Free, Prior Informed Consent
Netanya Escote with Jamie Dichaves and Keith Cari-an,
ASEAN Coordinator, Centre for Sustainability PH
FPIC is a term commonly associated with indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) as they are often left out of stakeholder conversations, such as in the case of fortress conservation.
However, it should not and does not only apply to IPLCs. Conservation activities or projects affect multiple stakeholders, especially those that are concerned with area-based conservation measures. Getting consent is crucial to the success of any project, but as the acronym goes, you cannot get to the C without going through the F, P, and I.
So what is FPIC exactly?
Free – Consent must be free from any form of coercion, intimidation or manipulation
Prior – Sufficient time for consultation processes must be given
Informed – Full information on the activity/project should be given, that is detailed, accurate, and communicated in a manner that all stakeholders are able to understand
Consent – Permission or rejection of the activity/project by the stakeholder/s
However, it should not and does not only apply to IPLCs. Conservation activities or projects affect multiple stakeholders, especially those that are concerned with area-based conservation measures. Getting consent is crucial to the success of any project, but as the acronym goes, you cannot get to the C without going through the F, P, and I.
So what is FPIC exactly?
Free – Consent must be free from any form of coercion, intimidation or manipulation
Prior – Sufficient time for consultation processes must be given
Informed – Full information on the activity/project should be given, that is detailed, accurate, and communicated in a manner that all stakeholders are able to understand
Consent – Permission or rejection of the activity/project by the stakeholder/s
(1) UN Human Rights, Free, Prior and Informed Consent of
Indigenous Peoples
(2) Forest Peoples Programme, Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)
(2) Forest Peoples Programme, Free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)
