World Wildlife Fund

The Shipibo-Konibo along the Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon.
© WWF / Jennifer Biringer

Indigenous peoples and local communities are among the Earth's most important stewards and are critical to WWF's mission to build a future where human needs are met in harmony with nature. WWF is committed to supporting these groups and working with them to conserve and sustainably use their natural resources and to advocate on issues of shared concern. We believe that collaboration depends on lasting partnerships based on an understanding of the links between biological and cultural diversity, appreciation for the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities to biodiversity conservation and recognition of their rights and interests. WWF partners with these important stakeholders in all regions of the world and across our 19 priority places.

Indigenous peoples often live in the Earth's most biodiverse regions and work with them requires special attention to ensure respect for their human and development rights and understanding of their cultures and knowledge. WWF was the first international conservation organization to create a policy recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples - WWF's Statement of Principles on Indigenous Peoples and Conservation - to guide our work.