their traditional lands. These forests are increasingly threatened by unsustainable development programs supported by the multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions. Indian Law Resource Center’s program combines Washington-based policy work at the international financial institutions with capacity building for indigenous people so that they can more effectively use international rules and safeguard policies to protect their natural resources.