CONSULTATION PROTOCOL WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Consultation Protocol
The need for a clear consultation protocol was discussed with the Toledo Alcaldes Association
on 16th August, 2013. The following is an output of that meeting.
Step 1 – Making Contact
a.
Contact with the Toledo Alcaldes Association:
The TAA must be notified and involved when major development is being proposed that will
affect villages and Maya people’s well-being. The President of Toledo Alcalde Association
must be contacted first especially since the REDD+ initiative affects multiple villages. The
President will then inform the Executive Committee of Association. The Association will then
contact all other Alcaldes in all Mayan communities at an Alcaldes assembly. They noted here
that if Executive members are individually contacted without the knowledge of the President,
then they are in no position to honour an invitation or request.
b.
Contact at the village level:
If the development is focused on a particular village then the Alcalde is the access point to the
village. It is the Alcalde that convenes the village for a village meeting. Chairmen and Alcaldes
keep each other informed. Chairmen cannot call village meetings. When chairmen need a
village meeting, they notify the Alcalde who calls the meeting.
Step 2 - Information Sharing
All correspondence to the President of the Alcalde Association and to individual Alcaldes must
be in writing. The delivery of messages and information during consultation events must be in
the local language (Q’eqchi or Mopan). The purpose of the meeting/workshop or event must be
clearly stated in the letter to the Chairman of the Association or Alcalde of the village of
interest. Supplemental materials should be included along with the correspondence. IPs have the
right to choose their own technical support and relevant information must be promptly shared so
that leaders have the proper time to understand all relevant information.
Step 3 – Timing of Notice
Any notice of meetings and other events must be given at least 7 calendar days in advance.
Longer notice periods are preferable, especially for major developments or initiatives. This is to
allow the association or the Alcaldes time to plan, manage their attendance and seek technical
assistance where necessary.
Step 4 – Venue of Meetings
The meeting or consultation event must be held at the community center or where not available
in a public place where attendance by community members is not inhibited by the location of
the venue.
Step 5 – Decision-making Processes
Decisions on behalf of the community in indigenous communities are done collectively at