‘World Heritage Sites and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights': Book launch at the World Parks Congress

A new book published by Forest Peoples Programme, Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA)

Read the full book online 

On the 14th of November, in a gathering at the World Parks Congress in Sydney, contributing authors of a new publication ‘World Heritage Sites and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights’ came together to share some of the experiences recorded in the book. In an event chaired by Vicky Tauli-Corpuz, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, authors from North America, from Australia, and from Africa gave the audience an insight into the ways in which the World Heritage Convention was impacting on, or being used by, indigenous peoples. Both positive and negative experiences were recounted, and the speakers highlighted the extent to which respect for the rights of indigenous peoples in the implementation of the World Heritage Convention is dependent on the political will of the national governments involved. Strong recommendations were put forward, including increasing avenues for participation by indigenous peoples in the procedures of the World Heritage Committee and a range of reforms emphasizing transparency and enhanced participation in the Convention’s processes.

Many thanks to all the authors who contributed to the book, and special thanks to the speakers at the launch event itself, Tim Badman, Director of IUCN’s World Heritage Programme, Justin O’Brien, Director of the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation and author of the case study on Kakadu National Park, Wilson Kipkazi, Director of the Endorois Welfare Council who spoke on the case of Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Carina Green, author of the case study on the Laponian Area in Sweden, Henrietta Marrie, a Traditional Owner from the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area and contributing author, Edward Porokwa, Director of the PINGOs Forum who spoke of the issues in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Bruce Bremner of the Manitoba Government and Ray Rabliauskas from Poplar River First Nation, who together spoke on the Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage nomination, and Michael Adams, the author of the article about Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Stefan Disko spoke on behalf of himself and Helen Tugendhat, co-editors of the book, highlighting the positive contribution that the book was intended to make to a frank and realistic, on-going discussion of the ways in which the World Heritage Convention can be improved and strengthened, in order to ensure respect for the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the designation, management and protection of World Heritage Sites.

The book is available online, here:

• Read the full book online.