As global expectations to eliminate deforestation and land conversion from supply chains intensify, companies recognise that progress depends on robust protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights, including their right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

In practice, this means, companies are expected to respect and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the regions where they operate – including the right of Indigenous Peoples to decide what activities can happen on their lands or using their resources through the process of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

FPIC is increasingly recognised as a core component of responsible business conduct and a prerequisite for implementing credible deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) commitments. Recognising this, many sustainability systems include FPIC requirements within their standards, stakeholder engagement and assurance systems. However, putting the principle of FPIC into practice presents many challenges for businesses and the sustainability systems they work with.

This report aims to help overcome these challenges by offering insights on how to design, implement and document FPIC in supply chains. Part of ISEAL’s work on deforestation- and conversion-free supply chains, it aims to strengthen the capacity of certification systems and their partners to support credible due diligence and responsible business conduct.