About the Authors & Acknowledgements
Meaghen Simms is a researcher with The North-South Institute (Canada) and has worked with Indigenous Peoples
in Canada, Suriname, Guyana, and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. She is Project Manager of the Guyana
component of the “Indigenous Perspectives on Consultation and Decision-making about Mining and other Natural
Resources” project. Marcus Colchester is an anthropologist and Director of the Forest Peoples Programme.
The authors would like to thank all the people at the Forest Peoples Programme, The North-South Institute and
the Amerindian Peoples Association who gave feedback on this guide. Special mention has to go to the Amerindian
trainers and leaders who came together in Georgetown in March 2010 and again in December 2010 to provide
their input and advice. These events would not have been possible without the support of the Amerindian Peoples
Association.
We are also especially grateful to David James — an Amerindian lawyer, trainer, representative of the Indigenous
People’s Commission and respected advocate for Indigenous rights in Guyana — our sincere thanks for your legal
advice and review.
Acronyms
CERD
CBD
ESIAs
FPIC
GGMC
IBAs
LCDS
REDD+
UNDRIP
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Convention on Biological Diversity
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Guyana Geology and Mines Commission
Impact and Benefit Agreements
Low Carbon Development Strategy
Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples